EXTERNAL SOURCES OF FINANCE Flashcards
External Finance
Money obtained from sources outside the business either frinancial instiutions or individuals.
Share Capital
Money raised from the sale of shares of a limited company. Also known as equity capital.
Advatages of Sharecapital
- Permanent source of capital –> Not need to be repaid. If shareholders want their money back, they need to find a buyer.
- No intrest payments –> Relievs the business from additional expenses.
Disadvantages of sharecapital
- Shareholders will expect to be paid dividends when the business makes a profit.
- In public limited companies, the ownership of the company might be dilluted.
Shareholders
Buyers of the shares.
Authorized share capital
Maximum amount that the share holders intend to raise.
Loan Capital
Money sourced from financial instituions such as banks. Intrest is charged on the loan to be repaid.
Fixed Rate - The intrest does not fluctuate. Same interst rate.
Variable Rate - Intrest changes based on market conditions.
Loan Capital Advantages
- Accesible and can be arranged quickly
- Large organizations can negotiate lower intrest charges
- Doesn’t give any ownership or decision making rights
- If fixed, easily plan expenses
- Repayment is spread out –> Reduces burden
Loan Capital Disadvantages
- Repayment has to be made even if the business isn’t in a good situation.
- If fail to repay, assets may be taken from the business.
Overdrafts
An overdraft occurs when an account lacks the funds to cover a withdrawal, but the bank allows the transaction to go through anyway.
Overdrafts Advantages
- Helps settling short term debts such as paying suppliers or wages –> Opportunity for businesses to spend more money
- Flexible form of finance –> Demand will depend on the needs of the business
- Cheaper than loan capital –> Charging intrests only on the ammount withdrawn.
- Constant positive cashflow
Overdrafts Disadvantages
- Banks can request for the overdraft to be repaid at a very short notice.
- Can at times charge high intrets rates.
Trade Credit
An agreement between businesses that allows the buyer if goods or services to pay the seller at a later date. No immediate transaction.
Trade Credit Advantages
- Business is left in a better cashflow position
- Intrest free
Trade Credit Disadvantages
- Debtors loose out on the possibility of getting discounts
- Delaying payments can lead to poor relations between debtors and suppliers.