Understand Capitalisation for a Successful Business
Capitalisation refers to the total amount of capital required or employed in an enterprise. It deals with the determination of the amount of finances a business will need. Another major concern for consideration in capitalisation is the source or mode of capital.
In simple words, capitalisation means how much money you need, and from where are you going to get it. The amount of capitalisation for a new enterprise can be realised by totalling the cost of fixed assets, working capital, and costs incurred in setting up the business.
Another view, derived from a more modern outlook towards business finances states that capitalisation of a start-up depends on its earning capacity. How much money can it make in a year?
In a broad manner, the most applicable theory for the determination of the amount of capitalisation for an enterprise is to calculate all the costs involved for setting it up.
A new enterprise needs to prevent itself from over-capitalisation. It means that the actual earnings are lower than the predicted amount. It is a grave situation to be in and all businessmen should try to avoid it at all costs. Excessive investment can lead to the closure of a business. The best way to avoid it is to know the causes and keep a check on them. They are as follows:
· Raising more money than required
· Acquisition of assets at a high cost
· Burrowing long term and short term loans at an interest rate that the enterprise cannot afford
· Over estimation of earnings
· Inadequate provision for replacement of assets
An entrepreneur can avoid and overcome the perils of over capitalisation by reducing investment and using secured lending and burrowing options at low interests.
When the investment amount is determined lesser than what it is. The causes of under capitalisation include under estimation of long term or short term funds, using lower rate of capitalisation, and retaining profits, and declaration of conservative dividend.