Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Business Studies

Chapter

Financial Management

Question:
Read the following text and answer the following question on the basis of the same (Q.4)
Mr. Yash Mittal is running a successful business. Mr. Mittal is the owner of Y. K. Cement Ltd. Mr. Mittal decided to expand his business by acquiring a Steel Factory. This required an investment of Rs. 60 crores. To seek advice in this matter, he called his financial advisor Mr. Amit Pathak who advised him about the judicious mix of equity (40%) and Debt (60%). He suggested that employing more of cheaper debt may enhance the EPS. Mr. Pathak also suggested him to take loan from a financial institution as the cost of raising funds from financial institutions is low. Though this will increase the financial risk but will also raise the return to equity shareholders. He also apprised him that issue of debt will not dilute the control of equity shareholders. At the same time, the interest on loan is a tax deductible expense for computation of tax liability. After due deliberations with Mr. Pathak, Mr. Mittal decided to raise funds from a financial institution.
In the above case Mr. Pathak suggested to raised more fund from debt. Higher debt-equity ratio will result in which of the following?
Options:
Lower financial risk
Higher degree of operating risk
Higher degree of financial risk
Higher Earning of profit.
Correct Answer:
Higher degree of financial risk
Explanation:
Debt is cheaper but is more risky for a business because the payment of interest and the return of principal is obligatory for the business. Any default in meeting these commitments may force the business to go into liquidation. There is no such compulsion in case of equity, which is therefore, considered riskless for the business. Higher use of debt increases the fixed financial charges of a business. As a result, increased use of debt increases the financial risk of a company.