Step 1: Concept
Trading on Equity / Financial Leverage.
Step 2: Meaning
Financial leverage refers to the use of fixed-cost debt in the capital structure to increase the earnings per share (EPS) for equity shareholders, provided that the Return on Investment (ROI) is greater than the cost of debt.
Step 3: Analysis
Let's calculate the Earnings Per Share (EPS) for both companies.
* Common Data: Total Capital = ₹20,00,000; ROI = 10%; Tax Rate = 40%.
* Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) = 10% of ₹20,00,000 = ₹2,00,000.
Ratan Ltd. (100% Equity):
• Equity Capital = ₹20,00,000 (No. of shares = 20,000 at ₹100 each)
• EBIT = ₹2,00,000
• Less: Interest = ₹0
• Earnings Before Tax (EBT) = ₹2,00,000
• Less: Tax @ 40% = ₹80,000
• Earnings After Tax (EAT) = ₹1,20,000
• EPS = EAT / No. of Shares = ₹1,20,000 / 20,000 =
₹6.00
Lara Ltd. (60% Equity, 40% Debt):
• Equity Capital = ₹12,00,000 (No. of shares = 12,000 at ₹100 each)
• 8% Debt = ₹8,00,000
• EBIT = ₹2,00,000
• Less: Interest (8% of 8,00,000) = ₹64,000
• Earnings Before Tax (EBT) = ₹1,36,000
• Less: Tax @ 40% = ₹54,400
• Earnings After Tax (EAT) = ₹81,600
• EPS = EAT / No. of Shares = ₹81,600 / 12,000 =
₹6.80
Step 4: Conclusion
Lara Ltd. will give a better return (EPS of ₹6.80 compared to ₹6.00) because its Return on Investment (10%) is higher than its Cost of Debt (8%), making Trading on Equity favorable.
Final Answer: Lara Ltd. will give a better return due to favorable financial leverage.