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BUSINESS CAPITAL
-Are those value of assets owned by the business. Or
-Are the money or properties used to start a business.Or
-Refers to the future of production which refers to the wealth used to produce other wealth.
FEATURES OF THE CAPITAL
What are they?
-Capital may be depreciated.
-It is made by human being.
-It results from accumulation of assets.
-It is less subjected to the law of diminishing return.
FUNCTIONS OF CAPITAL
-It encourages specialization which used to increase output.
-It leads to creation of employment opportunities.
-It enables full utilization of resources.
-It leads to increase production to the economy.
-It enables diversification of economy.
SOURCES OF CAPITAL
Before organization can start to generate any money, they need money to finance all their activities. Organization can obtain finance from a number of sources which are given below:
Before organization can start to generate any money, they need money to finance all their activities. Organization can obtain finance from a number of sources which are given below:
- Internal sources (self-financing). This is mainly from savings and retained profits.
- External sources (finance from other sources).
(a) Short-term sources. These include overdrafts, factoring, leasing, trade credit and installment selling.
(b) Long-term sources. These includes shares debentures, mortgages ( sale and lease back) and loans.
The figure below shows the sources of capital.
Internal sources of capital.
These are sources of capital that come from within the organization itself and the owner. This is called self-financing. They include savings and retained profits.
These are sources of capital that come from within the organization itself and the owner. This is called self-financing. They include savings and retained profits.
- Savings:This refers to the part of a person’s income that is retained for use at a later time. It involves sacrificing current spending in the hope of benefiting in the future savings are one of the most common sources of capital for new business; many new businesses are started using inherited or saved money.
- Retained profits:Organizations receive money from selling goods and or services. Any money that remains after paying the costs and expenses incurred when selling those goods and/ or services is the profit.Profit is the reward to the owner of the businesses for risking his/her money and investing his/her energy and time in that business. Some business owner retain their profit and reinvest it in the purchase of more assets so that the business can grow in size and provide quality goods and services.
External sources.
These are sources of capital that come from outside business. They can be grouped into one of the two categories. Long-term sources (needed for five or more years) and short-term sources of capital chosen will depend on the amount of money needed and how long it may take the organization to pay it back.
Long term sources of capital.
These are sources of capital that come from outside business. They can be grouped into one of the two categories. Long-term sources (needed for five or more years) and short-term sources of capital chosen will depend on the amount of money needed and how long it may take the organization to pay it back.
Long term sources of capital.
(1) Loans
A loan is an amount of money lent to someone or to a company. A business may raise capital through borrowing from financial institutions, individual money lenders and friends.
A loan is an amount of money lent to someone or to a company. A business may raise capital through borrowing from financial institutions, individual money lenders and friends.
Advantages of loans.
(i)The company knows the terms of loans (cost and repayment terms) that it is committed.
(ii)A loan provides supplementary funds to facilitate the smooth running of the business.
(iii)The external monitoring and added interest in the business operations enforce hard work and efficiency hence promoting the growth of the business.
(ii)A loan provides supplementary funds to facilitate the smooth running of the business.
(iii)The external monitoring and added interest in the business operations enforce hard work and efficiency hence promoting the growth of the business.
Disadvantages of loans.
(i)Loans that are repaid over long period can cost the business a lot of interest payments, thereby increasing expenditure and reducing profit.
(ii)The borrower may be subject to external monitoring and control over the business.
(iii)It is expensive for the borrower as he/she is required to pay interest and other charges (e.g Insurance, commitment fees) on the money borrowed.
(iv)The payment terms may be too light and cause the borrower to have cash flow problems.
(ii)The borrower may be subject to external monitoring and control over the business.
(iii)It is expensive for the borrower as he/she is required to pay interest and other charges (e.g Insurance, commitment fees) on the money borrowed.
(iv)The payment terms may be too light and cause the borrower to have cash flow problems.
Shares
Organization wishing to grow may choose to become private or public limited companies. Public limited companies may choose to float their shares on the stock exchange.
Companies/Organization that has already floated may choose to issue new shares to raise more capital. Selling shares allows people and companies to acquire very large amounts of finance. Money received from selling shares can be used to buy fixed assets, to promote sales and development of new products.
Organization wishing to grow may choose to become private or public limited companies. Public limited companies may choose to float their shares on the stock exchange.
Companies/Organization that has already floated may choose to issue new shares to raise more capital. Selling shares allows people and companies to acquire very large amounts of finance. Money received from selling shares can be used to buy fixed assets, to promote sales and development of new products.
Debentures
A debenture is a certificate given by a business corporation and other business organizations as a reception of money lent to a fixed rate of interest until the principal is paid when the business is short of funds, it sells debentures to the public to raise the money needed e.g. to buy expensive assets such as buildings and machinery.
A debenture is a certificate given by a business corporation and other business organizations as a reception of money lent to a fixed rate of interest until the principal is paid when the business is short of funds, it sells debentures to the public to raise the money needed e.g. to buy expensive assets such as buildings and machinery.
Mortgages (sale and lease back)
This is an arrangement used by organizations that owns high value property, equipment or machinery. They generate cash for the organization by selling those assets to a buyer for an agreed extended period. This enables the organization to release money tied up in property (e.g. buildings, machinery) and to reinvest the money in more assets so as to improve the business performance.
This is an arrangement used by organizations that owns high value property, equipment or machinery. They generate cash for the organization by selling those assets to a buyer for an agreed extended period. This enables the organization to release money tied up in property (e.g. buildings, machinery) and to reinvest the money in more assets so as to improve the business performance.
Advantages of a mortgage.
(i)It allow a company to raise money in a way that avoids selling shares and therefore avoids having to share the profits and risks losing control over how the company is run.
(ii)Mortgage repayment repayment installments are relatively small compared to the size of the finance obtained because the loans is paid for over long period. The repayments therefore do not have a negative influence on the amount of cash flowing out of the company.
(iii)As long as companies keep up regular repayments, at the end of loan period, they own the assets.
(i)It allow a company to raise money in a way that avoids selling shares and therefore avoids having to share the profits and risks losing control over how the company is run.
(ii)Mortgage repayment repayment installments are relatively small compared to the size of the finance obtained because the loans is paid for over long period. The repayments therefore do not have a negative influence on the amount of cash flowing out of the company.
(iii)As long as companies keep up regular repayments, at the end of loan period, they own the assets.
Disadvantages of a mortgage.
(i)The business cannot sell the mortgage property unless the outstanding amount on the mortgage is settled. If the company fails to repay the amount agreed, then the lender forces the company to sell the secured property in order to pay the outstanding debt or may even take over the ownership of the property.
(ii)A company may be locked into a long-term mortgage, during which the value of yhe property may depreciate (lose value).
(i)The business cannot sell the mortgage property unless the outstanding amount on the mortgage is settled. If the company fails to repay the amount agreed, then the lender forces the company to sell the secured property in order to pay the outstanding debt or may even take over the ownership of the property.
(ii)A company may be locked into a long-term mortgage, during which the value of yhe property may depreciate (lose value).
Short-term sources of capital.
Bank overdraft.
Most companies have a current bank account. This account provides an overdraft facility, which allows the company to draw out more money than it actually has in the account. The extra amount withdraw is known as an overdraft. This is a short-term loan.
The company may only be able to withdraw up to an agreed limit called an overdraft limit on providing security. Whenever the borrower has surplus funds, he may pay it into his current account to reduce the overdraft. Interest is charged on the overdrawn amount on drawn basis. Overdrafts are very useful to companies that may experience low sales (and therefore. Low income) at certain times of the year.
Bank overdraft.
Most companies have a current bank account. This account provides an overdraft facility, which allows the company to draw out more money than it actually has in the account. The extra amount withdraw is known as an overdraft. This is a short-term loan.
The company may only be able to withdraw up to an agreed limit called an overdraft limit on providing security. Whenever the borrower has surplus funds, he may pay it into his current account to reduce the overdraft. Interest is charged on the overdrawn amount on drawn basis. Overdrafts are very useful to companies that may experience low sales (and therefore. Low income) at certain times of the year.
Advantages of overdraft.
Money is borrowed only when the company needs it.
Money is borrowed only when the company needs it.
Disadvantages of overdraft.
(i)Usually overdrafts have higher rates of interest compared to ordinary short-term loans because of their convenience.
(ii)An overdraft is usually repayable on demand. If the bank feels that a company is having trading problems, it may request that the whole overdraft amount be repaid. And if they fail, the court will declare the company bankrupt and their assets sold to repay their creditors.
(iii)Borrowers are charged a fee by a bank for using an overdraft facility.
(ii)An overdraft is usually repayable on demand. If the bank feels that a company is having trading problems, it may request that the whole overdraft amount be repaid. And if they fail, the court will declare the company bankrupt and their assets sold to repay their creditors.
(iii)Borrowers are charged a fee by a bank for using an overdraft facility.
Leasing
When organizations need expensive machinery equipment or vehicles, they may choose either to purchase them or to lease them for an agreed period. For example an organization may lease a photocopier for three years. Leasing is similar to renting as the property belongs to the leasing company.
When organizations need expensive machinery equipment or vehicles, they may choose either to purchase them or to lease them for an agreed period. For example an organization may lease a photocopier for three years. Leasing is similar to renting as the property belongs to the leasing company.
Advantages of leasing.
(i)Companies do not have to take out expensive long-term loans or use their retained profits. This money can be invested in research and development or marketing to improve to improve the success of the business.
(ii)It is easy to organize leasers. The amount of paperwork is far less than when applying for a loan.
(iii)Companies are enabled to access more expensive and improved equipment than they could afford to buy through loans.
(iv)Leased equipment may be maintained and repaired by leasing company, saving the company thousands of dollar/s shillings on maintenance costs.
(v)Leasing agreement may allow the companies to upgrade to newer equipment for a small additional cost.
(vi)Repayment costs are usually fixed for the entire term of the lease.
(vii)Companies avoid being left with out of date machinery and equipment.
Disadvantages of leasing.
(i) The company will usually pay more over the term of the leasing agreement than the actual cost of the equipment.
(ii) The company never owns the item so they cannot sell it and the organization may have to pay lease payments even if it has stopped using the equipment before the expiry or the lease period.
(iii)Companies may depend on the agreement and repair costs.
(i)Companies do not have to take out expensive long-term loans or use their retained profits. This money can be invested in research and development or marketing to improve to improve the success of the business.
(ii)It is easy to organize leasers. The amount of paperwork is far less than when applying for a loan.
(iii)Companies are enabled to access more expensive and improved equipment than they could afford to buy through loans.
(iv)Leased equipment may be maintained and repaired by leasing company, saving the company thousands of dollar/s shillings on maintenance costs.
(v)Leasing agreement may allow the companies to upgrade to newer equipment for a small additional cost.
(vi)Repayment costs are usually fixed for the entire term of the lease.
(vii)Companies avoid being left with out of date machinery and equipment.
Disadvantages of leasing.
(i) The company will usually pay more over the term of the leasing agreement than the actual cost of the equipment.
(ii) The company never owns the item so they cannot sell it and the organization may have to pay lease payments even if it has stopped using the equipment before the expiry or the lease period.
(iii)Companies may depend on the agreement and repair costs.
Hire purchases
This is a source of capital for an organization that wishes to purchase equipment. Organizations make regular payments for an item over a period. Until the last payment is made the equipment remains the property of the hire purchase company. After the final payment the ownership passes to the organization that hired the equipment. This system has advantages and disadvantages.
Trade credit.
This is an arrangement between organizations and their suppliers to buy goods or services on credit. This means that they can receive goods and services but pay for them within an agreed period e.g. six months. These gives organizations time to sell the goods to their customers and receive payments for them.
Choosing the right source of capital companies/organizations need to consider carefully which source of capital will b most suitable for their needs, For instance the purchase of new vehicle would not be financed by using overdraft because overdrafts incur very high interest rates compared to obtaining a loan or purchasing the car on hire purchase.
This is a source of capital for an organization that wishes to purchase equipment. Organizations make regular payments for an item over a period. Until the last payment is made the equipment remains the property of the hire purchase company. After the final payment the ownership passes to the organization that hired the equipment. This system has advantages and disadvantages.
Trade credit.
This is an arrangement between organizations and their suppliers to buy goods or services on credit. This means that they can receive goods and services but pay for them within an agreed period e.g. six months. These gives organizations time to sell the goods to their customers and receive payments for them.
Choosing the right source of capital companies/organizations need to consider carefully which source of capital will b most suitable for their needs, For instance the purchase of new vehicle would not be financed by using overdraft because overdrafts incur very high interest rates compared to obtaining a loan or purchasing the car on hire purchase.
The following points should be considered when selecting source of capital.
(i) The types of business, its stage of development and the availability of finance. The availability of certain types of finance may be limited, depending on what type of ownership an organization has it difficult to obtain a loan from banks unless it has property on which to secure the loan.
(ii) The intended use of the capital. If a company needs to purchase high value equipment or property, it would normally seek long-term capital such as loans or mortgage. If there is a lack of working capital, then short-term loans are ideal. E.g. overdraft and trade credit.
(iii) The risk associated with the source of capital. When companies take out loans, mortgage or debentures they run the risk of losing the property that has been secured against them. The loan companies need to be certain that if a company is unable to make its repayment, they will be able to sell the company property to get their money back.
Companies may choose share issues as a more secure source of finance as the company does not have to pay dividends to shareholders if it makes a loss.
(iv) The costs involved. Some sources of capital are expensive. For example, if a company buys a vehicle on hire purchase the total amount repair is much more than if they had secured a bank loan.
(i) The types of business, its stage of development and the availability of finance. The availability of certain types of finance may be limited, depending on what type of ownership an organization has it difficult to obtain a loan from banks unless it has property on which to secure the loan.
(ii) The intended use of the capital. If a company needs to purchase high value equipment or property, it would normally seek long-term capital such as loans or mortgage. If there is a lack of working capital, then short-term loans are ideal. E.g. overdraft and trade credit.
(iii) The risk associated with the source of capital. When companies take out loans, mortgage or debentures they run the risk of losing the property that has been secured against them. The loan companies need to be certain that if a company is unable to make its repayment, they will be able to sell the company property to get their money back.
Companies may choose share issues as a more secure source of finance as the company does not have to pay dividends to shareholders if it makes a loss.
(iv) The costs involved. Some sources of capital are expensive. For example, if a company buys a vehicle on hire purchase the total amount repair is much more than if they had secured a bank loan.
FORMS OF CAPITAL
Is the money or physical items invested in the business by the owners or shareholders.Capital is also regarded as the net worth of the business to the owner.
Is the money or physical items invested in the business by the owners or shareholders.Capital is also regarded as the net worth of the business to the owner.
i. Capital owned
This is an amount of money invested in the business by the owner. It may also include profit made by the owner .It is obtained by the following formula;
Total assets –Total liabilities=capital owned
NB; sometimes it is known as capital invested
ii. Working capital/Net current assets
This is the excess of current assets over current liabilities. It is obtained by taking
Working capital=total current assets-total current liabilities
NB; working capital also can be determined by ratio as follows;
iii. Borrowed capital.
Is a capital that is obtained from outside sources particularly from financial institutions normally it takes the form of long term liabilities. it is obtained taking
B.capital =Total long term liabilities.
NB; Sometimes it is known as loan capital.
iv.capital employed.
These are resources that have been invested in a business . It is obtained by
Capital employed= T.fixed assets + Working capital
v.liquid capital.
Is a type of capital which should be in the form of cash or items which easily converted into cash(money) like debtors, stocks ,prepaid expenses etc. It is obtained by the following;
Liquid capital=Total current Assets – stocks
NB; Liquid capital also can be determined interns of ratio as follows;
NOTE; Sometimes it is known as Acid test ratio’
THE CONCEPT OF PROFIT
Is the benefit which arises from the use of capital by someone or a firm when conducting business activities particularly in a certain period of time. Normally it is calculated by taking revenue or selling price the deduct by all expenses incurred or cost price.
OR
Is the benefit which arises from the use of capital by someone or a firm when conducting business activities particularly in a certain period of time. Normally it is calculated by taking revenue or selling price the deduct by all expenses incurred or cost price.
OR
Profit
This refers to the surplus of selling price over cost price. It is the money made by selling something for more than its costs to buy or make it. The profit of a business is calculated in two stages.
This refers to the surplus of selling price over cost price. It is the money made by selling something for more than its costs to buy or make it. The profit of a business is calculated in two stages.
(a)Gross profit. This is the surplus of selling price over cost price. It is calculated by subtracting the cost of sales from sales value.For example, if a business dealing in computers bought one at shs. 500,000 and sold it at shs. 1,000,000, the gross profit is shs. 500,000.(i.e 1,000,000 – 500,000 = 500,000).
(b) Net profit. This calculated by subtracting all business expenses from the gross profit.
THE CONCEPT OF MARGIN AND MARKUP.
Margin.This refers to the gross profit expressed as a percentage of selling price or turnover.
For example, suppose Alex bought goods worth shs. 1,000,000 and sold them for a total of shs. 1,300,000. His profit margin equals.
Margin.This refers to the gross profit expressed as a percentage of selling price or turnover.
For example, suppose Alex bought goods worth shs. 1,000,000 and sold them for a total of shs. 1,300,000. His profit margin equals.
Markup.It is gross profit expressed as a percentage of cost price.
For example, if Alex bought goods worth shs. 1,000,000 and sold them at 1,300,000, his /her mark up equals
Gross loss.
This is the excess of cost of sales over net sales. It happens when the cost of sales is bigger than the value of the sales.
This is the excess of cost of sales over net sales. It happens when the cost of sales is bigger than the value of the sales.
Net loss
This is the excess of expenses over gross profit. This is incurred by the business when the administration expenses are more than the gross profit.
This is the excess of expenses over gross profit. This is incurred by the business when the administration expenses are more than the gross profit.
Carriage inwards.
These refer to purchasing expenses e.g. the cost of transporting the purchased goods from the supplier to the business. This increases the expenses of purchases.
These refer to purchasing expenses e.g. the cost of transporting the purchased goods from the supplier to the business. This increases the expenses of purchases.
Carriage outwards.
This refers to a transport charge /expense incurred when transporting the sold goods to the buyer. It is a business expense.
This refers to a transport charge /expense incurred when transporting the sold goods to the buyer. It is a business expense.
Purchases.
Goods bought with an intention of re-selling them at a profit.
Goods bought with an intention of re-selling them at a profit.
Net purchases.
In a trading period, some goods already purchased and recorded in the books of the business may returned to the suppliers for various reasons, e.g. they may be damaged or of poor quality. Goods that are retained in the business for resale are termed as net purchased.
In a trading period, some goods already purchased and recorded in the books of the business may returned to the suppliers for various reasons, e.g. they may be damaged or of poor quality. Goods that are retained in the business for resale are termed as net purchased.
Total purchases – Return outwards = Net purchases.
Return outwards /Purchases returns. These are purchases that are turned to the suppliers.
Return inwards/sales return. These are goods which were sold but have been returned to the business by the customer. The goods may be poor quantity or may be damaged.
CONCEPT OF STOCK TURN OVER
Is the rate which shows the number of stocks sold (turn over) during a particular period ,generally a year. It is calculated by;
Cost of sales
Average stocks
Example
ABC LTD. Produce the following information as at 31st .12.2010
Sales………………………………………..12’500/=
Gross profit ……………………………..3’000/=
Stocks(1.1.2010.)……………………..2’000/=
( 30th.June.) …………………..600/=
( 30th.December)……………800/=
Required; calculate the rate of stock turn over
Cost of sales = sales – gross profit
=12’000 – 3000
=9000
Average stocks =2000+ 600+800/3
=1133
=90000/1133 = 7.94
=8times
WAYS OF IMPROVING TURNOVER AND PROFITS.
Ways in which turnover can be increased include the following;
- Increase the use of advertising and sales promotions to increase sales as well as profits.
- Reducing prices of goods and services to increase demand for goods and services.
- Improving credit terms. This may encourage customers to buy possibly in bulk thus raising sales turnover and possibly profits.
- Reducing costs of supplies and expenses. This may raise gross profit as well as net profit because the sales prices will be maintained at their original level.
- Offering a wider range of products or services. This may attract more customers and thus increasing sales.
- Expanding business operations. Companies may choose to open additional branch or retail outlet to serve more customers or increase production of a particular product.
- Improvement in the methods of salesmanship.
THE CONCEPT OF COSTS
This refers to the amount of money paid by the firm in order to secure output.
TYPES OF COASTS
(a)Fixed costs.
These are costs which are incurred by the business but whose value does not change with output, they are unavoidable. They include office rent, insurance premiums, salaries of top management etc.
These are costs which are incurred by the business but whose value does not change with output, they are unavoidable. They include office rent, insurance premiums, salaries of top management etc.
(b)Variable costs.
These are costs that change in relation to output e.g. raw materials, piece rate wags etc.
These are costs that change in relation to output e.g. raw materials, piece rate wags etc.
(c)Implicit costs.
These are costs which are not planned for.ie costs which are not be recognized when calculating profits of the business.eg family labour.
These are costs which are not planned for.ie costs which are not be recognized when calculating profits of the business.eg family labour.
(d)Explicit costs,
These are planned for costs and are included in the budget of the business. E.g. Wages, Rent, Transport, Advertising.
These are planned for costs and are included in the budget of the business. E.g. Wages, Rent, Transport, Advertising.
(e) Average costs.
This is the cost which incurred for producing one unit of output.Sometimes is called cost per unit.
This is the cost which incurred for producing one unit of output.Sometimes is called cost per unit.
Where, AC = Average cost
TC = Total cost.
Q = Quantity/Output.
(f) Marginal cost.
This is the additional in total cost incurred for producing extra unit of output.
This is the additional in total cost incurred for producing extra unit of output.
Where, MC = Marginal cost
= Change in total cost
= Change in Quantity/ output.
(g) Total cost.
This is the total amount of money used in production process. The total cost comprise fixed costs and variable costs.
(h) Cost of sales/Cost of goods sold.This refers to the purchase price of the goods that have already been sold. It represents the cost of items disposed of or sold. It help in the calculation of the gross
profit.
profit.
Turnover
This refers to net sales of the business in a given trading period.
BREAK EVEN ANALYSIS
Break even analysis is a point or situation where a firm generates neither profit nor loss.
In such case a firm is only capable to cover fixed and variable cost. Break even analysis based on the fact that
Selling price = variable cost + fixed cost
TERMS USED IN DETERMINING BREAK EVEN;
- Contribution margin
Is the difference between selling price and variable cost.
CM = S.P – V.C
2. Break even point ( unit) BEP (BEP(U))
2. Break even point ( unit) BEP (BEP(U))
It is expressed as total fixed cost divide by contribution margin
BEP(u) = TFC/CM
iii.B.E.P(V) = TFC/C.M X S.P(U)
3. Profit volume ratio(PVR) this is the ratio measures in how much sales the firm incur profit
PVR = ∆Profit/∆sales
Or
PVR = FC + Profit/Sales x 100
Or
PVR = CM(V)/Sales(u ) X 100
BREAK EVEN CHART
This is the diagram which shows sales revenue plotted against total cost. This is occurs where plotted against total cost. This occurs where the sales line intersect the total costline.
Margin of safety
This is the distance between break even point and the expected level of activity. It depicts amount by which actual activity can fall short of expected activity before a loss is incurred.
Or
Is a measure of risk to the left of break even point from the profit zone
Example
A certain organization provides to you a certain information concerning to production of toys;
Fixed cost……………………………………………….10’000/=
Variable cost………………………………………………….4/=per toy
Selling price……………………………………………….6.50/= per toy
Production batches were 1000 toys to 9000 toys.
Required (a)calculate BEP in terms of number of toys and sales volume
(b)Draw break even chart
Solution;
( a) B.E.P in terms of number of toys = Total Fixed cost/C contribution margin
Whereby; contribution margin = selling price – variable cost
= 6.50 – 4
=2.8
B.E.P = 10’000/2.50 = 4000
B.E.P in terms of number of toys = 4000 toys
OTHER TERMS AND FORMULAE USED IN BUSINESS CALCULATIONS
- Solvency
Is a situation that happens when business has more assets than liabilities, which is a capable to meet its debts from all sources.
- Insolvency
Is a situation that happens when a business has more liabilities than assets, which is not capable to meet its debts from all source
- Bankrupt
This happen when a business cease (stop) to function , sell its assets and distribute the proceeds among creditors in the ratio of their debts
- Over-trading
It happens when the business has no working capital.
Assets, these are items of value that belong to the business at a given period of time. There are two forms of assets; fixed assets and Current assets.
Fixed assets; are items of valuable that are acquired for the use in business. E.g. land, buildings, furniture and motor vehicles, machinery and equipment of all types such as tools, computers and photocopiers. They are durable in nature.
Current assets; are items of value in the business that can be turned into cash within a short period of time; they don’t last long in the business. They are also referred to as liquid assets. They include stock of goods, debtors, and cash in hand and pre paid expenses such as rent, water and electricity.
-Liabilities
Liabilities refer to anything a trader or business owes to someone. Liabilities are business obligations that have to be settled. The person/party whom a debt is owed is called a creditor. For example when a person purchased goods from XYZ coy ltd on credit, the XYZ coy ltd is a creditor and that person who bought the vehicle is a debtor to XYZ coy ltd.
There are two types of liabilities; Long-term liabilities and current or short-term liabilities.
-Long term liabilities; Are business debts which are payable within a period long than one year.
-Current or short-term liabilities; Are debts which are payable within a period of one year.
–Sales. The total value of goods sold during the trading period. This may also be known as Revenue.
-Stock. These are the unsold items in the business at a particular time. Stock comprises two categories opening stock and closed stock.
Opening stock. Is the unsold goods in business at the beginning of a new trading period.
Closing stock. Refers to unsold goods that remain at the end of the trading period.
-Expenses/ Costs. These are costs incurred in the process of running the business. These costs make the business to run efficiently and be successful. Costs include salaries and wages, postage and telephone, transport, taxes, advertising, rent, repairs depreciation and others.
