Commerce MCQs
Topic Notes: Commerce
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
21
What term describes the difference between the yield of a specific bond and the yield of another security with an identical maturity?
Answer:
bond spread
The term 'bond spread' refers to the interest rate differential between two bonds or a bond and another security. It is a critical metric used by investors to assess the risk premium of a specific bond relative to a benchmark or another security with the same maturity date. This spread reflects the additional compensation investors demand for taking on the specific credit or liquidity risks associated with that bond.
22
Which type of security creates a mandatory financial burden on a company, regardless of whether it is generating profits?
Answer:
Debentures
Debentures represent debt financing. Unlike equity or preference shares, where dividend payments are often contingent upon profit availability, interest on debentures is a contractual obligation that must be paid by the company even if it incurs a loss, thus creating a fixed financial burden.
23
What is the alternative designation for secured debentures?
Answer:
Mortgaged debentures
Secured debentures are also known as mortgaged debentures because they are backed by a charge or mortgage on the company's assets. This security provides a layer of protection for the debenture holders, as they have a legal claim on the specified assets if the company defaults on interest or principal payments. This collateralized nature makes them a safer investment option compared to unsecured debentures, often resulting in a lower interest rate for the issuer.
24
What are the standard characteristics of loans provided to limited companies regarding terms, interest, and voting rights?
Answer:
Have a fixed term and receive interest allowable for corporation tax, but have no voting rights
Corporate loans typically involve a contractual agreement with a fixed maturity date. The interest paid on these loans is treated as a business expense, making it tax-deductible for the company. Unlike equity holders, lenders are creditors and do not possess voting rights in the company's management or shareholder meetings, as their relationship is strictly contractual rather than ownership-based.
25
What is the term for the financial strategy of using proceeds from a new debt issuance to retire existing high-interest debt?
Answer:
refunding operation
Refunding is a strategic financial management practice where a company issues new debt, typically at a lower interest rate, to pay off or 'refund' older, more expensive debt. This process effectively reduces the company's interest expense burden and improves cash flow, allowing the organization to optimize its capital structure and reduce long-term financing costs.
26
Which of the following financial instruments is a public limited company legally permitted to issue?
Answer:
Redeemable Debentures
Public limited companies are generally prohibited from issuing redeemable equity shares. However, they are authorized to issue redeemable debentures, which are debt instruments that the company agrees to repay at a specified future date. Equity shares represent permanent capital and are typically not redeemable.
27
What is the impact on an income bondholder's earnings when market interest rates decline?
Answer:
reduction in income
Income bonds are unique because interest payments are contingent upon the issuer's profitability. When market interest rates fall, the overall economic environment may lead to lower earnings for the issuing company, thereby reducing the likelihood or amount of coupon payments made to bondholders. This creates a direct link between the issuer's financial performance and the bondholder's income stream.
28
What is the protective provision called that prevents an issuer from calling back a bond for a specified period?
Answer:
call protection
Call protection is a feature included in the bond indenture that prohibits the issuer from redeeming or 'calling' the bond before a certain date. This provides investors with a guaranteed period of interest income, protecting them from the risk of reinvestment that occurs when an issuer retires high-interest debt early during periods of falling market interest rates.
29
How is the interest payable on debentures treated in a company's financial accounts?
Answer:
Charged against the firm's profits
Debentures are a form of debt financing. Interest on debentures is a mandatory financial obligation that must be paid regardless of whether the company makes a profit or a loss. Therefore, it is classified as an expense and is charged against the firm's profits before arriving at the net profit figure.
30
How are debentures classified in terms of corporate capital structure?
Answer:
loan capital of the company
Debentures are debt instruments issued by a company to raise long-term funds. Because they represent a contractual obligation to pay interest and repay the principal, they are classified as loan capital, distinguishing them from equity capital which represents ownership.