Question 1

What is a CMA data report and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

Credit Monitoring Arrangement (CMA) data is the financial projection format prescribed by the Indian Banks' Association for term loan and working capital appraisals above ₹2 crore. CMA includes: audited financials for the past 2–3 years, projections for the next 3–5 years, fund flow statement, cash flow statement, and working capital computation (stock + debtors – creditors). Banks require CMA prepared and certified by a CA for all project loans and major facility enhancements.

Question 2

What assumptions underpin a credible projection model?

Accepted Answer

Revenue projections: CAGR based on historical growth, industry benchmarks (IBEF/DPIIT/RBI sector reports), and named customer/order pipeline. COGS: BOM (for manufacturers), blended cost per unit with explicit assumptions on input price escalation (WPI index). Overheads: stepped function — not flat percentage of revenue. Working capital: debtor days, creditor days, inventory days from historical actios. Capex: asset-wise with depreciation schedule (Companies Act SLM or WDV).

Question 3

What is a Project Report and how is it different from a Business Plan?

Accepted Answer

A Project Report is a formal document for a specific capital expenditure or new business — required by banks, SIDBI, NABARD, and state government subsidy schemes. Contents: promoter background, technical feasibility, market analysis, financial projections, IRR/NPV, payback period, means of finance, security offered. A Business Plan is broader — includes market strategy, team, competitive positioning, and financial model — used for VC/PE fundraising. The CA typically leads the financial section of both.

Question 4

What is the DSCR and why do banks focus on it?

Accepted Answer

Debt Service Coverage Ratio = (Net Cash Accruals + Interest on TL) ÷ (Interest on TL + TL Repayment). Banks typically require DSCR ≥ 1.25 for project loans. Net Cash Accruals = PAT + Depreciation. If the DSCR dips below 1.0 in any projection year, the project cannot service debt from operations — the bank will not lend without additional collateral or a moratorium. The DSCR table is the first thing a credit officer reviews in the CMA.

Question 5

Can a CA firm certify financial projections?

Accepted Answer

Yes — under an Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUP) engagement per SA 4400, the CA firm verifies that the projections have been arithmetically checked and prepared on the stated assumptions. The CA does not provide assurance on whether the assumptions are reasonable (that would require an Examination of Prospective Financial Information under SRE 3400). For bank CMA, the AUP format is typically sufficient. For SEBI/RBI-regulated transactions (IPO, ECB), SRE 3400 standard applies.

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