2 questions from the UPSC 2025 examination.
2 questions
What is Money Market? Elaborate its key functions in the financial system. Include specific examples of widely used money market instruments and the institutions that deal in them. <!--qid:MAINS_2025_Management-I_Q8-->
ABC Technologies, a company producing high-tech components, is considering a significant expansion of its production capacity. This expansion will involve substantial fixed costs in new machinery and equipment, and they are also considering increasing their debt financing. The following information is available: Current Situation: Fixed Operating Costs – ₹ 20,00,000·00 Variable Operating Costs per unit – ₹ 50·00 Selling Price per unit – ₹ 150·00 Current Production and Sales – 50,000 units Current Interest Expense – ₹ 10,00,000·00 Expansion Plan: Increased Fixed Operating Costs – ₹ 35,00,000·00 Increased Interest Expense – ₹ 18,00,000·00 Expected increase in Production and Sales – 20,000 units Calculate the current and projected Degree of Operating Leverage (DOL), Degree of Financial Leverage (DFL) and Degree of Combined Leverage (DCL). [4M] Analyse the impact of the expansion plan of ABC Technologies on operating and financial risk. Discuss the trade-offs involved. [4M] Evaluate the sensitivity of the company’s Earnings Per Share (EPS) to change in sales volume, considering both the current and projected leverage levels. [4M] Discuss the factors that ABC Technologies should consider when determining the optimal level of financial and operating leverage, especially in the context of high-tech industry’s volatility. [4M] Given that ABC Technologies is considering alternative financing options, such as issuing equity instead of increasing debt, explain how this decision would impact the company’s financial leverage and overall risk profile. [4M] <!--qid:MAINS_2025_Management-I_Q7-->