Internal Sources of Finance vs. External Sources of Finance: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 24, 2024
Internal Sources of Finance are funds generated within a business, while External Sources of Finance involve obtaining funds from outside the business.
Key Differences
Internal Sources of Finance come from within the organization, such as retained profits, depreciation funds, or sale of assets. External Sources involve funds from outside the organization, like loans, investor capital, or credit from suppliers.
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Jan 24, 2024
Using Internal Sources of Finance doesn't affect ownership or control of the business. External financing may involve sharing control with investors or adhering to lender's terms.
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Jan 24, 2024
Internal financing is typically cheaper and less risky, as it doesn't involve paying interest or diluting equity. External financing can be costly due to interest payments or equity sharing.
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Jan 24, 2024
Internal Sources are limited by the company’s profitability and reserves. External Sources can provide larger amounts of capital but may require collateral or equity.
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Jan 24, 2024
Internal financing maintains financial independence but may limit growth potential. External financing can spur growth but impacts financial leverage and independence.
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Jan 24, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Ownership Impact
No impact on ownership or control
May involve sharing control or ownership
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Jan 24, 2024
Cost and Risk
Generally lower cost and risk
Often involves higher costs and risks
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Availability
Limited by company’s resources
Potentially large amounts, varies by source
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Financial Impact
Maintains independence, may limit growth
Can facilitate growth, impacts leverage
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Internal Sources of Finance and External Sources of Finance Definitions
Internal Sources of Finance
Depreciation funds set aside from profits.
The company utilized its depreciation reserves for facility upgrades.
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External Sources of Finance
Bank loans and credit facilities.
The company took a bank loan to finance the new project.
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Internal Sources of Finance
Retained earnings accumulated over time.
The company used its retained profits to finance the expansion.
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External Sources of Finance
Equity financing from new investors.
External funds were raised through issuing new shares to investors.
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Internal Sources of Finance
Sale of company assets for funds.
Selling old machinery provided internal funds for new technology.
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External Sources of Finance
Bonds and debentures issued to the public.
The corporation issued debentures to gather external funds.
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Internal Sources of Finance
Savings from cost reduction strategies.
Cost-cutting measures freed up internal funds for research and development.
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External Sources of Finance
Trade credit from suppliers.
The business used trade credit as an external finance source to manage inventory.
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Internal Sources of Finance
Income generated from business operations.
Increased sales revenue served as an internal source of finance for marketing.
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External Sources of Finance
Government grants or subsidies.
They received a government grant to support their green energy initiative.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What are External Sources of Finance?
External Sources of Finance involve obtaining funds from outside the business, like loans or investor capital.
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Jan 24, 2024
What are Internal Sources of Finance?
Internal Sources of Finance are funds generated within a business from its operations or assets.
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Jan 24, 2024
Do Internal Sources of Finance dilute ownership?
No, Internal Sources do not dilute ownership or control.
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Jan 24, 2024
How does issuing shares affect a company?
Issuing shares, an external source of finance, can dilute existing ownership.
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Jan 24, 2024
How do retained earnings provide internal finance?
Retained earnings, profits not distributed as dividends, are reinvested into the business.
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Jan 24, 2024
Is a bank loan an internal or external source of finance?
A bank loan is an external source of finance.
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Jan 24, 2024
What impact do Internal Sources of Finance have on a company’s debt?
Internal financing usually does not increase a company’s debt.
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Jan 24, 2024
How does trade credit provide external finance?
Trade credit allows businesses to buy now and pay later, offering external finance.
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Jan 24, 2024
Is using depreciation reserves for financing risky?
Using depreciation reserves is typically not risky, as it involves internal funds.
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Jan 24, 2024
Are government grants considered external finance?
Yes, government grants are external finance as they come from outside the business.
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Jan 24, 2024
How does equity financing affect company control?
Equity financing can lead to shared control and decision-making.
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Jan 24, 2024
Can external financing lead to higher growth potential?
Yes, external financing can spur growth by providing larger capital.
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Jan 24, 2024
What risks are associated with external debt financing?
External debt financing risks include increased financial leverage and interest obligations.
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Jan 24, 2024
Are Internal Sources of Finance always sufficient for large projects?
Internal Sources may not be sufficient for large projects, necessitating external finance.
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Jan 24, 2024
Can a company rely solely on internal financing?
Sole reliance on internal financing may limit growth and expansion opportunities.
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Jan 24, 2024
What determines a company’s choice of finance source?
A company’s choice of finance source is influenced by cost, control considerations, risk, and fund availability.
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Jan 24, 2024
Why do companies prefer internal over external financing?
Companies prefer internal financing due to lower costs and no ownership dilution.
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Jan 24, 2024
Can small businesses easily access external finance?
Access to external finance for small businesses can be challenging due to stringent credit requirements.
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Jan 24, 2024
Is selling company assets for finance always advisable?
Selling assets should be carefully considered, as it may impact future earnings capacity.
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What role does cost reduction play in internal financing?
Cost reduction increases internal funds available for business needs.
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Jan 24, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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