Solution
Option 1 -> Trading on Equity means using borrowed funds (debt) to increase returns to equity shareholders when ROI exceeds interest cost. ABC Ltd. with higher debt (3:1) can magnify shareholder returns more than XYZ Ltd.
Option 2 -> Low Risk is incorrect because higher debt actually increases financial risk due to fixed interest obligations and potential insolvency risk, not reduces it.
Option 3 -> Trading on Debt is not a recognized financial concept. The correct terminology for using debt to enhance equity returns is "Trading on Equity."
Option 4 -> Greater flexibility is incorrect because higher debt reduces financial flexibility due to fixed payment obligations, restrictive covenants, and limited capacity for additional borrowing.
Hence, Option 1: Trading on Equity -> When interest rates are lower than return on investment, ABC Ltd. can leverage its higher debt (3:1 ratio) to generate surplus returns that accrue to equity shareholders. The company earns more on borrowed funds than it pays in interest, and this difference magnifies equity returns - a phenomenon called Trading on Equity or Financial Leverage. With 3 times more debt than XYZ Ltd., ABC Ltd. can exploit this advantage more effectively. -> correct
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Question 41
Question 44