Question Financial Management Analysis Q Quoted companies have various alternative long-term sources of finance open to them in the form of share capital and debt. From a company's perspective, debt is cheaper than shareholders' funds. It follows from this that companies can minimise their weighted average cost of capital (WACC) by integrating a sensible level of gearing into their capital structure. Select a quoted company (preferably geared) from within any of the following sectors: Chemicals, Food producers, General retailers, Health care equipment and services and Software & computer services. Critically discuss the following using the quoted company selected: 1. The various external sources of finance available to the company. These sources of finance must be clearly identified, carefully explained and distinguished. 2. The possible considerations that may have been taken into account by the management when choosing the type of finance. All the relevant considerations explained and placed clearly in the context of the particular circumstances of the chosen quoted company. 3. The calculation of the WACC appears to be straightforward in theory but difficult in practice. Using all available information calculate the WACC of the chosen company. Evaluate the information available to calculate the WACC and the practical problems/difficulties that may be encountered for the chosen company. 4. What are your conclusions and recommendations on the capital structure of the chosen company?