Management of Working Capital There are two types of assets in each concern i.e., fixed assets and current assets. Both types of assets are to be manged efficiently so as to earn maximum profit with minimum possible investments because maximization of profits is the prime object of every business. Decisions regarding investment in fixed assets are taken through the capital budgeting process but decision making regarding management of working capital is a continuous process which involves control of everyday and flow of financial resources circulating in the enterprise in one form or the other. The accomplishment of the prime objective – maximization of profits in most businesses depends largely how their working capital is managed. Working capital management is considered to involve the management of current assets, i.e., cash, accounts receivables and inventory. Unlike the management of fixed assets which may be arranged in special cases on long-lease basis, theContinue reading
Financial Management Concepts
What is Over Capitalization?
Concept of Over Capitalization The phrase ‘Over Capitalization’ should not be confused with excess of capital. Truly speaking, over capitalization is a relative term used to denote that the firm in question is not earning reasonable income on its funds. According to Bonneville, Dewey and Kelly, when a business is unable to earn a fair rate of return on its outstanding securities, it is over capitalized. Thus over capitalization refers to that state of affairs where earning of the corporation do not justify the amount of capital invested in the business. The main symptom of over capitalization in a company is the amount of earning which it is making on its total capital. Thus, a company is said to be over capitalized when it earns less than what it should have earned as fair rate of return on its total capital. To ascertain whether the company is earning reasonable rateContinue reading
Fixed Capital of Capital Requirements
The fixed capital of an industrial concern is invested in fixed assets like plant and machinery, land, buildings furniture, etc. These assets are not fixed in value; in fact, their value may record an increase of decrease in course of time. They are fixed in the sense that without them, the business of the concern cannot be carried on. This means that the fixed capital is used for meeting the permanent or long-term needs of the concern. While making an assessment of the fixed capital requirements, a list of the fixed assets needed by the concern will have to be prepared, say, by promoter. Having compiled a list of the fixed assets which will be required, it is not difficult to estimate the amount of funds required for the purpose. The prices of land are generally known, or can be easily ascertained. A contractor can be relied upon to giveContinue reading
Working Capital – Definition and Factors Affecting Working Capital
Working capital is the amount of money that a company has tied up in funding its day-to-day operations. A company has to tie up money to fund its stocks, credit sales and other current assets, but this is offset by its ability to fund this from current liabilities liabilities such as purchases on credit. In the Annual Survey of Industries (1961), working capital is defined to include “Stocks of materials, fuels, semi-finished goods including work-in-progress and finished goods and by-products; cash in hand and bank and the algebraic sum of sundry creditors as represented by (a) outstanding factory payments e.g. rent, wages, interest and dividend; b) purchase of goods and services; c) short-term loans and advances and sundry debtors comprising amounts due to the factory on account of sale of goods and services and advances towards tax payments”. Modern industrial concerns produce an anticipation of demand. Payment has, therefore, toContinue reading
Capital Gearing and It’s Significance
Definition of Capital Gearing The most important factor which must be taken into account by the promoters while drafting the financial plan of a company is capital gearing. Gearing means the ration of different types of securities to total capitalization. The term, when applied to the capital of a company, means the ratio of equity share capital to the total capital and is known as capital gear ratio or capital gearing. J. Batty defines the term ‘capital gearing’ as “The relation of ordinary shares (equity shares) to preference share capital and loan capital is described as the capital gearing.” Thus the term capital gearing is used to indicate the relative proportion of fixed cost bearing securities such as preference shares and debentures to the ordinary share capital in the capital structure. Interest of equity share holders is represented by the amount of share capital plus retained earnings and undistributed profits.Continue reading
Methods of Raising Finance for Business
The methods of financing should be adjusted to the stage or phase of the trade cycle. The total capital shall be raised by different means, or what is sometimes called “geared”, according to the phase of the cycle. Different types of securities may be issued in certain proportions, an what ratio will each type bear to the total capital will depend upon the particular phase. For example, in the beginning of an optimistic expansion, debentures may be offered to good advantage. At a later time, when speculative enthusiasm is strong, shares will yield better returns. During depression short time borrowing can be resorted to, if the credit of the company is good. The financing plan may be adjusted to the conditions of the market an the security market by varying the proportion, rate of yield, term denominations and guaranteed rights of the securities issued. The sources of finance for anContinue reading