www.manuren.com

Every organization regardless of its size and mission may be viewed as a financial entity. Management of an organization, particularly a business firm, is confronted with issues and decisions that have important financial implications. Questions must be answered like:

What kind of plant and machinery should the firm buy?

How should the firm raise finances?

How much should the firm invest in inventories?

What should the firm’s credit policy be?

How should the firm gauge and monitor its financial performance?

Business finance is broadly concerned with the acquisition and use of funds by a business firm. Its scope may be defined in terms of the following questions: How large should the firm be and how fast should it grow? What should be the composition of the firm’s assets? What should be the mix of the firm’s financing? How should the firm analyze, plan and control its financial affairs?

In general, business finance rests on the premise that the objective of the firm should be to maximize the value of firm to its equity shareholders. What is the justification for this objective? It appears to provide a rational guide for business decision-making and promote efficient allocation of resources in the economic system. Savings are allocated primarily on the basis of expected return and risk and the market value of a firm’s equity stock reflects the risk-return trade-off of investors in the market place.

Hence when a firm maximizes the market value of its equity stock, it ensures that its decisions are consistent with the risk-return preferences of investors. This suggests that it allocates resources optimally. If a firm does not pursue the goal of shareholder wealth maximization, it implies that its actions result in sub-optimal allocation of resources. This in turn leads to inadequate capital formation and lower rate of economic growth.

Business Finance provides detailed information on Business Finance, Small Business Finance, Business To Business Finance, Business Finance Software and more. Business Finance is affiliated with Auto Financing.

Share This

Financial planning is the application of planning to various aspects of finance function. Basically, business finance involves the formulation of a financial plan that states the quantum of finance required, the pattern of financing and the policies to pursue for the administration of the financial plan. A business enterprise requires short-term and long-term capital. The total capital required by a concern is called capitalization. The short-term capital or the working capital is the capital required to meet the day-to-day obligations or the operating expenses. The long-term capital is required to acquire the fixed assets. Generally, on a conservative ground, a portion of the working capital is also met out of long-term capital.

The capital required may be collected from different sources. A substantial share is raised from internally generated funds. The remaining part is raised from outside sources such as issue of shares and debentures and loans. This pattern of financing is known as capital structure. It is designed in such a way to obtain the required amount needed at the lowest possible cost. Once the required amount is raised, then the funds are allocated in the best possible way to obtain the maximum benefits.

Implementing proper control systems can ensure the efficient use of the funds. Finally, all-important matters are reported to the top management to take proper actions at the right time. The financial reports are analyzed to evaluate the performance of the firm. According to Cohen and Robin, business finance aims at determining the financial resources required meeting the company’s operating program. Business finance also forecasts the extent to which these requirements are met by internal generation of funds and the extent that they will be met from external resources. Business finance helps in establishing and maintaining a system of financial control governing the allocation and use of funds.

Business Finance provides detailed information on Business Finance, Small Business Finance, Business To Business Finance, Business Finance Software and more. Business Finance is affiliated with Auto Financing.

Share This

Many firms are interested in investing and seeking finance from foreign sources and exporting goods and services to foreign countries. Overseas involvement of firms is increasing, and this trend is expected to continue. This has been stimulated by a variety of forces. First is the change in the international monetary system from a fairly predictable system of exchange to a flexible and volatile system of exchange. Second is, emergence of new institutions and markets, particularly the Eurocurrency markets, and a greater need for international financial intermediation.

In 1971, the US dollar was unlinked from gold or allowed to “float”. This brought about a dramatic change in the international monetary system. The system of fixed exchange rates where devaluations and revaluations occurred only very rarely, gave way to a system of floating exchange rates.

The distinguishing characteristics of international business finance are multiple currencies, differential taxation and barriers to financial flows. Of these, the multiple currency factor and the attendant issue of exchange rates has received considerable attention, particularly in recent years. An exchange rate represents the relationship between two currencies.

The procedure for evaluating a foreign investment in international business finance consists of identification of cash flows, choice of an appropriate discount rate and determination of net present value. Foreign investments generally involve higher risk, which arises from factor like changes in currency value, discriminatory treatment of a foreign company and threat of expropriation. Risk stemming from fluctuations in exchange rate looms constantly on the horizon of foreign investment. In addition, a foreign investment is subject to discriminatory treatment and selective control in various forms motivated mainly by political considerations. Finally, the threat of expropriation without adequate compensation may exist, particularly in countries where radical nationalistic sentiments are strong. In view of the higher risk associated with foreign investment, a firm contemplating foreign investment would naturally expect a higher rate of return.

Business Finance provides detailed information on Business Finance, Small Business Finance, Business To Business Finance, Business Finance Software and more. Business Finance is affiliated with Auto Financing.

Share This