F3 Exam Dumps : Financial Strategy

Current debt interest:

Existing: 5m×8%=0.40m5\text{m} \times 8\% = 0.40\text{m}5m×8%=0.40m

New: 2m×10%=0.20m2\text{m} \times 10\% = 0.20\text{m}2m×10%=0.20m

Total interest = 0.60m

Let annual sales = SSS.

Operating profit margin = 20% → OP = 0.20 S.

Interest cover covenant:

0.20S0.60≥4⇒0.20S≥2.4⇒S≥2.40.20=12.0 million\frac{0.20 S}{0.60} \ge 4 \Rightarrow 0.20 S \ge 2.4 \Rightarrow S \ge \frac{2.4}{0.20} = 12.0\ \text{million}0.600.20S​≥4⇒0.20S≥2.4⇒S≥0.202.4​=12.0 million

Correct answer: A. $12.00 million

In CIMA F3’s coverage of short-term financing, commercial paper (CP) is identified as a very cost-effective funding source for large, high-credit-quality companies. CP is an unsecured, short-term promissory note, typically issued for periods up to 270 days, making it ideal for a 6-month funding need. Because it is issued directly into the money markets by strong credits, the interest cost is usually lower than overdrafts or short-term bank loans, which include a bank’s margin.

The scenario states that the company is large, listed, has an “excellent credit rating”, minimal default risk and already has a commercial paper programme. This matches the textbook profile of a company for which CP is the cheapest source of short-term borrowing.

Treasury bills (C) are issued by governments, not companies, so they are an investment vehicle, not a borrowing method here. Bank overdrafts (A) are flexible but generally expensive and better for fluctuating day-to-day needs. A 6-month term loan (B) tends to involve higher arrangement fees and interest margins than CP. Therefore, option D is the most cost-effective choice.

Director A – You can issue bonds without having listed equity, but a “public issue” of bonds still involves heavy regulation and doesn’t remove the need for disclosure. This is not what the question is really getting at → treat as not correct.

Director B – AIM still has regulatory requirements; they are lighter, not non-existent → incorrect.

Director C – Rights issues are for existing shareholders of (normally) listed companies; an unlisted company cannot raise unlimited equity this way → incorrect.

Director D – Listing improves marketability and visibility and generally increases the ability to raise both equity and debt → correct.

Director E – Listed status makes shares more easily tradable and the company more visible, so it becomes a more likely takeover target → correct.

Answer: D and E.