Superb Ltd. Is a well diversified company engaged in development of real estate, tourism and textiles. The company plans to raise a sum of Rs. 120 crores in order to finance its expansion plans. Presently, there is a conflict among its financial managers as to whether the company should float an issue of equity shares or debentures to raise the required amount of funds. Which of the two sources of funds will you suggest considering the fact that company has not raised much debt capital so far and why? Class 11

Since the company's debt level is very low, then it should probably issue new debt. The advantage of issuing debt is that debt is always cheaper than equity. E.g. the company issues a bond with a 10% coupon rate and the corporate tax rate is 30%. The after tax cost of debt = 10% x (1 - 30%) = 7%.

Issuing bonds with a 10% coupon rate is not something impossible, and actually the interest rate is pretty high. Some companies issue bonds at 4 or 5%. But to raise new capital offering a return on equity of 7% or less is extremely odd and difficult. Generally, the cost of equity of normal corporations tends to be about twice as higher as the cost of debt.

Explanation:

Exporting means to sell a product in another country.