ACCA Financial Management (F9) Certification Practice Exam

What is the concept of matching in financial management?

1. Aligning liabilities with similar maturity dates

2. Matching assets and liabilities with a common interest rate

3. Reducing interest rate exposure on loans

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Matching assets and liabilities with a common interest rate

The concept of matching in financial management primarily refers to the practice of aligning the financing of assets with liabilities in a way that reflects similar characteristics, particularly in terms of interest rates and maturity profiles. By matching assets and liabilities with a common interest rate, a company can effectively manage its interest rate risk. This approach helps ensure that the cash flows generated from assets are sufficient to cover the costs of financing through liabilities at similar rates, thereby minimizing the risk of fluctuations in interest payments affecting profitability. When a company has long-term assets financed by long-term liabilities, both are more likely to respond similarly to interest rate changes. This reduces the potential for mismatches that could lead to financial distress if asset yields fall while liability costs rise. Therefore, the correct understanding of matching emphasizes the alignment of interest rates, which directly contributes to the stability and efficiency of a company's financial management practices.