RAISING OF FINANCE AND PROJECT FINANCING

 

                                                                                   

RAISING OF FINANCE

 

Finance for a Project in India can be raised by way of

 

(A)       Share Capital

(B)       Long‑term borrowings

(C)       Short‑term borrowings

 

Both share capital and long‑term borrowings are used to finance fixed assets plus the margin money required to obtain bank borrowings for working capital. Working capital is financed mainly from bank borrowings and from unsecured loans and deposits.

 

Share Capital consists of two broad categories of capital namely equity and preference. Equity shares have a fixed par value and can be issued at par or at a premium on the par value. Shares cannot normally be issued at a discount. However, in exceptional circumstances issue of shares at a discount is permitted provided (a) the shares are of a class already existing, (b) the discount is authorised by the shareholders, and (c) the issue .is sanctioned by the Central Government. Normally the Central Government will not sanction a discount exceeding 10%.

 

The corporates are now allowed to raise resources for expansion plans. by issuing equity shares with differential voting rights. The main advantages of such category of shares are :

1.         Equity can be raised without diluting stake of the promoters.

2.         Companies can reduce gearing‑ratios.

3.         The risk of hostile‑takeovers is reduced to a considerable extent.

4.         The passing of yield in the form of high dividends to the investors can be ensured

 

The following are the general disadvantages

 

1.         The cost of servicing equity capital will increase.

2.         Poor corporate governance may be encouraged.

3.         If issued at discount, they may raise the equity burden.

 

Preference shares carry a fixed rate of dividend (which can be cumulative). These shares carry a preferential right to be paid on winding up of the company. Preference shares can be made convertible into equity shares. Issue of preference is not a popular form of capital issue.

 

The issue of capital by companies is governed by guidelines issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the listing requirements of the stock exchanges.

 

Apart, from equity, there can also be various forms of pseudo equity. The most common forms are fully or partly convertible debentures and debentures, issued with warrants entitling the holder to subscribe for equity. There can also be an issue of non‑convertible debentures.

 

Term finance is mainly provided by the various All India Development Banks (IDBI, IFCI, SIDBI, IIBI etc.), specialised financial institutions (RCTC, TDICI, TFCI) and investment institutions (LIC, UTI and GIC). In addition,  term finance is also provided by the State financial corporations, the State industrial development corporations and commercial banks. Debt instruments issued by companies are also subscribed for by mutual funds and financing activities are also done by finance companies.

 

           Term Lending Institutions

 

Term lending institutions may be categorised on the basis of their area of operations as under:

 All India financial institutions consisting of.

§        Industrial Development Bank of India (IDB1) ( proposed  to be converted into a Commercial Bank).

§        Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI).

§        EXIM Bank

§        National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

§        Industrial Investment Bank of India (HBI).

§        Tourism Finance Corporation of India (TFCI).

§        Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC).

§        Commercial Banks.

§        Risk Capital & Technology Finance Corporation Ltd.

§        Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).

§        Life Insurance Corporation (LIC)

§        General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC) and its four subsidiaries

§        Unit Trust of India

§        Power Finance Corporation Ltd.

§        National Housing Bank

§        Rural Electrification Corporation Ltd.

§        Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation

§        Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDC0)

§        Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA).

 

The institutions like LIC & GIC may not be very much associated with the project appraisal but lend their funds in consortium with other all India financial institutions.

State level financial institutions consisting of :

·                            State Financial Corporations (SFCs).

·                            State Industrial Development Corporations (SIDCs).

·                            Regional Rural Banks & Co‑operative Banks.

 

State level institutions confine their activities within the concerned States and generally extend financial accommodation to small and medium scale sectors.

 

Non Fund Facilities

 

The role of the financial and banking institutions is not merely confined to lending of funds. They render non fund based facilities as well like opening of letters of credit, issue of bank guarantees, etc. Besides, there are private investment companies involved in direct and indirect financing of the projects and also extending lease financing.

 

PROJECT FINANCING

 

Before implementing a new project or undertaking expansion, diversification, modernisation or rehabilitation scheme ascertaining the cost of project and the means of finance is one of the most important considerations. For this purpose the Company has to prepare a feasibility study covering various aspects of a project including its cost and means of finance. It enables the Company to anticipate the problems likely to be encountered in the execution of the project and places it in a better position to respond to all the queries that may be raised by the financial institutions and others concerned with the project.

 

Cost of project

 

It constitutes a crucial step in project planning. The aggregate cost indicates the quantum of funds needed for bringing the project into existence. Therefore, cost of project should be fixed with great care and caution. It forms the basis on which the ‘Means of Finance' is worked out. The calculation of the promoter's contribution is also done on the basis of the cost of project. Hence, all items which are necessary for the project should be included at this stage itself. The omission ' if subsequently detected, would have to be financed by the promoters themselves. Although, request can be made to the financial institution for additional assistance, but it would result in delaying of the suction leading to time and cost overruns. Besides, it would also affect the credibility of the promoters.

 

The evaluation of plant and machinery should also be made with extreme care and caution as there is a possibility of some items of plant and machinery being not included and it is at the time of implementation of the project that the lapse is detected and the promoter is forced to finance the omitted items from his own resources.

 

Practically speaking, there is always a difference between the actual cost and original estimated cost. Leaving aside exceptional cases, the difference in the actual cost and the original assessed cost may be +5 per cent. If it is so h can be taken for granted that the original exercise was done with due care. In a small project say of the order of Rs. 1 crore. or so this difference can be adjusted deferring certain expenses of the project which am not necessary prior to the commencement of commercial production. Yet in the larger sized projects say of Rs. 10 crores or more, a difference of 5‑10 per cent becomes significant so far as the absolute quantum of funds ' is concerned. This necessarily leads to the possibility of overruns in the project right from the beginning. Therefore it is, imperative to arrive at realistic figure of the cost of project.

 

Time schedule for implementation & the project is equally important as h has direct bearing on the cost of project. Longer the time schedule higher will be the cost. Hence, every effort should be made to reduce the period of implementation to the maximum possible extent. In this direction use m be made of control charts like bar charts, PERT and CPM techniques. It should be remembered every delay has a cog and this will result in increase in the cost of project, which in turn will affect the profitability of the project.

 

It is also important to quote realistic price of different fixed/movable assets. The financial institutions are very well versed in assessing the cost of any project. Hence, promoters should avoid over quoting or under quoting while, fixing the, cost of project.

 

            The cost of project will usually comprise of the following items:

 

(i)         Land and site development

(ii)             Factory building

(iii)           Plant and machinery.

(iv)            Escalation and contingencies

(v)             Other fixed assets or miscellaneous fixed assets.

(vi)            Technical know‑how

(vii)          Interest during construction.

(viii)        Preliminary and pre‑operative expenses.

(ix)            Margin money for working capital.

 

Means of Finance

 

Having established the total cost of project, promoters should work out the means of finance which will‑enable timely implementation of the project. Finance will ' be available from several sources and it is for the promoters to select the most suitable sources after taking into account all the relevant factors.

 

Financial Structure

 

The financial structure refers to the sources from which .the funds for meeting the project cost can be obtained, as also the quantum which each source will contribute towards the project cost. For this purpose it would be advisable to keep in view the following aspects.

 

(i)               The structure should be simple to operate in practice.

(ii)             The plan should have a practical bias and should serve as a working  guideline for all project forecasts.

(iii)           While deciding the structure, the environmental constraints should be kept in view. For example, the conditions prevailing in the capital market, future prospects for earnings, term‑lending institutional rules and policies in operation, government guidelines, etc.

(iv)            The financial structure should have an in‑built flexibility which can take care of circumstances not envisaged initially. This is because, howsoever well devised a plan way be, the overruns, changes in the project cost and term lending institutions suggestions way necessitate a change in the financial plan originally envisaged. The promoters should ' therefore, prepare a number of alternative models on the basis of different presumptions.

(v)             The financial structure should be such as to make optimum use of all available resources. As use of every resource involves costs, it is imperative that the resources are put to me in the most efficient manner.

(vi)            The availability of funds and the period, required for raising them are important while determining the financial structure.

 

Preparation of Financial Plan

 

In order to work out the capital structure it is necessary to prepare a financial plan. The methodology to be followed in working out a financial plan requires consideration, of the following important factors

 

(1)         Debt Equity gearing

(2)         Owned funds
(3)         Cost of capital

(4)               Availability of finance from various sources.

 

(i)         Debit: Equity gearing The finance required for meeting the cost of projects, can be divided into two categories namely, (i) owned funds i.e. capital.; and (ii) borrowed funds i.e. loans. capital usually called 'equity', consist of equity and preference share capital as well as retained earnings i.e. reserves. Borrowed capital also called 'debt', consist of term loans, deterred payments, debentures, deposits from the public, etc. The mutual relationship between debt and equity is of` greater importance while deciding about the funding of a project.

(ii)        Owned Funds ‑ Owned funds mainly comprise of equity and preference capital. However, equity capital plays much significant role and forms the, major chunk of owned funds. As the equity capital bears no fixed obligation of return, it is considered to be 'high risk bearing capital'. Dividend on such capital is payable only if the company makes sufficient profits and has adequate disposable funds. While preference capital as is known, carries a fixed return and may be cumulative or non‑cumulative, in character, preference shareholders cannot expect to reap fruits of success of the company while on the other band they may be affected by the bad performance of the company.

 

Compared to equity, the borrowings we usually fixed income bearing. Whether it is term loan or debentures, secured/unsecured – convertible/nonconvertible, they carry a fixed obligation for the company.

 

Therefore, it 375 important for the company/promoters to work out various combinations of debt‑equity for a given cost of project. Although, theoretically to alternatives may be infinite there are certain institutional norms which have to be reckoned while arriving at a proper or optimum debt‑equity gearing. These norms are given in Chapter 3.

 

(iii)       Cost of capital It includes all types of funds procured/to be procured by a company to meet the cost of project and it includes equity and preference capital, debentures, term loans, deposits, borrowings and retained earnings. It depends upon several factors particularly the availability of finance. For obtaining he desired amount of capital the company has to compensate the supplier by tying dividend or interest, depending upon the nature of capital, i.e., owned funds or borrowings. Hence, the cost of capital is charged periodically, payable D the suppliers in the form of dividend or interest for hiring the capital. Normally, every project has to be funded out of owned funds and borrowings. It will be extremely rare to find projects that are totally self‑financed or wholly financed out of borrowed funds. Hence, usually every project will have a mix f owned funds and borrowings; therefore, the important question that arises in this context is what should be the proportion of owned funds and borrowings. It has to be the endeavour of the project planners to work out the most beneficial structure of capital for the company that is cost effective and at the same time meets with the requirements of financial institutions.

 

Therefore, it is necessary that an exercise is conducted to ascertain the cost t different types of capital. It is fairly easy to calculate the cost of loans/ debentures. However, a comparative analysis will have to be done between different types of borrowings available to know the cost and advantages/disadvantages of each type of borrowing. Another comparison will have to be done between the cost of owned funds vis‑a‑vis borrowed funds. In this context it may be stated that ordinarily, the cost of equity is higher than the cost of the borrowed funds. The major reason being that the cost of borrowed funds, i.e., interest is treated as a charge on the profits of the company, while on the other hand cost of equity capital i.e., dividend is paid out of the post‑tax profits of the company. The difference in treatment is due to the prevailing income‑tax policy of the Government.

 

Thus the share of equity capital as one of the sources of financing the capital cost of any project has to be determined at the project finalisation stage, itself. While determining this share‑of equity in the financing pattern, the following three important factors have to be considered.

 

(i)Debt equity ratio: Debt equity ratio is one of the most important parameters on which reliance is placed by the financial institutions while sanctioning loans for various projects. The effect of the D: E ratio on the means of finance is that lower the D:E ratio, higher is the requirement of equity contribution of the promoter and conversely, higher the D:E ratio lower is the requirement of equity contribution.

 

For details refer to Chapter 3

 

(ii)Promoters' contributionAs stated earlier the debt equity ratio determines the amount of equity or the capital to be arranged directly or indirectly by the promoters of the project. The entire amount may be contributed either by the promoters and their families or part of the contribution may come from relatives and friends. The financial institutions may also permit the promoters to introduce part of the contribution by way of interest free unsecured loans.

 

For details refer to Chapter 3

 

(iii)Stock Exchange guidelines: In case of listed companies or those intending to be listed, they have to follow the guidelines issued by the Stock Exchange Division of the Government of India from time to time. According to these guidelines certain minimum equity has to be offered to the members of the public so that the equity shares could be listed on the Stock Exchanges.

 

Sources of Finance

 

For every category, of capital there is a distinct source of supply in the market. Therefore, it is necessary for the promoters to identify these sources so that they can be approached for finance at the appropriate time. A project will require two types of funds: ‑ one, to finance purchase of immovable assets such as land, buildings, plant and machinery, etc., and two, for carrying on day‑do‑day operations  i.e working capital funds.

 

Major Funds of Long‑ Term Finance

 

           The major forms of long‑term finance available are:-

 

(a) Rupee Term Loans  -           Mainly Development Banks,

                                                            Financial Institutions and

Investment Institutions. Also state

            level institutions and banks.

(b) Foreign Currency                 -           Commercial Banks, Development

                 Term Loan                                      Banks and Financial Institutions

(c) Asset Credit/Hire                 -           Development Banks, Financial

     Purchase/Leasing                             Institutions and Finance                      

                                                            Companies      

(d) Suppliers' Credit                  -           Banks and Suppliers

                 (Foreign Currency)

(c) Suppliers’ Credit                  -           Banks in conjunction with

     (Local through bill                           Developments Banks and

      discounting)                                   Financial Institutions

(f) Non‑convertible                   -           Development Banks, Financial

     debentures                                       Institutions, Investment

                                                            Institutions and Mutual Funds

(g) Euro Issues/External            -           Foreign Sources

                                                                        Commercial Borrowing

 

 

Sources of Working Capital Finance

 

The sources of working capital finance are mainly the following:

 

§        Bank Finance

§        Commercial Paper

§        Fixed Deposits

§        Inter‑corporate Deposits

 

The level and terms of bank finance and commercial papers are governed by the current directives of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

 

The terms on which a company can collect fixed deposits from the public are governed in the case of finance companies by RBI and in case of non-finance companies by the Companies Act.

 

Inter‑corporate deposits are outside the purview of the regulations governing acceptance of deposits. As per new Section 372A, inserted vide Companies (Amendment) Ordinance, 1999 w.e.f 31st Oct. 1998, the depositing company is subject to the limit that the aggregate value of its loan, guarantee security and investment with other bodies corporate cannot exceed 60% of its paid‑up capital and free reserves or 100% of its free reserves whichever is more. Further, in respect of rate of interest, no loan shall be made at a rate of interest lower than the prevailing bank rate of interest.

 

Sources for Financing Fixed Assets

 

The type of funds required for acquiring fixed assets have to be of longer duration and these would normally comprise of borrowed funds and own funds. There are several types of long‑term loans and credit. facilities available which a company may utilise to acquire the desired fixed assets. These are briefly explained as under. Details are given in respective Chapters.

 

(1)        Term Loan :-

 

(1) Rupee loan.‑Rupee loan is available from financial institutions and banks for setting up new projects as, well as for expansion, modernisation or rehabilitation of existing units. The rupee term loan can be utilised for incurring expenditure in rupees for purchase of land, building, plant and machinery, electric fittings, etc.

 

The duration of such loan varies from 5 to 10 years including a moratorium of up to a period of 3 years. Projects costing up to Rs. 500 lakhs are eligible for refinance from all India financial institutions and are financed by the State level financial institutions in participation with commercial banks.

 

Projects with a cost of over Rs. 500 lakhs are considered for financing by all India financial institutions. They entertain applications for foreign currency loan assistance for smaller amounts also irrespective of whether the machinery to be financed is being procured by way of balancing equipment, modernisation or as a composite part of a new project.

 

For the convenience of entrepreneurs, the financial institutions have devised a standard application form. All projects whether in the nature of new', expansion, diversification, modernisation or rehabilitation with a capital cost upto 5 crores can be financed by the financial institution either on its own or in participation‑with State level financial institutions and banks.

 

For details refer to Chapter 3 & 4

 

(b) Foreign Currency term loan. ‑ Assistance in the nature of foreign currency loan is available for incurring foreign currency expenditure towards import of plant and machinery, for payment of remuneration and expenses in foreign currency to foreign technicians for obtaining technical know‑how.

 

Foreign currency loans are sanctioned by term lending institutions and commercial banks under the various lines of credits already procured by them from the international markets. The liability of the borrower under the foreign currency loan remains in the foreign currency in which the borrowing has been made. The currency allocation is made by the lending financial institution on the basis of the available lines of credit and the time duration within which the entire line of credit has to be, fully utilised.

 

For details refer to Chapter 10

 

(2)        Deferred payment guarantee (DPG) ‑ Assistance in the nature of Deferred Payment Guarantee is available for purchase of indigenous as well as imported plant and, machinery. Under this scheme guarantee is given by concerned bank/financial institutions about repayment of the principal along with interest and deferred instalments. This is a very important type of assistance particularly useful for existing profit‑making companies who can acquire additional plant and machinery without much loss of time. Even the banks and financial institutions grant assistance under Deferred Payment Guarantee more easily than term loan as there is no immediate outflow of cash.

 

(3)        Soft loan. This is available under special scheme operated through all‑India financial institutions. Under this scheme assistance is granted for modernisation and rehabilitation of industrial units. The loans are extended at a lower rate of interest and assistance is also provided in respect of promoters contribution, debt‑equity ratio, repayment period as well as initial moratorium.

 

(4)        Supplier's line of credit ‑Under this scheme non‑revolving line of credit is extended to the seller to be utilised within a stipulated period. Assistance is provided to manufacturers for promoting sale of their industrial equipments on deferred payment basis. While on the other hand this credit facility can be availed of by actual users for purchase of plant/equipment for replacement or modernisation schemes only.

 

(5)        Debentures.Long‑term funds can also be raised through debenture with the objective of financing new undertakings, expansion, diversification and also for augmenting the long‑term resources of the company for working capital requirements.

 

(6)        Leasing.‑ Leasing is a general contract between the owner and user of the assets over a specified period of time. The asset is purchased initially by the lessor (leasing company) and thereafter leased to the user (lessee company) which pays a specified rent at periodical intervals. The ownership of the asset lies with the lessor while the lessee only acquires possession and right to use the assets subject to the agreement. Thus, leasing is an alternative to the purchase of an asset out of own or borrowed funds. Moreover, lease finance can be arranged much faster as compared to term loans from financial institutions. For details refer to Chapter 18.

 

(7)        Public deposits ‑ Deposits from public is a valuable source of finance particularly for well established large companies with a huge capital base. As the amount of deposits that can he accepted by a company is restricted to 25 per cent of the paid up share capital and free reserves, smaller companies find this source less attractive. Moreover, the period of deposits is restricted to a maximum of 3 years at a time. Consequently, this source can provide finance only for short to medium term, which could be more useful for meeting working capital requirements. In other words, public deposits as a source of finance cannot be utilised for project financing or for buying capital goods unless the pay back period is very short or the company uses it as a means of bridge finance to be replaced by a regular term loan.

 

Before accepting deposits a company has to comply with the requirements of section 58A of the Companies Act, 1956 and Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 1975 that lay down the various conditions applicable in this regard.

 

Own Fund

 

(1)        Equity :‑ Promoters of a project have to involve themselves in the financing of the project by providing adequate equity base. From the bankers/financial institutions' point of view the level of equity proposed by the promoters is an important indicator about the seriousness and capacity of the promoters.

 

Moreover, the amount of equity that ought to be subscribed by the promoters will also depend upon the debt: equity norms, stock exchange regulations and the level of investment, which will be adequate to ensure control of the company.

 

The total equity amount may be either contributed by the promoters themselves or they may partly raise the equity from the public. So far as the promoters stake in the equity is concerned, it may be raised from the directors, their relatives and friends. Equity may also be raised from associate companies in the group who have surplus funds available with them. Besides, equity participation may be obtained from State financial corporation/industrial development corporations.

 

Another important source for equity could be the foreign collaborations. Of course, the participation of foreign collaborators will depend upon the terms of collaboration agreement and the investment would be subject to approval from Government and Reserve Bank of India. Normally, the Government has been granting approvals for equity investment by foreign collaborators as per the prevailing policy. The equity participation by foreign collaborators may be by way of direct payment in foreign currency or supply of technical know‑how/ plant and machinery.

 

Amongst the various participants in the equity, the most important group would be the general investing public. The existence of giant corporations would impossible but for the investment by small shareholders. In fact, it would be mo exaggeration to say that the real foundation of the corporate sector are the small shareholders who contribute the bulk of equity funds. The equity capital raised from the public will depend upon several factors viz. prevailing market conditions, investors' psychology, promoters track record, nature of industry, government policy, listing requirements, etc.

 

The promoters will have to undertake an exercise to ascertain the maximum amount that may have to be raised by way of equity from the public after asking into account the investment in equity by the promoters, their associates and from various sources mentioned earlier. Besides, some equity may also be possible through private placement. Hence, only the remaining gap will have to filled by making an issue to the public.

 

(2)        Preference share:Though preference shares constitute an independent source of finance, unfortunately, over the years preference shares have lost the ground to equity and as a result today preference shares enjoy limited patronage. Due to fixed dividend, no voting rights except under certain circumstances and lack of participation in the profitability of the company, fewer shareholders are interested to invest moneys in preference shares. However, section of the investors who prefer low risks‑fixed income securities do invest in preference shares. Nevertheless, as a source of finance it is of limited import and much reliance cannot be placed on it.

 

Compliance with Different Laws & Regulations

 

In this context it would be pertinent to note that while initiating the process for making a public issue of equity /preference shares, the promoters will have to comply with the requirements of different laws and regulations including Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, Companies Act, 1956 and SEBI guide-lines etc., and various rules, administrative guidelines, circulars, notifications and clarifications issued there under by the concerned authorities from time to time.

 

(3)        Retained earnings :‑Plough back of profits or generated surplus constitutes one of the major sources of finance. However, this source is available only to existing successful companies with good internal generation. The quantum and availability of retained earnings depends upon several factors including the market conditions, dividend distribution policy of the company, profitability, Government policy, etc. Hence, retained earnings as a source plays an important role in expansion, diversification or modernisation of an existing successful company. There are several companies who believe in financing growth through internal generation as this enables them to further consolidate their financial position. In fact, retained earnings play a much greater role in the financing of working capital requirements.

 

Seed Capital

 

In consonance with the Government policy which encourages a new class of entrepreneurs and also intends wider dispersal of ownership and control of manufacturing units, a special scheme to supplement the resource & of an entrepreneur has been introduced by the Government. Assistance under this scheme is available in the nature of seed capital  which is normally given by way of long term interest free loan. Seed capital assistance is provided to small as well as medium scale units promoted by eligible entrepreneurs.

 

Government subsidies

 

Subsidies extended by the Central as well as State Government form a very important type of funds available to a company for implementing its project. Subsidies may be available in the nature of outright cash grant or long‑term interest free loan. In fact, while finalising the mean of finance, Government subsidy forms an important source having a vital bearing on the implementation of many a project.

 

Objective of this Book

 

The objective of this, Book is to provide every information on loan schemes and facilities available from financial and banking institutions, procedure and precautions to be taken while making loan applications, charging of securities and execution of documents and agreements for this purpose.