CBSE Class 11 Business Studies Chapter-8 Important Questions - Free PDF Download
FAQs on Important Questions for CBSE Class 11 Business Studies Chapter 8 - Sources of Business Finance
1. Which source of finance is called 'risk capital' and why is it considered a frequently asked question in Class 11 exams?
Equity share capital is known as 'risk capital'. This is a highly important concept for exams because equity shareholders are the primary risk-bearers in a company. They receive payment only after all other claims (like those of debenture holders and creditors) are settled during liquidation, and their dividends are not fixed, depending entirely on the company's profitability.
2. What is meant by 'ploughing back of profits' and how is this concept typically tested in the CBSE 2025-26 exam pattern?
Ploughing back of profits, also known as retained earnings or self-financing, refers to the process of reinvesting a company's net profits back into the business instead of distributing them as dividends to shareholders. In exams, this is often a 1-mark direct question or part of a 3-mark question asking for its merits, such as it being a source of funds with no explicit cost and no dilution of control.
3. Differentiate between Shares and Debentures. (Expected 3-mark Question)
The key differences between shares and debentures are:
- Ownership vs. Loan: A share represents ownership capital, making the shareholder an owner of the company. A debenture represents borrowed capital, making the debenture holder a creditor of the company.
- Return: Shareholders receive a dividend, which is an appropriation of profit and is not fixed. Debenture holders receive interest, which is a charge against profit and is paid at a fixed rate, regardless of whether the company makes a profit.
- Repayment: Share capital is generally not repaid during the company's lifetime (except in a buy-back), whereas debentures are issued for a specific period and repaid on maturity.
4. What are the preferential rights enjoyed by preference shareholders as per the Class 11 Business Studies syllabus?
Preference shareholders enjoy two primary preferential rights over equity shareholders, a concept frequently tested in exams:
- Right to receive a fixed rate of dividend before any dividend is paid to the equity shareholders.
- Right to receive their capital back before the equity shareholders in the event of the company's liquidation.
5. Explain 'Factoring' as a source of short-term finance and list two of its important merits.
Factoring is a financial service where a business sells its accounts receivable (invoices) to a third party, known as a factor, at a discount. The factor then collects the debt from the customers. Two important merits are:
- Immediate Cash Flow: It provides quick access to cash tied up in credit sales, improving liquidity.
- Reduced Administrative Burden: The business is relieved from the task of collecting debts, saving time and administrative costs. In non-recourse factoring, it also protects the business from bad debt risk.
6. State any three important limitations of raising funds through Equity Shares.
Three significant limitations of equity share capital, often asked in CBSE exams, are:
- Dilution of Control: Issuing new equity shares to the public reduces the ownership stake and voting power of existing shareholders.
- Higher Cost: The cost of issuing equity shares (flotation costs like underwriting fees, brokerage) is generally higher than that of other sources.
- Risk of Over-capitalisation: Since equity capital is not refundable, it can lead to over-capitalisation if the funds are not used productively.
7. Compare Global Depository Receipts (GDR) and American Depository Receipts (ADR) as sources of international finance.
GDR and ADR are both instruments for raising funds from foreign markets, but a key distinction frequently asked in exams is:
- Market: ADRs can only be issued to citizens of the USA and can be listed and traded only on US stock exchanges.
- Scope: GDRs are a more general instrument that can be issued in any country other than the USA and are traded on international stock exchanges like those in London or Luxembourg.
Essentially, an ADR is a specific type of GDR for the American market.
8. What factors should a business consider before selecting a source of finance? (HOTS)
This is a crucial higher-order thinking question. A business must evaluate several factors:
- Cost: The cost of procuring funds (e.g., interest on debt) and the cost of utilising them (flotation costs).
- Financial Risk: The ability of the company's cash flow to cover fixed payments like interest. Debt is riskier than equity in this regard.
- Control: The willingness of existing owners to dilute their control. Issuing equity shares dilutes control, while debt does not.
- Time Period: The duration for which funds are required. Long-term needs are met by shares and debentures, while short-term needs are met by trade credit or commercial paper.
- Tax Benefits: Interest paid on debentures and loans is a tax-deductible expense, which lowers the effective cost of debt.
9. How do you approach a case study question from Chapter 8 in the Class 11 Business Studies exam?
To effectively answer a case study on 'Sources of Business Finance', follow these steps:
- Identify the Need: First, determine the company's financial requirement from the case — is it for long-term expansion, short-term working capital, or international operations?
- Analyse Company's Position: Note key details like whether the company is new or established, its profitability, and its existing capital structure (e.g., high debt or large reserves).
- Quote the Line: Identify and quote the specific line from the case study that supports your choice of financial source.
- Justify Your Choice: Clearly state the recommended source of finance (e.g., retained earnings, debentures, public deposits) and provide strong reasons based on its merits and suitability to the case. For example, if the case mentions large reserves, recommend 'retained earnings' and state its benefits like no cost and no dilution of control.
10. For a new e-commerce startup, which sources of finance are generally most suitable and why?
A new e-commerce startup typically relies on the following sources:
- Owner's Funds (Bootstrapping): Initially, founders use their own savings as it involves complete control and no external liabilities.
- Venture Capital: As the business shows potential for high growth, it can seek funding from venture capital firms. These firms provide funds in exchange for equity and offer valuable mentorship and industry connections.
- Angel Investors: These are wealthy individuals who invest their personal funds in startups in exchange for equity. They often invest at a very early stage.
Bank loans and debentures are generally less suitable for new startups because they lack a proven track record of profitability and the assets to offer as security.
11. Why might a highly profitable company with large cash reserves still choose to raise funds through debentures?
This is a strategic decision often explored in application-based questions. A profitable company might issue debentures for several reasons:
- Tax Savings: The interest paid on debentures is a tax-deductible expense. This reduces the company's taxable income, lowering the overall tax liability and the effective cost of borrowing.
- Trading on Equity: If the return on investment from the borrowed funds is higher than the interest rate on the debentures, the company earns a surplus for its equity shareholders, increasing their earnings per share (EPS).
- No Dilution of Control: Raising funds through debt does not dilute the ownership or control of the existing shareholders.











