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(a) Discuss the main factors which a company should consider when determining the appropriate mix of long-term and short-term debt in its capital structure. (b) Malindi...

      

(a) Discuss the main factors which a company should consider when determining the
appropriate mix of long-term and short-term debt in its capital structure.

(b) Malindi Leisure Industries is already highly geared by industry standards, but wishes to
raise external capital to finance the development of a new beach resort.
Outline the arguments for and against a rights issue by Malindi Leisure Industries.

(c) Examine the relative merits of leasing versus hire purchase as a means of acquiring
capital assets.

  

Answers


Martin
(a) (i) Matching
The traditional view is that fixed assets should be financed by term sources of
finance and current assets by a mixture of long-term and short-term sources
(ii) Cost –he company may find it easier to raise short term finance with
lowsecurity than long term finance
(iv) Security –The company may find it easier to raise short term finance with
lowsecurity than long term finance
(v) Risk –In opting for short-term debt, the company faces the risk that it may
notbe able to renegotiate the loan on such good terms. Long term loans are
thus less risky
(v) Flexibility –Short term debt is more flexible since it allows the firm to react
tointerest rate charges and avoid being locked into an expensive long term fixed
rule commitment when rates are falling.
(b) Benefits of a right issue to Malindi Leisure Industries;
The company is highly geared as rights issue would reduce the level of gearing and
reduce in the level of financial risk.
If the issue is successful it will not significantly change the voting structure.
If underwriters are raised then the amount of finance that will be known and guaranteed
If the market is high, Malindi Leisure Industries should be able to achieve a rights issue
at a relatively low cost since less shares will be issued. (Lower floatation costs)
Less administrative procedures e.g no need for prospectus.
Drawbacks of rights issue
The issue will need to be priced at a discount to the current share price in order to make
it attractive to investors. Thus will result in a dilute in earnings and a fall in price.
If the issue is not successful, a significant number of shares may be taken by
underwriters thus changing the voting structure
Administration and underwriting costs are high
Shareholders may be unable or unwilling to increase their investment in Malindi Leisure
Industries
(c) Advantages of leasing
No risk of obsolescence in the lessee
Leasing does not require a down payment to be made at the start of the contract unlike
hire purchase. (No heavy initial capital outlay required)
Lease finance can be arranged relatively, cheaply, quickly and
easily Operating leases are off-balance sheet financing
Advantages of hire purchase
Unlike leasing, hire purchase allows the user of the asset to obtain ownership at the end
of the agreement period
The interest element of the payments is allowable against tax
Tax shield on salvage value at the end of economic life of asset

marto answered the question on February 11, 2019 at 08:05


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