Sources of Finance
SOURCES OF FINANCE
- Short-term: repayable within a year
- Medium-term: between one and seven years
- Long-term: longer than seven years
OVERDRAFT
- Permission to overdraw on account up to a limit.
- Arranged for few months or a year.
- Interest charged on excess drawings.
Advantages of Overdraft
- Flexibility to borrow up to a limit.
- No need to forecast exact amount.
- Quick repayment possible.
- Interest paid only on the amount used.
Drawbacks of Overdraft
- Right to withdraw facility on short notice.
- High charges if limit exceeded.
TERM LOAN
- Fixed amount loan for agreed time (3-7 years).
- Provisions: repayment schedule, interest patterns, balloon/bullet payments.
- Interest can be fixed or floating.
TRADE CREDIT
- Simple and important financing source.
- Payment terms usually 30 days; possible discounts for early payment.
Advantages of Trade Credit
- Convenient, informal, and cheap.
- Available to all company sizes.
FACTORING
- Immediate cash transfer by a factor (up to 80% of invoice).
- Fee comparable to overdraft; 2-3% above LIBOR.
HIRE PURCHASE
- Equipment bought by HP company; payments allow usage.
- Ownership transfers after all payments.
Advantages of Hire Purchase
- Small initial outlay and easy arrangement.
- Fixed rate; tax relief available.
LEASING
- Similar to HP, but lessee does not own asset.
- Two types: Operating and Financial leases (full cost recovery expected).
LONG-TERM DEBT FINANCE
- Lower cost than equity finance.
- Interested paid before dividends, less risky than equity.
DEBENTURES AND BONDS
- Debentures: Secured bonds with fixed/floating charge.
- Bonds: Long-term lending with periodic interest payments.
Bond Types
- Zero coupon: No interest payments, issued at discount.
- Convertible bond: Can be exchanged for shares at a future date.
PREFERENCE SHARES
- Fixed rate dividends, paid before ordinary shares.
- Not equity shareholders (no voting rights).
ISSUING SHARES
- Involves compliance with regulations and prospectus creation.
- Prospectus: Aimed at informing and marketing to potential shareholders.
Obligations After Going Public
- Disclosure of price-sensitive information and regular financial statements.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES OF BEING PUBLICLY TRADED
- For: Access to capital, liquidity, discipline on management.
- Against: Time-consuming, loss of control, high costs.
SECURITY FOR LOANS
- Various forms including land, stocks, and personal guarantees.
REPAYMENT TERMS
- Agreed schedules can meet borrower needs.
- Management relationship important for securing loans.
WARRANTS
- Rights to acquire shares at a future date and specified price.
SALE AND LEASEBACK
- Selling assets for immediate cash, followed by leasing they back.
CONCLUSION
- Understanding various funding sources important for effective financial management in corporate finance.
- Each method has distinct advantages and disadvantages relevant to different business circumstances.