Genesis Ltd was incorporated three years ago and has grown rapidly since then. The rapid rate of growth has created problems for the business, which the directors have found difficult to deal with. Recently, a firm of management consultants has been asked to help the directors to overcome these problems.In a preliminary report to the board of directors, the management consultants state: ?Most of the difficulties faced by the business are symptoms of an underlying problem of overtrading.?The most recent financial statements of the business are set out below.

All purchases and sales were on credit.A dividend was paid during the year on ordinary shares of ?4,000.

Required:(a) Calculate and discuss five financial ratios that might be used to establish whether the business is overtrading. Do these five ratios suggest that the business is overtrading?(b) S tate the ways in which a business may overcome the problem of overtrading.

Transcribed Image Text:

Statement of financial position as at 31 October £000 ASSETS £000 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Land and buildings at cost Accumulated depreciation Fixtures and fittings at cost Accumulated depreciation 530 (88) 442 168 (52) 116 Motor vans at cost 118 Accumulated depreciation (54) 64 622 Current assets Inventories 128 Trade receivables 104 232 Total assets 854 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES Equity Ordinary £0.50 shares 60 General reserve 50 Retained earnings 74 184 Non-current liabilities Borrowings – 10% loan notes (secured) 120 Current liabilities Trade payables 184 Taxation Short-term borrowings (all bank overdraft) 358 550 Total equity and liabilities 854 Income statement for the year ended 31 October £000 £000 Revenue 1,640 Cost of sales Opening inventories 116 Purchases 1,260 1,376 (128) Closing inventories Gross profit Selling and distribution expenses Administration expenses (1,248) 392 (204) (92) Operating profit Interest payable 96 (44) Profit before taxation 52 Taxation (16) Profit for the year 36