Even successful businesses have debt, but how much is too much? Learning how to manage debt is what can put you ahead. Taking on the right amount of debt can mean the difference between a business struggling to survive and one that can respond nimbly to changing economic or market conditions. A number of circumstances may justify acquiring debt. As a general rule, borrowing makes the most sense when you need to bolster cash flow or finance growth or expansion. But while debt can provide the leverage you need to grow, too much debt can strangle your business. So the question is: How much debt is too much? The answer, experts say, lies in a careful analysis of your cash flow as well as your industry. A business that doesn’t grow dies. You’ve got to grow, but you’ve got to grow within the financial constraints of your business. What is the ideal capital structure a business needs in its industry to remain viable? The higher the volatility (in your industry), the less debt you should have. The smaller the volatility, the more debt you can afford. Although banks and other financial institutions look for a satisfactory debt-to-equity ratio before agreeing to make a loan, don’t assume a creditor’s willingness to extend funds is evidence that your business is in a strong debt position. Some financial institutions are overzealous lenders, particularly when trying to lure or hold on to promising business customers. “The bank may be looking more at collateral than whether the (business’s) earnings are going to come in to justify the debt service. To avoid these and other credit pitfalls, it’s up to you to get the financial facts on your business and make sound borrowing decisions. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs fail to recognize how important financial analysis is to running a successful business. Even business owners who receive detailed financial statements from their accountants often do not take advantage of the valuable information contained in the documents.
Taking on the right amount of debt can mean the difference between...
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Business struggling to survive and one that can respond nimbly to changing economic or market conditions.
Option (1) Business’ state of capital market and state of money market — Incorrect. The capital market and the money market are markets for long-term and short-term funds. The passage does not compare them.
Option (2) Firm’s control considerations and floatation cost — Incorrect. These are two factors affecting the financing decision. They are not the two outcomes the passage sets side by side.
Option (3) Business struggling to survive and one that can respond nimbly to changing economic or market conditions. — Correct. The passage says the right amount of debt can mean the difference between a business struggling to survive and one that can respond nimbly to change. Too much debt drains cash in interest and repayments. The right amount gives the firm funds to grow and room to act quickly.
Option (4) Business struggling to survive and one that cannot control the market conditions. — Incorrect. The first half is right, but the passage speaks of responding to market conditions, not controlling them. No business controls the market.
Note: The passage is the NCERT box ‘Cutting Back on Debt’, which has been reproduced by NTA in the exam.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Cutting Back on Debt … Taking on the right amount of debt can mean the difference between a business struggling to survive and one that can respond nimbly to changing economic or market conditions. A number of circumstances may justify acquiring debt. As a general rule, borrowing makes the most sense when you need to bolster cash flow or finance growth or expansion. …” |