Case Studies – (Chapter - 9) Financial Management

Case Studies – (Chapter - 9) Financial Management

1. Adhi is a successful businessman in the paper industry. During his

recent visit to his friend’s place in Mysore, he was fascinated by the
exclusive variety of incense sticks available there. His friend tells him
that Mysore region in known as a pioneer in the activity of Agarbati
manufacturing because it has a natural reserve of forest products
especially Sandalwood to provide for the base material used in
production. Moreover, the suppliers of other types of raw material
needed for production follow a
liberal credit policy and the time required to manufacture incense
sticks is relatively less. Considering the various factors, Arun decides
to venture into this line of business by setting up a manufacturing unit
in Mysore.
In context of the above case:
1. Identify of the above case:
2. Identify the three factors mentioned in the paragraph which are
likely to affect the working capital requirements of his business.
Ans.
1. Investment decision has been taken by Adhi. Investment decision seeks to determine as to how
the firm’s funds are invested in different assets. It helps to evaluate new investment proposals and
select the best option on the basis of associated risk and return. Investment decision can be long
term or short-term. A long-term investment decision is also called a Capital Budgeting decision
2. The three factors mentioned in the paragraph which are likely to reduce the working capital
requirements of his business are as follows:
a) Available of raw material:
b) Production cycle:
c) Credit availed:
Q. 2. ‘Adwitiya’ is a company enjoying market leadership in the food
brands segment. Its portfolio includes three categories in the Foods
business namely Snack Foods, Juices and Confectionery. Keeping in the
with the growing demand for packaged food it now plans to introduce
ready-To-Eat Foods. Therefore, the company has planned to undertake
investments of nearly Rs. 450 crores for its new line of business. As per
the current financial report, the interest coverage ratio of the company
and return on investment is higher. Moreover, the corporate tax rate is
high.In context of the above case:
1. As a financial manager of the company, which source of finance will
you opt for debt or equity, to raise the required amount of capital?
Explain by giving any two suitable reasons in support of your
answer.
2. Why the shareholder’s is of the company like to gain from the issue
of debt by the company?
Ans.
1. As a financial manager of the company, I will opt for debt to raise the required amount of capital.
I support my decision by giving the following reasons:
a) Interest coverage ratio:
b) Tax rate:
2. The shareholders of the company are likely to gain from the issue of debt by the company
because the return on investment is higher. It helps a company to take advantage of trading on
equity to increase the earnings per share.
Q. 3. Computer Tech Ltd. is one of the leading information technology
outsourcing services providers in India. The company provides
business consultancy and outsourcing services to its clients. Over the
past five years the company has been paying dividends at high rate to
its shareholders. However, this year, although the earnings of the
company are high, its liquidity position is not so good. Moreover,
the company plans to undertake new ventures in order to expand its
business.
In context of the above case:
1. Give any three reasons because of which you think Computer Tech
Ltd. has been paying dividends at high rate to its shareholders over
the past five years.
2. Comment upon the likely dividend policy of the company this years
by stating any two reasons in support of your answer.
Ans.
1. Computer Tech Ltd. has been paying dividends at high rate to its shareholders over the past five
years because of the following reasons:
 Earnings:
 Cash flow position:
 Access to capital market:
2. This year the company is likely to follow a conservative dividend policy because of the following
reasons:
a) The cash flow position of the company is not god and dividends are paid in cash.
b) The company may like to retain profits to finance its expansion projects. Retained profits do not
involve any explicit cost and are considered to be the cheapest source of finance.
Q. 4. Bhuvan inherited a very large area of agricultural land in Haryana
after the death of his grandfather. He plans to sell this piece of land
and use the money to set up a small scale paper factory to
manufacture all kinds of stationary items from recycled paper. Being
an amateur in business, he decides to consult his friend Subhash who
works in a financial consultancy firm. Subhash helps him to prepare a
blue print of his future business operations on the basis of sales
forecast in next five years. Based on these estimates, he helps Bhuvan
to assess the fixed and working capital requirements of business.
In context of the above case:
1. Identify the type of financial service that Subhash has offered to
Bhuvan.
2. Briefly state any four points highlighting the importance of the type
of financial service identified in
part (a)
Ans.
1. Financial planning is the type of financial service that Subhash has offered to Bhuvan.
2. The four points highlighting the importance of financial planning are as follows:
a) It ensures smooth running of a business enterprise by ensuring availability of funds at the right
time.
b) It helps in anticipating future requirements of a funds and evading business shocks and surprises.
c) It facilitates co-ordination among various departments of an enterprise like marketing and
production function, through well-defined policies and procedures.
d) It increases the efficiency of operations by curbing wastage of funds, duplication of efforts, and
gaps in planning.
Q. 5. ‘Madhur Milan’ is a popular online matrimonial portal. It seeks to
provide personalized match making service. The company has 80
offices in India, and is now planning to open offices in Singapore, Dubai
and Canada to cater to its customers beyond the country. The company
has decided to opt for the sources of equity capital to raise the
required amount of capital.
In context of the above case:
1. Identify and explain the type of risk which increases with the higher
use of debt.
2. Explain briefly any four factors because of which you think the
company has decided to opt for equity capital.
Ans.
1. Financial risk of the company increases with the higher use of debt. This is because issue of debt
involves fixed commitment in terms of payment of interest and repayment of capital. Financial risk
refers to a situation when a company is unable to meet its fixed financial charges.
2. The factors because of which the company has decided to opt for equity capital are as follows:
 Capital market conditions:
 Fixed operating cost:
 Cash flow position:
 Risk:
Q. 6. Wooden Peripheral Pvt. Ltd. is counted among the top furniture
companies in Delhi. It is known for offering innovative designs and high
quality furniture at affordable prices. The company deals in a wide
product range of home and office furniture through its eight
showrooms in Delhi. The company is now planning to open five new
showrooms each in Mumbai and Bangalore. In Bangalore it intends
to take the space for the showrooms on lease whereas for opening
showrooms in Mumbai, it has collaborated with a popular home
furnishing brand, ‘Creations.’
1. Identify the factors mentioned in the paragraph which are likely to
affect the fixed capital requirements of the business for opening new
showrooms both in Bangalore and Mumbai separately.
2. “With an increase in the investment in fixed assets, there is a
commensurate increase in the working capital requirement.” Explain
the statement with reference to the case above.
Ans.
1. The fixed capital requirements of Wooden Peripheral Pvt. Ltd. for opening new showrooms in
Bangalore will be relatively less as its taking space on lease, so only rentals have to be paid.
Similarly, its fixed capital requirement for opening showrooms in Mumbai will be reduced as its
going to share the costs with another company through collaboration.
2. It’s true that, “ With an increase in the investment in fixed assets, there is a commensurate
increase in the working capital requirements,” Like in the above case, Wooden Peripheral Pvt. Ltd. is
planning to investment in new showrooms. Consequently, its requirement of working capital will
increase s it will need more money to stock goods, pay electricity bills and salaries to staff. Also, it
intends to take the space for the showrooms I Mumbai on lease so it will have to pay rentals.
Q. 7. Krishna Ltd. is manufacturing steel at its plant at Noida. Due to
economic growth, the demand for steel is also growing. The company is
planning to set up a new steel plant at Gurgaon. It needs Rs. 800
crores to start the new plant. It decides to raise Rs. 300 crores through
debentures, Rs. 200 crores through long-term loan from banks and Rs.
200 crores by issue of equity share to the public. It decided
to finance the remaining amount by utilizing its reserves and surplus.
1. State the importance of financial planning for this company.
2. What is the capital structure of this company? Explain.
3. Identify the financial decision involved when the company decides to
raise Rs. 800 crores from different sources of funds.
4. How will the dividend decision of Krishna Ltd. be affected? Explain.
Ans.
1. Financial planning will help the company in avoiding business shocks and surprises. It will reduce
waste and duplication of efforts.
2. Capital structure refers to the mix between owner’s funds and borrowed funds. It is calculated as
debt equity ratio i.e., Debit. Equity
For Krishna Ltd.
Debt = Debentures + Long term loans from banks = 300 + 200 = Rs. 500 crores.
Equity = Share capital + Reserves and surplus (or retained earnings)= 200 + 100 = Rs. 300 crores.
Therefore, debt equity ratio = 500 = 1.67: 1300
3. Financing decision
4. Since the company has growth opportunities of setting up a new steel plant at Gurgaon, it retains
Rs. 100 crores out of profits to finance the required investment. So, it is likely to pay fewer
dividends. However, since the company makes more debt financing than funding through equity, it
implies that cash flow position of the company is strong. Therefore, it can pay higher dividend.
Q. 8. Cost of debt is less than cost of equity. Still a company cannot go
with entire debt. Why?
Ans. Because debt is more risky for a business, since payment of interest and return principal
amount is compulsory for the business. Any default in meeting these commitments may force the
business to go into liquidation. That is, increased use of debt increases financial risk of a business
(the chance that a firm would fail to pay interest on debt and the principal
amount).
Q. 9. Amar is doing his transport business in Delhi. His buses are
generally used for the tourists going to Jaipur and Agra. Identify the
working capital requirement of Amar giving reason in support of your
answer. Further Amar wants to expand and diversify his Transport
business. Enumerate any four factors that will affect his fixed capital
requirements.
Ans. Working capital requirements of Amar would be less as it is a SERVICE industry.
Factors which will affect his fixed capital requirements are:
1. Scale of operations
2. Financing alternatives
3. Growth prospects
4. Diversification
Q. 10. Yogesh, a business man is engaged in publishing and selling of
Ice-creams. Identify the working capital requirement of Yogesh giving
reason in support of your answer.
Ans. Working capital requirements of Yogesh would be less as it is a TRADING business.
Q. 11. Manish is engaged in business of garments manufacturing.
Identify the working capital requirement of Manish giving reason in
support of your answer.
Ans. Working capital requirements of Manish would be less as it is a MANUFACTURING business.
So raw material needs to be converted into finished goods before any sales can become possible.
Q. 12. The directors of a manufacturing company are thinking of
issuing Rs. 20 crores worth additional debentures for expansion of
their production capacity. This will lead to n increase in debt equity
ratio from 2: 1 to 3: 1. What are the risks involved in it? What factors
other than risk do you think the directors should keep in view before
taking the decision? Name any four factors.
Ans. Higher use of debt increases the fixed financial charges of a business because payment of
interest and return of principal amount is compulsory. Any default in meeting these commitments
may force the business to go into liquidation. As a result, increased use of debt increases the
financial risk of a business. Financial risk is the chance that a firm would fail to meet its payment
obligations. Other factors affecting this decision are:
1. Cost
2. Cash flow position
3. Control
4. Return on investment (ROI)
Q. 13. Amit is running an ‘Advertising agency’ and earning a lot by
providing this service to big industries. State whether the working
capital requirement of the firm will be ‘less’ or ‘more’. Give reason in
support of your answer.
Ans. Less working capital is required as service industries which usually do not have to maintain
inventory require less working capital.
Q. 14. Tata International Ltd. earned a net profit of Rs. 50 crores. Ankit
the finance manager of Tata International Ltd. wants to decide how to
appropriate these profits. Identify the decision that Ankit will have to
take and also discuss any five factors which help him in taking this
decision.
Ans. Dividend decision
Factors affecting dividend decision.
1. Earnings:
2. Stability of earnings:
3. Stability of dividends:
4. Growth opportunities:
5. Cash flow position:
Q. 15. Shalini, after acquiring a degree in Hotel Management and
Business administration took over her family food processing company
of manufacturing pickles, jams and squashes. The business was
established by her great grandmother and was doing reasonably well.
However the fixed operating costs of the business were high and the
cash flow position was week. She wanted to undertake
modernization of the existing business to introduce the latest
manufacturing processes and diversify into the market of chocolates
and candies. She was very enthusiastic and approached a finance
consultant, who told her that approximately Rs. 50 lakh would be
required for undertaking the modernization and expansion programme.
He also informed her that her stock market was going through a bullish
phase.
1. Keeping the above considerations in mind, name the source of
finance Shalini should not choose for financing the modernization and
expansion of her food processing business. Give one reason in support
of your answer.
2. Explain any two other factors, apart from those stated in the above
situation, which Shalini should keep in mind while taking this decision.
Ans.
1. Debt
Any one reason
a) Due to weak cash flow position, the firm may not be able to honour fixed cash payment
obligations.
b) Increased fixed operating cost will increase the business risk therefore debt should not be issued
as it further increases the financial risk.
c) The stock market condition being bullish, the investors will prefer to buy equity shares.
2. Other factors which Shalini would keep in mind are:
a) Return on Investment
b) Tax rate
Q. 16. ‘Indian Logistics’ has its own warehousing arrangements at key
locations across the country. Its warehousing services help business
firms to reduce their overheads, increase efficiency and cut down
distribution time. State with reason, whether the working capital
requirements of ‘India Logistics’ will be high or low.
Ans. Low, as it is a service industry, which usually do not have to maintain inventory.
Q. 17. ‘Sarah Ltd.’ is a company manufacturing cotton yarn. It has been
consistently earning good profits for many years. This year too, it has
been able to generate enough profits. There’re is availability of enough
cash in the company and good prospects for growth in future. It is a
well managed organization and believes in quality, equal employment
opportunities and good remuneration practices. It has many
shareholders who prefer to receive a regular income from their
investments. It has taken a loan of Rs. 40 Lakhs from IDBI and is bound
by certain restrictions on the payment of dividend according to the
terms of loan agreement.
The above discussion about the company leads to various factors which
decide how much of the profits should be retained and how much has
to be distributed by the company.
Quoting the lines from the above discussion identify and explain and
four such factors.
Ans. Factors affecting dividend decision: (Any four)
1. Stability of earnings It has been consistently earning good profits for many
years’. Stability of earnings affects dividend decision as a company having stable earnings is in a
position to declare higher dividends.
2. Cash Flow position ‘There is available of enough cash in the company’. A
good cash flow
positions is necessary for declaration of dividend.
3. Growth Prospects ‘Good prospects for growth in the future.’ If a company has
good growth opportunities, it pays out less dividend.
4. Shareholders’ preference ‘It has many shareholders who prefer to receive
regular income from their investments.’ Shareholder’s preference is kept in mind by
the management before declaring dividends.
5. Contractual constraints ‘It has taken a loan of Rs. Rs. 40 Lakhs from IDBI
and … agreement.’ Which taking dividend decision, companies keep in mind the restrictions
imposed by the lenders in the loan agreement.
Q. 18. Shubh Ltd. is manufacturing steel at its plant in India. It is
enjoying a buoyant demand for its products as economic growth is
about 7%-8% and the demand for steel is growing. The company has
decided to set up a new steel plant to cash on the increased demand. It
is estimated that it will require about Rs. 2000 crores to set up and
about Rs. 500 crores of working capital to start the new plant.
a) State the objective of financial management for this company.
b) Identify and state the decision taken by the finance manager in the above case.
c) State any two common factors affecting the fixed and working capital requirements of Shubh Ltd.
Ans.
a) Objectives of financial management of this company are:
1. To ensure availability of sufficient funds from different sources at reasonable costs.
2. To ensure effective utilization of such funds.
3. To ensure safety of funds procured by creating reserves, reinvesting profits, etc.
4. Value: Maximization of shareholders’ wealth.
b) Investment decision
It relates to how the firm’s funds are invested in different assets – fixed assets and working capital.
c) Factors affecting fixed and working capital requirements of Shubh Ltd.:
1. Nature of business:
2. Scale of operations:
Q. 19. In a company profits are high and in future less scope of
expansion exists. The company has decided to distribute less amount
of share of profits to its shareholders.
1. Identify of share of profits to its shareholders.
2. State any one value which is affected by the company’s decision.
Ans.
1. Dividend decision
This decision involves how much of the profit earned by the company (after paying tax) is to be
distributed to the shareholder and how much of it should be retained in the business.
2. Value affected: Shareholders’ wealth will not be maximized.
Q. 20. Storage Solution Ltd. is a large warehousing network company
operating through a chain of warehouses at 40 different locations
across India. The company now intends to undertake computerization
of its owned ware houses as it seeks to provide better value added and
cost effective solutions for scientific storage and preservation services
to the market participants dealing in agricultural products including
farmers, traders, etc. In context of the above case:
1. How is the decision to undertake computerization of owned
warehouses likely to affect the fixed capital requirements of its
business?
2. Name any two sources that company may use to finance the
implementation of this plan.
Ans.
1. The decision to undertake computerization of owned warehouses will increase the fixed capital
requirements of its business both in present and future as after sometime, the technology being
used will become obsolete and need up gradation.
2. The company may use retained earnings and take loans from financial institutions to implement
this plan.
Q. 21. Visions Ltd. is a renowned multiplex operator in India. Presently,
it owns 234 screens in 45 properties at 20 locations in the country.
Considering the fact that the there is a growing trend among the
people to spend more of their disposable income on entertainment,
two years back the company had decided to add more screens to its
existing set up and increase facilities to enhance leisure, food chains
etc. It had then floated an initial public offer of equity shares in order
to raise the desired capital. The issue was fully subscribed and paid.
Over the year, the sales and profits of the company have increased
tremendously and it has been declaring higher dividend and the
market price of its shares has increased manifolds. In context of the
above case:
1. Name the different kinds of financial decisions taken by the company
by quoting lines from the paragraph.
2. Do you think the financial management team of the company has
been able to achieve its prime objective? Why or why not? Give a
reason in support of your answer.
Ans.
1. The different kinds of financial decisions taken by the company are as follows:
 Investment decision:
 Financing decision:
 Dividend decision:
2. Yes, the financial management team of the company has been able to achieve its prime objective
i.e. wealth maximization of the shareholders by maximizing the market price of the shares of the
company.
Q. 22. Wireworks Ltd. is a company manufacturing different kinds of
wires. Despite fierce competition in the industry, it has been able to
maintain stability in its earnings and as a policy uses 305 of its profits
to distribute dividends. The small investors are very happy with the
company as it has been declaring high and stable dividend over past
five years. In context of the above case:
1. State any one reason because of which the company has been able to
declare high dividend by quoting line from the paragraph.
2. Why do you think small investors are happy with the company for
declaring stable dividend?
Ans.
1. Stability in earnings:
“Despite fierce competition in the industry, it has been able to maintain stability in its earnings.”
2. The small investors are happy with the company for declaring stable dividend as they enjoy a
regular income on their investment.
Q. 23. Manoj is a renowned businessman involved in export business of
leather goods. As a responsible citizen, he chooses to use jute bags for
packaging instead of plastic bags. Moreover, on the advice of his
friends, he decides to use jute for manufacturing aesthetic handicrafts,
keeping in view the growing demand for natural goods. In order to
implement his plan, after conducting a feasibility study, he
decides to set up a separate manufacturing unit for producing varied
jute products. In context of the above case:
1. Identify the type of investment decision taken by Manoj by deciding
to set up a separate manufacturing unit for producing jute products.
2. State any two factors that he is likely to consider while taking this
decision.
Ans.
1. Capital budgeting decision has been taken by Manoj.
2. The factors affecting Capital Budgeting Decision are as follows:
a) Cash inflows:
b) Rate of return:
Q. 24. Well-being Ltd. is a company engaged in production of organic
foods. Presently, it sells its products through indirect channels of
distribution. But, considering the sudden surge in the demand for
organic products, the company is now inclined to start its online portal
for direct marketing. The financial managers of the company area
planning to use debt in order to take advantage of trading on
equity. In order to finance its expansion plans, it is planning to raise a
debt capital of Rs. 40 Lakhs through a loan @ 10% from an industrial
bank. The present capital base of the company comprises of Rs. 9 lakh
equity shares of Rs. 10 each. The rate of tax is 30%. In the context of
the above case:
1. What are the two conditions necessary for taking advantage of
trading on equity?
2. Assuming the expected rate of return on investment to be same as it
was for the current year i.e. 15%, do you think the financial managers
will be able to meet their goal. Show your workings clearly.
Ans.
1. The two conditions necessary for taking advantage of trading on equity are:
 The rate of return on investment should be more than the rate of interest.
 The amount of interest paid should be tax deductible.
2. Answer Yourself Yes, the financial managers will be able to meet their goal as the projected EPS,
with the issue of debt, is higher than the present EPS.
Q. 25. ‘Ganesh Steel Ltd.’ is a large and credit-worthy company
manufacturing steel for the Indian market. It now wants to cater to the
Asian market and decides to invest in new hi-tech machines. Since the
investment is large, it requires long-term finance. It decides to raise
funds by issuing equity shares. The issue of equity shares involves
huge floatation cost. To meet the expenses of floatation cost the
company decides to tap the money-market.
1. Name and explain the money-market instrument the company can
use for the above purpose.
2. What is the duration for which the company can get funds through
this instrument?
3. State any other purpose for which this instrument can be used.
Ans.
1. Commercial Paper:
It is an unsecured promissory note issued by large and credit worthy companies to raise short terms
funds at lower rates of interest than the prevailing market rates.
2. 15 days to one year.
3. It can also be used for seasonal and working capital needs.