CAIIB · ABFM

Financial levarage or Trading on Equity

Chapter notes, video classes, MCQ practice tests and quick-revision one-liners for Advanced Business and Financial Management — CAIIB.

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Q

What is financial leverage?

A

Financial leverage refers to the use of fixed-interest or fixed-dividend bearing capital (debt and preference shares) in the capital structure to magnify the earnings available to equity shareholders.

Q

What is the formula for calculating Degree of Combined Leverage (DCL)?

A

DCL equals Degree of Operating Leverage multiplied by DFL

Q

What does 'Trading on Equity' mean?

A

Trading on equity means using borrowed funds (debt) at a fixed rate of interest to earn a higher return on equity, thereby increasing the earnings per share for equity holders.

Q

What is the financial break-even point in leverage analysis?

A

EBIT level at which EPS equals zero after covering interest

Q

When is financial leverage said to be favourable?

A

Financial leverage is favourable when the return on investment (ROI) earned by the firm exceeds the cost of debt (interest rate), resulting in higher EPS for equity shareholders.

Q

How does trading on equity benefit ordinary shareholders?

A

Borrowed funds earn more than interest cost, boosting equity returns

Q

What is the formula for the Degree of Financial Leverage (DFL)?

A

DFL = EBIT / (EBIT – Interest), or equivalently, the percentage change in EPS divided by the percentage change in EBIT.

Q

What is the effect of financial leverage on earnings per share variability?

A

Higher leverage amplifies EPS fluctuations with EBIT changes

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