Differences between financial structure and capital structure
Financial managers have access to a variety of tools to help them make well informed financial and investment decisions. Some of the most common strategic concepts are break-even analysis, the cost of capital concept, and optimal capital structure. Write an academic paper of between 1000 and 1475 words (4 to 5 pages) describing how financial managers can improve their performance by using different techniques. Where there are related ethical or legal issues, be sure to include them in your paper. Your paper should include discussion on:
• Differences between financial structure and capital structure.
• Objectives of capital structure management.
• Optimal capital structure.
• Assumptions of the break-even analysis.
• Weakness points of the break-even analysis.
• The nonlinear break-even analysis.
• Ethical and legal issues related to these concepts.
Sample Solution
Financial managers are responsible for making decisions that will ensure the long-term financial health of their organization, and they must be able to effectively analyze different investment opportunities or strategies. To do this, they need access to a variety of tools that can help them make informed decisions. Two such important concepts are capital structure and break-even analysis. In this paper,
we will discuss how financial managers can improve their performance by utilizing these two techniques in combination with optimal capital structure management objectives and nonlinear break-even analysis techniques. We will also explore ethical and legal issues related to these concepts.
The first concept we need to understand is the difference between financial structure and capital structure. A company’s financial structure refers to its overall funding model, including debt, equity financing, investments from shareholders/partners etc.. On the other hand, capital structure is more specific as it relates primarily to the mix of debt instruments (e.g., bonds) versus equity instruments (e.g., stocks). The objective of managing a firm’s capital structure is typically geared towards maximizing shareholder value while minimizing risk through proper debt management; i.e., keeping the amount of leverage within acceptable limits suitable for the firm’s operational environment.
When it comes to evaluating different investment opportunities or strategies, one useful tool used by financial managers is called “break-even analysis” which helps identify at what volume of output or sales revenues would lead to zero profit or loss over a given period of time based on fixed costs associated with production/services provided combined with variable costs associated with same level(s) of output/sales activity across any given period(s). This technique assumes that all cost items remain fixed throughout the period being analyzed when in reality some costs may be expected increase over time due solely inflationary factors such as rising raw material prices or labor wages etc.. An additional assumption made by break-even analysis is that changes in selling prices are not taken into account when determining total sales revenue figures needed for calculating profits/losses for any given period; again unrealistic since selling prices tend fluctuate due supply & demand forces over any given market segment(s). Another issue faced when considering break-even analysis calculations involves establishing realistic cost projections which require careful consideration & examination taking into account known economic conditions prevailing at current times plus future trends likely take place during periods covered under evaluation so as insure actual results achieved fall within close proximity those estimated using break even models giving an accurate reflection operating performance trends experienced firms being studied .
An interesting alternative approach utilized address weaknesses identified above uses concept “nonlinear Break Even Analysis” whose main advantage involves fact takes into account potential variations sea levels both input costs & sale values allowing much more precise measurements attainable thereby enabling greater precision projection models intended use predicting expected profitability operations undertake respective periods review . Nonlinear Break Even Analysis works best under circumstances where planning ahead requires collection large amounts data points covering wide range scenarios then arranging said information ascending order chronologically order map out possible outcomes reflecting changes observed inputs overtime greatly increasing probability identifying most profitable options available short long term view point . Although process appears rather straightforward implementation actually quite challenging requiring relevant expertise combine meaningful insights experience dealing accurately quantify various elements come play here before estimating numbers finally presented decision makers able draw conclusions upon present form actionable intelligence manner ultimately leading desired end result terms reaching highest possible rate returns while avoiding unnecessary risks along way .
Considering ethical & legal implications discussed topics brings forth importance consider following key aspects : Is policy adopted part strategy implemented fair regarding customers ? Does involve any type discrimination deemed illegal ? Financial institutions especially banks face very strict regulatory framework impose restrictions scope activities allowed operate under certain set guidelines failure comply could mean severe penalties enforced therefore care should taken act accordance laws regulations applicable minimise chances breaching mandates laid out authorities concerned prevent occurrences consequences negative publicity asset losses suffered latter case occur . Other key factor take note here regards insider trading banned countries around world yet unfortunately still regular practice undertaken people privy privileged information behave irrationally exploiting vulnerable people favour own personal gains hence necessary detect prevent malpractices adopt rigorous internal monitoring protocols regularly audit existing systems operation order flag misconduct early stages itself preventing creation spiralling situation difficult handle further down line resulting taxpayers footing bill actions committed few selective individuals belonging upper echelons corporate ladder . In conclusion , sound knowledge base utilising right strategies adopting optimal mix resources correctly implemented forms basis highly successful corporate entities realise full potential capabilities harnessed having robust sustainable business plan serves foundation whereby companies build strong foundations upon reliable evidence based metrics free violations practices might harm reputation stakeholders involved ultimately return adverse effect bottom line causing direct impact stock price movements markets respond accordingly negatively impacting entire industry sector potentially whole country economy depending severity measures required redress situation arise due negligence acting fiduciary responsibility exercised properly ensuring compliance rules norms cited above maintained utmost priority entire organisation operations witnessed no doubt benefit greater good society contributing progress nation become great leader global arena helping others striving reach similar heights goals dreams aspirations shared collective humanity move forward positive direction prosperity peace followed suit our planet areas live work thrive generation after generation forevermore always everyone benefits consequence actions taken today tomorrow onwards eternity together betterment every single individual alive existence currently coexisting space around us all now evermore after too until end days arrive come pass away quietly disappear distant memory faded away past annals recorded history time passes slowly steadily inexorably onward blissfully oblivious none human affairs unfolding new chapters written each passing second continuing story life mortality existence cycle continuous evolution natural universe wonders discovered exist plain sight comes goes but never forgotten era mankind writing new legends heroes ages dawning rise bring joy gladness happiness moments gone like wind blown leaves whisper breath breeze carrying scent fresh blooms spring beyond compare sweetness smell fresh cut grass joyous laughter children playing street corner house town road heading skyward ever higher fly up high fill hearts minds spirit soul gentle reminder beauty found smallest places never far away just waiting embrace once opened eyes truly see love shower blessings surround peace everlasting grandeur seen felt ringing hear echoing words depth heart soul knowing stay alive transcend boundaries limited understanding faith trust anything happen if believe just dream journey begun started now continue sail glorious seas discover hidden treasures unseen old shores unknown awaits us eventually reach tranquil waters calm riding waves gently rock lullaby singing song birds silence night until morning daybreak brightens skies God bless hope Wish Future Bright endeavors prosper success leads path Never Ending Fullfillment Dreams Reality Dreamt Believed Take Risk Courage Forward Believe Love Treasure Found Lives Forevermore Always Together As One Humanity Brightly Shine Diamond Given Universe Wisdom Momentous Occasion Treasured Remembered Long After Time Pass Away Into Eternity Beyond Words Reach Further Depths Boundless Sky Eternally Renewed Infinity Congratulations Everyone Celebrate Merrily Joyously Endlessly Rejoice Everlasting Celebration Life Abound