Question Tag: Debt Covenants

You are responsible for the audit of Woes Limited for the year-ended 31 December 2013. The principal activity of Woes Ltd is the provision of high-quality packaging services for manufacturing companies. The company was established three years ago and has significantly exceeded its growth targets in each of those years.

Historically, the packaging process was labour-intensive, but in September 2013, in an effort to reduce labour costs and increase efficiency, the company invested in an enhanced automated packing system. The investment was funded by a loan repayable in monthly instalments over four years. The loan covenant agreement includes a term specifying that the company’s debt: equity ratio should not exceed 1:1.

A comparison of the draft accounts for the year ended 31 December 2013 with the previous year indicates a significant increase in revenue with a small increase in profit. The company is currently trading in excess of its overdraft limit and is negotiating an increase in its facility with the bank. Management has prepared, in support of its negotiations, profit and cash flow forecasts based on the assumptions that the anticipated increase in efficiency, including a reduction in labour costs, will be achieved.

The company struggles to meet the weekly wage bill and has fallen behind in its payments to the tax authorities. It has also failed to comply with the terms of the lease in respect of the factory premises and has not paid the last three months’ instalments.

Required:

a. Identify and explain, from the information provided above, factors which indicate that Woes Ltd may not be a going concern. (10 Marks)
b. Outline the matters to which you would direct your attention in the period after the reporting date to determine whether Woes Ltd can continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future. (10 Marks)

(Total: 20 Marks)