Page 1
10.95
MANAGEMENT OF WORKING CAPITAL
UNIT - VI
FINANCING OF WORKING CAPITAL
10.26 INTRODUCTION
After determining the amount of working capital required, the next step to be taken
by the finance manager is to arrange the funds.
As discussed earlier, it is advisable that the finance manager bifurcate the working
capital requirements between the permanent working capital and temporary
working capital.
The permanent working capital is always needed irrespective of sales fluctuation;
hence it should be financed by the long-term sources such as debt and equity. On
the contrary the temporary working capital may be financed by the short-term
sources of finance.
Broadly speaking, the working capital finance may be classified between the two
categories:
(i) Spontaneous sources; and
(ii) Negotiable sources.
Spontaneous Sources: Spontaneous sources of finance are those which naturally
arise in the course of business operations. Trade credit, credit from employees,
credit from suppliers of services, etc. are some of the examples which may be
quoted in this respect.
Negotiated Sources: On the other hand, the negotiated sources, as the name
implies, are those which have to be specifically negotiated with lenders say,
commercial banks, financial institutions, general public etc.
The finance manager has to be very careful while selecting a particular source, or a
combination thereof for financing of working capital. Generally, the following
parameters will guide his decisions in this respect:
(i) Cost factor
(ii) Impact on credit rating
(iii) Feasibility
(iv) Reliability
Page 2
10.95
MANAGEMENT OF WORKING CAPITAL
UNIT - VI
FINANCING OF WORKING CAPITAL
10.26 INTRODUCTION
After determining the amount of working capital required, the next step to be taken
by the finance manager is to arrange the funds.
As discussed earlier, it is advisable that the finance manager bifurcate the working
capital requirements between the permanent working capital and temporary
working capital.
The permanent working capital is always needed irrespective of sales fluctuation;
hence it should be financed by the long-term sources such as debt and equity. On
the contrary the temporary working capital may be financed by the short-term
sources of finance.
Broadly speaking, the working capital finance may be classified between the two
categories:
(i) Spontaneous sources; and
(ii) Negotiable sources.
Spontaneous Sources: Spontaneous sources of finance are those which naturally
arise in the course of business operations. Trade credit, credit from employees,
credit from suppliers of services, etc. are some of the examples which may be
quoted in this respect.
Negotiated Sources: On the other hand, the negotiated sources, as the name
implies, are those which have to be specifically negotiated with lenders say,
commercial banks, financial institutions, general public etc.
The finance manager has to be very careful while selecting a particular source, or a
combination thereof for financing of working capital. Generally, the following
parameters will guide his decisions in this respect:
(i) Cost factor
(ii) Impact on credit rating
(iii) Feasibility
(iv) Reliability
10.96
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
(v) Restrictions
(vi) Hedging approach or matching approach i.e., Financing of assets with the
same maturity as of assets.
10.27 SOURCES OF FINANCE
10.27.1 Spontaneous Sources of Finance
(a) Trade Credit: As outlined above trade credit is a spontaneous source of
finance which is normally extended to the purchaser organization by the sellers or
services providers. This source of financing working capital is more important since
it contributes to about one-third of the total short-term requirements. The
dependence on this source is higher due to lesser cost of finance as compared with
other sources. Trade credit is guaranteed when a company acquires supplies,
merchandise or materials and does not pay immediately. If a buyer is able to get
the credit without completing much formality, it is termed as ‘open account trade
credit.’
(b) Bills Payable: On the other hand, in the case of “Bills Payable” the purchaser
will have to give a written promise to pay the amount of the bill/invoice either on
demand or at a fixed future date to the seller or the bearer of the note.
Due to its simplicity, easy availability and lesser explicit cost, the dependence on
this source is much more in all small or big organizations. Especially, for small
enterprises this form of credit is more helpful to small and medium enterprises.
The amount of such financing depends on the volume of purchases and the
payment timing.
(c) Accrued Expenses: Another spontaneous source of short-term financing is
the accrued expenses or the outstanding expenses liabilities. The accrued expenses
refer to the services availed by the firm, but the payment for which has yet to be
made. It is a built in and an automatic source of finance as most of the services
like wages, salaries, taxes, duties etc., are paid at the end of the period. The accrued
expenses represent an interest free source of finance. There is no explicit or implicit
cost associated with the accrued expenses and the firm can ensure liquidity by
accruing these expenses.
10.27.2 Inter-corporate Loans and Deposits
Sometimes, organizations having surplus funds invest for short-term period with
other organizations. The rate of interest will be higher than the bank rate of interest
Page 3
10.95
MANAGEMENT OF WORKING CAPITAL
UNIT - VI
FINANCING OF WORKING CAPITAL
10.26 INTRODUCTION
After determining the amount of working capital required, the next step to be taken
by the finance manager is to arrange the funds.
As discussed earlier, it is advisable that the finance manager bifurcate the working
capital requirements between the permanent working capital and temporary
working capital.
The permanent working capital is always needed irrespective of sales fluctuation;
hence it should be financed by the long-term sources such as debt and equity. On
the contrary the temporary working capital may be financed by the short-term
sources of finance.
Broadly speaking, the working capital finance may be classified between the two
categories:
(i) Spontaneous sources; and
(ii) Negotiable sources.
Spontaneous Sources: Spontaneous sources of finance are those which naturally
arise in the course of business operations. Trade credit, credit from employees,
credit from suppliers of services, etc. are some of the examples which may be
quoted in this respect.
Negotiated Sources: On the other hand, the negotiated sources, as the name
implies, are those which have to be specifically negotiated with lenders say,
commercial banks, financial institutions, general public etc.
The finance manager has to be very careful while selecting a particular source, or a
combination thereof for financing of working capital. Generally, the following
parameters will guide his decisions in this respect:
(i) Cost factor
(ii) Impact on credit rating
(iii) Feasibility
(iv) Reliability
10.96
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
(v) Restrictions
(vi) Hedging approach or matching approach i.e., Financing of assets with the
same maturity as of assets.
10.27 SOURCES OF FINANCE
10.27.1 Spontaneous Sources of Finance
(a) Trade Credit: As outlined above trade credit is a spontaneous source of
finance which is normally extended to the purchaser organization by the sellers or
services providers. This source of financing working capital is more important since
it contributes to about one-third of the total short-term requirements. The
dependence on this source is higher due to lesser cost of finance as compared with
other sources. Trade credit is guaranteed when a company acquires supplies,
merchandise or materials and does not pay immediately. If a buyer is able to get
the credit without completing much formality, it is termed as ‘open account trade
credit.’
(b) Bills Payable: On the other hand, in the case of “Bills Payable” the purchaser
will have to give a written promise to pay the amount of the bill/invoice either on
demand or at a fixed future date to the seller or the bearer of the note.
Due to its simplicity, easy availability and lesser explicit cost, the dependence on
this source is much more in all small or big organizations. Especially, for small
enterprises this form of credit is more helpful to small and medium enterprises.
The amount of such financing depends on the volume of purchases and the
payment timing.
(c) Accrued Expenses: Another spontaneous source of short-term financing is
the accrued expenses or the outstanding expenses liabilities. The accrued expenses
refer to the services availed by the firm, but the payment for which has yet to be
made. It is a built in and an automatic source of finance as most of the services
like wages, salaries, taxes, duties etc., are paid at the end of the period. The accrued
expenses represent an interest free source of finance. There is no explicit or implicit
cost associated with the accrued expenses and the firm can ensure liquidity by
accruing these expenses.
10.27.2 Inter-corporate Loans and Deposits
Sometimes, organizations having surplus funds invest for short-term period with
other organizations. The rate of interest will be higher than the bank rate of interest
10.97
MANAGEMENT OF WORKING CAPITAL
and depends on the financial soundness of the borrower company. This source of
finance reduces dependence on bank financing.
10.27.3 Commercial Papers
Commercial Paper (CP) is an unsecured promissory note issued by a firm to raise
funds for a short period. This is an instrument that enables highly rated corporate
borrowers for short-term borrowings and provides an additional financial
instrument to investors with a freely negotiable interest rate. The maturity period
ranges from minimum 7 days to less than 1 year from the date of issue. CP can be
issued in denomination of ` 5 lakhs or multiples thereof.
Advantages of CP: From the point of the issuing company, CP provides the following
benefits:
(a) CP is sold on an unsecured basis and does not contain any restrictive
conditions.
(b) Maturing CP can be repaid by selling new CP and thus can provide a
continuous source of funds.
(c) Maturity of CP can be tailored to suit the requirement of the issuing firm.
(d) CP can be issued as a source of fund even when money market is tight.
(e) Generally, the cost of CP to the issuing firm is lower than the cost of
commercial bank loans.
However, CP as a source of financing has its own limitations:
(i) Only highly credit rating firms can use it. New and moderately rated firm
generally are not in a position to issue CP.
(ii) CP can neither be redeemed before maturity nor can be extended beyond
maturity.
10.27.4 Funds Generated from Operations
Funds generated from operations, during an accounting period, increase working
capital by an equivalent amount. The two main components of funds generated
from operations are profit and depreciation. Working capital will increase by the
extent of funds generated from operations. Students may refer to funds flow
statement given earlier in this chapter.
Page 4
10.95
MANAGEMENT OF WORKING CAPITAL
UNIT - VI
FINANCING OF WORKING CAPITAL
10.26 INTRODUCTION
After determining the amount of working capital required, the next step to be taken
by the finance manager is to arrange the funds.
As discussed earlier, it is advisable that the finance manager bifurcate the working
capital requirements between the permanent working capital and temporary
working capital.
The permanent working capital is always needed irrespective of sales fluctuation;
hence it should be financed by the long-term sources such as debt and equity. On
the contrary the temporary working capital may be financed by the short-term
sources of finance.
Broadly speaking, the working capital finance may be classified between the two
categories:
(i) Spontaneous sources; and
(ii) Negotiable sources.
Spontaneous Sources: Spontaneous sources of finance are those which naturally
arise in the course of business operations. Trade credit, credit from employees,
credit from suppliers of services, etc. are some of the examples which may be
quoted in this respect.
Negotiated Sources: On the other hand, the negotiated sources, as the name
implies, are those which have to be specifically negotiated with lenders say,
commercial banks, financial institutions, general public etc.
The finance manager has to be very careful while selecting a particular source, or a
combination thereof for financing of working capital. Generally, the following
parameters will guide his decisions in this respect:
(i) Cost factor
(ii) Impact on credit rating
(iii) Feasibility
(iv) Reliability
10.96
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
(v) Restrictions
(vi) Hedging approach or matching approach i.e., Financing of assets with the
same maturity as of assets.
10.27 SOURCES OF FINANCE
10.27.1 Spontaneous Sources of Finance
(a) Trade Credit: As outlined above trade credit is a spontaneous source of
finance which is normally extended to the purchaser organization by the sellers or
services providers. This source of financing working capital is more important since
it contributes to about one-third of the total short-term requirements. The
dependence on this source is higher due to lesser cost of finance as compared with
other sources. Trade credit is guaranteed when a company acquires supplies,
merchandise or materials and does not pay immediately. If a buyer is able to get
the credit without completing much formality, it is termed as ‘open account trade
credit.’
(b) Bills Payable: On the other hand, in the case of “Bills Payable” the purchaser
will have to give a written promise to pay the amount of the bill/invoice either on
demand or at a fixed future date to the seller or the bearer of the note.
Due to its simplicity, easy availability and lesser explicit cost, the dependence on
this source is much more in all small or big organizations. Especially, for small
enterprises this form of credit is more helpful to small and medium enterprises.
The amount of such financing depends on the volume of purchases and the
payment timing.
(c) Accrued Expenses: Another spontaneous source of short-term financing is
the accrued expenses or the outstanding expenses liabilities. The accrued expenses
refer to the services availed by the firm, but the payment for which has yet to be
made. It is a built in and an automatic source of finance as most of the services
like wages, salaries, taxes, duties etc., are paid at the end of the period. The accrued
expenses represent an interest free source of finance. There is no explicit or implicit
cost associated with the accrued expenses and the firm can ensure liquidity by
accruing these expenses.
10.27.2 Inter-corporate Loans and Deposits
Sometimes, organizations having surplus funds invest for short-term period with
other organizations. The rate of interest will be higher than the bank rate of interest
10.97
MANAGEMENT OF WORKING CAPITAL
and depends on the financial soundness of the borrower company. This source of
finance reduces dependence on bank financing.
10.27.3 Commercial Papers
Commercial Paper (CP) is an unsecured promissory note issued by a firm to raise
funds for a short period. This is an instrument that enables highly rated corporate
borrowers for short-term borrowings and provides an additional financial
instrument to investors with a freely negotiable interest rate. The maturity period
ranges from minimum 7 days to less than 1 year from the date of issue. CP can be
issued in denomination of ` 5 lakhs or multiples thereof.
Advantages of CP: From the point of the issuing company, CP provides the following
benefits:
(a) CP is sold on an unsecured basis and does not contain any restrictive
conditions.
(b) Maturing CP can be repaid by selling new CP and thus can provide a
continuous source of funds.
(c) Maturity of CP can be tailored to suit the requirement of the issuing firm.
(d) CP can be issued as a source of fund even when money market is tight.
(e) Generally, the cost of CP to the issuing firm is lower than the cost of
commercial bank loans.
However, CP as a source of financing has its own limitations:
(i) Only highly credit rating firms can use it. New and moderately rated firm
generally are not in a position to issue CP.
(ii) CP can neither be redeemed before maturity nor can be extended beyond
maturity.
10.27.4 Funds Generated from Operations
Funds generated from operations, during an accounting period, increase working
capital by an equivalent amount. The two main components of funds generated
from operations are profit and depreciation. Working capital will increase by the
extent of funds generated from operations. Students may refer to funds flow
statement given earlier in this chapter.
10.98
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
10.27.5 Public Deposits
Deposits from the public are one of the important sources of finance particularly
for well-established big companies with huge capital base for short and medium-
term.
10.27.6 Bills Discounting
Bill discounting is recognized as an important short-term Financial Instrument and
it is widely used method of short-term financing. In a process of bill discounting,
the supplier of goods draws a bill of exchange with direction to the buyer to pay a
certain amount of money after a certain period, and gets its acceptance from the
buyer or drawee of the bill.
10.27.7 Bill Rediscounting Scheme
The Bill rediscounting Scheme was introduced by Reserve Bank of India with effect
from 1
st
November, 1970 in order to extend the use of the bill of exchange as an
instrument for providing credit and the creation of a bill market in India with a
facility for the rediscounting of eligible bills by banks. Under the bills rediscounting
scheme, all licensed scheduled banks are eligible to offer bills of exchange to the
Reserve Bank for rediscount.
10.27.8 Factoring
Students may refer to the unit on Receivable Management wherein the concept of
factoring has been discussed. Factoring is a method of financing whereby a firm
sells its trade debts at a discount to a financial institution. In other words, factoring
is a continuous arrangement between a financial institution, (namely the factor) and
a firm (namely the client) which sells goods and services to trade customers on
credit. As per this arrangement, the factor purchases the client’s trade debts
including accounts receivables either with or without recourse to the client, and
thus, exercises control over the credit extended to the customers and administers
the sales ledger of his client. To put it in a layman’s language, a factor is an agent
who collects the dues of his client for a certain fee.
The differences between Factoring and Bills discounting are as follows:
(i) Factoring is called as ‘Invoice factoring’ whereas bills discounting is known as
“Invoice discounting”.
(ii) In factoring the parties are known as client, factor and debtor whereas in bills
discounting they are known as Drawer, Drawee and Payee.
Page 5
10.95
MANAGEMENT OF WORKING CAPITAL
UNIT - VI
FINANCING OF WORKING CAPITAL
10.26 INTRODUCTION
After determining the amount of working capital required, the next step to be taken
by the finance manager is to arrange the funds.
As discussed earlier, it is advisable that the finance manager bifurcate the working
capital requirements between the permanent working capital and temporary
working capital.
The permanent working capital is always needed irrespective of sales fluctuation;
hence it should be financed by the long-term sources such as debt and equity. On
the contrary the temporary working capital may be financed by the short-term
sources of finance.
Broadly speaking, the working capital finance may be classified between the two
categories:
(i) Spontaneous sources; and
(ii) Negotiable sources.
Spontaneous Sources: Spontaneous sources of finance are those which naturally
arise in the course of business operations. Trade credit, credit from employees,
credit from suppliers of services, etc. are some of the examples which may be
quoted in this respect.
Negotiated Sources: On the other hand, the negotiated sources, as the name
implies, are those which have to be specifically negotiated with lenders say,
commercial banks, financial institutions, general public etc.
The finance manager has to be very careful while selecting a particular source, or a
combination thereof for financing of working capital. Generally, the following
parameters will guide his decisions in this respect:
(i) Cost factor
(ii) Impact on credit rating
(iii) Feasibility
(iv) Reliability
10.96
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
(v) Restrictions
(vi) Hedging approach or matching approach i.e., Financing of assets with the
same maturity as of assets.
10.27 SOURCES OF FINANCE
10.27.1 Spontaneous Sources of Finance
(a) Trade Credit: As outlined above trade credit is a spontaneous source of
finance which is normally extended to the purchaser organization by the sellers or
services providers. This source of financing working capital is more important since
it contributes to about one-third of the total short-term requirements. The
dependence on this source is higher due to lesser cost of finance as compared with
other sources. Trade credit is guaranteed when a company acquires supplies,
merchandise or materials and does not pay immediately. If a buyer is able to get
the credit without completing much formality, it is termed as ‘open account trade
credit.’
(b) Bills Payable: On the other hand, in the case of “Bills Payable” the purchaser
will have to give a written promise to pay the amount of the bill/invoice either on
demand or at a fixed future date to the seller or the bearer of the note.
Due to its simplicity, easy availability and lesser explicit cost, the dependence on
this source is much more in all small or big organizations. Especially, for small
enterprises this form of credit is more helpful to small and medium enterprises.
The amount of such financing depends on the volume of purchases and the
payment timing.
(c) Accrued Expenses: Another spontaneous source of short-term financing is
the accrued expenses or the outstanding expenses liabilities. The accrued expenses
refer to the services availed by the firm, but the payment for which has yet to be
made. It is a built in and an automatic source of finance as most of the services
like wages, salaries, taxes, duties etc., are paid at the end of the period. The accrued
expenses represent an interest free source of finance. There is no explicit or implicit
cost associated with the accrued expenses and the firm can ensure liquidity by
accruing these expenses.
10.27.2 Inter-corporate Loans and Deposits
Sometimes, organizations having surplus funds invest for short-term period with
other organizations. The rate of interest will be higher than the bank rate of interest
10.97
MANAGEMENT OF WORKING CAPITAL
and depends on the financial soundness of the borrower company. This source of
finance reduces dependence on bank financing.
10.27.3 Commercial Papers
Commercial Paper (CP) is an unsecured promissory note issued by a firm to raise
funds for a short period. This is an instrument that enables highly rated corporate
borrowers for short-term borrowings and provides an additional financial
instrument to investors with a freely negotiable interest rate. The maturity period
ranges from minimum 7 days to less than 1 year from the date of issue. CP can be
issued in denomination of ` 5 lakhs or multiples thereof.
Advantages of CP: From the point of the issuing company, CP provides the following
benefits:
(a) CP is sold on an unsecured basis and does not contain any restrictive
conditions.
(b) Maturing CP can be repaid by selling new CP and thus can provide a
continuous source of funds.
(c) Maturity of CP can be tailored to suit the requirement of the issuing firm.
(d) CP can be issued as a source of fund even when money market is tight.
(e) Generally, the cost of CP to the issuing firm is lower than the cost of
commercial bank loans.
However, CP as a source of financing has its own limitations:
(i) Only highly credit rating firms can use it. New and moderately rated firm
generally are not in a position to issue CP.
(ii) CP can neither be redeemed before maturity nor can be extended beyond
maturity.
10.27.4 Funds Generated from Operations
Funds generated from operations, during an accounting period, increase working
capital by an equivalent amount. The two main components of funds generated
from operations are profit and depreciation. Working capital will increase by the
extent of funds generated from operations. Students may refer to funds flow
statement given earlier in this chapter.
10.98
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
10.27.5 Public Deposits
Deposits from the public are one of the important sources of finance particularly
for well-established big companies with huge capital base for short and medium-
term.
10.27.6 Bills Discounting
Bill discounting is recognized as an important short-term Financial Instrument and
it is widely used method of short-term financing. In a process of bill discounting,
the supplier of goods draws a bill of exchange with direction to the buyer to pay a
certain amount of money after a certain period, and gets its acceptance from the
buyer or drawee of the bill.
10.27.7 Bill Rediscounting Scheme
The Bill rediscounting Scheme was introduced by Reserve Bank of India with effect
from 1
st
November, 1970 in order to extend the use of the bill of exchange as an
instrument for providing credit and the creation of a bill market in India with a
facility for the rediscounting of eligible bills by banks. Under the bills rediscounting
scheme, all licensed scheduled banks are eligible to offer bills of exchange to the
Reserve Bank for rediscount.
10.27.8 Factoring
Students may refer to the unit on Receivable Management wherein the concept of
factoring has been discussed. Factoring is a method of financing whereby a firm
sells its trade debts at a discount to a financial institution. In other words, factoring
is a continuous arrangement between a financial institution, (namely the factor) and
a firm (namely the client) which sells goods and services to trade customers on
credit. As per this arrangement, the factor purchases the client’s trade debts
including accounts receivables either with or without recourse to the client, and
thus, exercises control over the credit extended to the customers and administers
the sales ledger of his client. To put it in a layman’s language, a factor is an agent
who collects the dues of his client for a certain fee.
The differences between Factoring and Bills discounting are as follows:
(i) Factoring is called as ‘Invoice factoring’ whereas bills discounting is known as
“Invoice discounting”.
(ii) In factoring the parties are known as client, factor and debtor whereas in bills
discounting they are known as Drawer, Drawee and Payee.
10.99
MANAGEMENT OF WORKING CAPITAL
(iii) Factoring is a sort of management of book debts whereas bills discounting is
a sort of borrowing from commercial banks.
(iv) For factoring there is no specific Act; whereas in the case of bills discounting,
the Negotiable Instrument Act is applicable.
10.28 WORKING CAPITAL FINANCE FROM BANKS
Banks in India today constitute the major suppliers of working capital credit to any
business activity. Recently, some term lending financial institutions have also
announced schemes for working capital financing. The two committees viz.,
Tandon Committee and Chore Committee have evolved definite guidelines and
parameters in working capital financing, which have laid the foundations for
development and innovation in the area.
10.28.1 Instructions on Working Capital Finance by Banks
Assessment of Working Capital
? Reserve Bank of India has withdrawn the prescription, in regard to assessment
of working capital needs, based on the concept of Maximum Permissible Bank
Finance (MPBF), in April 1997. Banks are now free to evolve, with the approval
of their Boards, methods for assessing the working capital requirements of
borrowers, within the prudential guidelines and exposure norms prescribed.
Banks, however, have to take into account Reserve Bank’s instructions relating
to directed credit (such as priority sector, export, etc.), and prohibition of
credit (such as bridge finance, rediscounting of bills earlier discounted by
NBFCs) while formulating their lending policies.
? With the above liberalizations, all the instructions relating to MPBF issued by
RBI from time to time stand withdrawn. Further, various
instructions/guidelines issued to banks with objective of ensuring lending
discipline in appraisal, sanction, monitoring and utilization of bank finance
cease to be mandatory. However, banks have the option of incorporating
such of the instructions/guidelines as are considered necessary in their
lending policies/procedures.
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