FIN 419 Entire Class Help

01 August, 2024 | 23 Min Read

FIN 419 Entire Class Help

FIN 419-FINAL EXAM SET 3.docx

FIN 419-Final Exam..docx

FIN 419-Week 1-Discussion 1 and 2-Describe 2-3 statistical process controls. Why are they important.docx

FIN 419-Week 3-Discission-What is an aggressive financing strategy.docx

FIN 419-Week 4-Discussion-What is investment banking.docx

FIN 419-Week 5-Discussion-What is the SEC.docx

FIN 419-Week_1_Individual_Assignment-Limited Liability Corporations and Partnerships.docx

FIN 419-Week_2_Discussion-What is the difference between present values and future values.docx

FIN 419-Week_2-Individual Assignment-Assignments from the Readings-5 Problem 5.3.docx

FIN 419-Week_3_Individual_Assignment-Briefly discuss the form and informational content of each of these statements..docx

FIN 419-Week_5-Final_Exam.docx

FIN 419-Week_5-Individual Assignment- Chapter 12 Problem 12.4.docx

FIN_419-Week_4-Individual Assignment-Scott Equipment Organization Paper.docx

1. Big Mac Purchasing Power Parity Analysis:Given that purchasing power parity (PPP) holds for Big Macs and the cost of a Big Mac in the United States is $2.50, we can analyze its price in Britain and Germany using the exchange rates provided.

  • PriceĀ inĀ Britain=Ā£1.50Ɨ2.5=Ā£3.75\text{Price in Britain} = Ā£1.50 \times 2.5 = Ā£3.75PriceĀ inĀ Britain=Ā£1.50Ɨ2.5=Ā£3.75Therefore, a Big Mac would cost Ā£3.75 in Britain.
  • PriceĀ inĀ Germany=€0.90Ɨ2.5=€2.25\text{Price in Germany} = €0.90 \times 2.5 = €2.25PriceĀ inĀ Germany=€0.90Ɨ2.5=€2.25Consequently, a Big Mac would cost €2.25 in Germany.

2. Arbuckle Corporation IPO Financial Analysis:Arbuckle Corporation plans to sell two million shares in its initial public offering (IPO) at a public price of $15 per share. The investment banker, Jones Securities, will charge an underwriting spread of 7%.

  • GrossĀ Proceeds=2,000,000Ɨ$15=$30Ā million\text{Gross Proceeds} = 2,000,000 \times \$15 = \$30 \text{ million}GrossĀ Proceeds=2,000,000Ɨ$15=$30Ā million
  • UnderwritingĀ Spread=7%Ɨ$30Ā million=$2.1Ā million\text{Underwriting Spread} = 7\% \times \$30 \text{ million} = \$2.1 \text{ million}UnderwritingĀ Spread=7%Ɨ$30Ā million=$2.1Ā millionNetĀ Proceeds=$30Ā millionāˆ’$2.1Ā million=$27.9Ā million\text{Net Proceeds} = \$30 \text{ million} - \$2.1 \text{ million} = \$27.9 \text{ million}NetĀ Proceeds=$30Ā millionāˆ’$2.1Ā million=$27.9Ā million
  • $2.1Ā million\$2.1 \text{ million}$2.1Ā million

3. Federal Reserve System Overview:The Federal Reserve System comprises several key components:

  • There are 7 members on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.
  • The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) consists of 12 members.
  • There are 12 Federal Reserve Banks across the United States.

4. Monetary Policy Tools of the Federal Reserve:The Federal Reserve employs several primary tools for implementing monetary policy, including:

  • Open market operations
  • Adjusting reserve requirements
  • Changing the discount rate

However, changes in the Federal Funds rate are not directly controlled by the Fed as a primary tool but result from its operations.

5. U.S. Dollar vs. Canadian Dollar Analysis:Currently, a Canadian dollar (CAD) costs $0.84 in U.S. dollars (USD), down from $0.86 last year. This indicates that:

  • The U.S. dollar has appreciated relative to the Canadian dollar.

This appreciation implies that the USD now has more buying power compared to the CAD than it did previously.



FIN/419 FINAL EXAM (30 QUESTIONS)

  1. Analyzing Financial Performance:When evaluating a company’s performance through financial statements, key data can be analyzed either at a point in time or over a specific time horizon.
  2. Managerial Goals and Market Priorities:In U.S. markets, when there are conflicts among managerial goals, the top priority should be to increase the current market value of equity.
  3. Modigliani and Miller’s Capital Structure Model:In their initial exploration of optimal capital structure, Nobel laureates Franco Modigliani and Merton Miller used a simplified model in a hypothetical world with no taxes and no bankruptcy.
  4. Corporate Finance Activities:Corporate finance is the area concerned with activities like repaying borrowed funds through dividends or interest payments.
  5. Capital Structure Explained:Capital structure refers to the way a company finances itself through a combination of loans, bond sales, preferred stock sales, common stock sales, and retention of earnings.
  6. Working Capital Implications:An increase in working capital can occur due to an increase in inventory, while decreases in accounts payable are considered a source of cash flow because they allow the company to utilize suppliers to finance operations.
  7. Accounts Payable and Cash Flow Dynamics:A company offering a discount on accounts payable is aiming to speed up cash inflow, while a firm that opts not to take a discount is attempting to slow down cash outflow.
  8. Equal Payment Amortization:In an equal payment amortization table, the final total payment will be greater than the beginning principal for the final period, assuming a positive interest rate.
  9. Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC):If Acme Supply Co. borrows $3,000,000 from three lenders at varying interest rates, the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) is calculated as 11.17%.
  10. Exchange Rate Arbitrage:The opportunity to make a profit without risk through currency exchanges involving three currencies is known as arbitrage.
  11. Role of Investment Bankers:An investment banker provides financial advice, designs bond terms, ensures that new bonds meet listing requirements, and markets new bond issues.
  12. Forward Exchange Rate Calculation:If the indirect exchange rate is 12 pesos per dollar, and anticipated inflation rates are 6% in the U.S. and 14% in Mexico, 50,000 pesos will be worth $3,874.27 in U.S. dollars after one year using the forward exchange rate.
  13. Removing Ineffective Management:Methods to remove ineffective management in a publicly traded firm include the Board of Directors voting to remove management, outside management teams taking over, and shareholders voting out unresponsive directors.
  14. Interest Earned Over Time:An investment of $100 today will yield $116.64 after two years at an annual interest rate of 8%. The interest earned in the first year is $8.00, and in the second year, it is $8.64.
  15. Short-Term Financial Planning:Short-term financial planning typically involves forecasting income statements, working capital statements, and earnings to assess operating cash flow and profitability.
  16. Credit Policy Components:Extending credit to customers involves setting a policy on how customers qualify for credit, the payment plan allowed, and a policy for collecting overdue bills.
  17. Arbitrage in Finance:Arbitrage is the financial term for the opportunity to make a profit without risk.
  18. Investment Strategy:Investors generally seek to maximize return and minimize risk.
  19. Venture Capital Fund Utilization:A significant concern for venture capitalists and angel investors is the rate at which their funds are used, referred to as the burn rate or bleed rate.
  20. Stock Valuation:For a stock paying $6.00 in annual dividends for the next five years, with a sale price of $30.00 at the end, the fair price today, if the desired return is 10%, is $18.63.
  21. Key Financial Statements:The primary financial statements used to measure a firm’s performance include the balance sheet and income statement.
  22. Corporate Structure and Liability:A corporation has limited liability, is a legal entity, and offers the greatest potential for raising capital.
  23. Future Value Calculations:Given a present value (PV) and specific interest rate (r) over a period (n), all future values exceeding $100 are considered.
  24. Recent Economic Legislation:The most recent significant legislation passed in response to corporate events is The Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
  25. Business Decision Factors:Timing and the amount of cash flow are critical to business decisions, growth, and success.
  26. Impact of Extra Loan Payments:Increasing your monthly loan payment above the required amount reduces the number of payments needed to pay off the loan.
  27. Net Present Value (NPV) Decision:Dweller Inc. will reject the project if the NPV is less than -$3,021, indicating a negative value.
  28. Political Risk and Nationalization:Political risk involves the risk of government changes that could nationalize assets. A strategy to minimize this risk includes sharing key operations with the local government.
  29. Financial Ratios:The current ratio is calculated by dividing current assets by current liabilities, and it is used to assess a company’s short-term financial health.
  30. Stock vs. Bond Ownership:Common stock entitles the owner to a share of the company’s cash flow, unlike bonds, which provide fixed interest payments.


Discussion Question 1:Why are companies interested in systems operations management today? Why is it important?

Operations Management (OM) is defined as a productive system that “designs, operates, and improves systems for getting work done” (Russell & Taylor, 2007). It focuses on the efficient management of resources and activities involved in producing or delivering a company’s goods and services. Today, businesses are highly interested in OM because it equips them with the necessary materials, equipment, and information to achieve success. OM also plays a critical role in designing and managing the processes and activities that directly result in the production of goods or the delivery of services.

Operations managers are integral to various industries, including banking, healthcare, manufacturing, and government sectors. They ensure quality, oversee the production of goods, and manage service delivery, which are crucial for any organization’s success. Moreover, OM involves collaboration with customers, suppliers, and global partners while utilizing the latest technology to solve problems, reengineer processes, and drive innovation. Ultimately, a sound operations management system is key to the overall success of any organization.

Discussion Question 2:Describe 2-3 statistical process controls. Why are they important?

Statistical Process Control (SPC) is a tool used to monitor and manage production processes to ensure that they function correctly. SPC helps in detecting and correcting unusual or undesirable variations within a process, thereby preventing poor quality. Variations in a process can stem from inherent random variability or unique, special causes. Random variability often results from equipment failure or human error, while special causes may include defective materials or equipment needing adjustment. SPC is crucial because it enables the identification and correction of these issues, ensuring consistent quality.

Two examples of SPC in action are:

  1. Quality Management:In quality management, SPC involves employees taking responsibility for the quality within their area of work. Employees can identify problems and either correct them themselves or seek assistance. Preventative measures like check sheets, brainstorming sessions, and fishbone diagrams are used to evaluate the quality of a service or product. Attributes such as color, shape, and size are qualitatively assessed, while variables like time, temperature, and weight are quantitatively measured.
  2. Applied Services:SPC is also used in applied services to ensure quality from the customer’s perspective. This process is often monitored and measured by customer satisfaction and the time it takes to deliver a service. Surveys and questionnaires are common tools used to gauge customer satisfaction in services like restaurant wait times, emergency room response times, or the length of time customers wait for assistance from an operator.

References:Russell, R.S., & Taylor, B.W. (2007). Operations Management: Creating Value Along the Supply Chain. Wiley.



Week 3 Discussion Questions

DQ 1: What is an aggressive financing strategy?

An aggressive financing strategy is characterized by the use of short-term funds to cover all of a company’s temporary needs and sometimes even a portion of its stable, long-term needs. Under this strategy, long-term funds are primarily used to finance only a few of the company’s fixed assets, while existing needs and necessities are not covered by long-term funds.

According to Gitman (2006), an aggressive financing strategy involves funding temporary needs through short-term debt, while long-term debt is reserved for permanent requirements.

Components of Aggressive Financing Strategies:In an aggressive financing strategy, a company finances a portion of its long-lasting current assets and some of its fixed assets using short-term financial resources. These short-term sources include marketable securities, short-term loans, bank overdrafts, and accounts payable.

Difference Between Aggressive and Conservative Financing Models:A conservative financing strategy involves using long-term funds to cover all projected needs, while short-term funds are used only during crises. Executing a conservative strategy is challenging because it is difficult to avoid using spontaneous short-term funding sources like accounts payable and accruals. On the other hand, an aggressive financing strategy involves using short-term funds not only to finance current assets but also to cover some noncurrent assets. The key difference lies in the fact that a conservative approach relies on long-term finances, whereas an aggressive approach utilizes short-term financing methods.

Circumstances for Using Each Strategy:A conservative approach is suitable for companies facing a shortage of resources, as it minimizes the risk of financial shortfalls. Conversely, an aggressive approach may be preferred when flexibility in funding and cost benefits are prioritized. Short-term financing is generally less expensive than long-term financing, and it is easier to repay short-term funds when financial needs decrease. Therefore, a company that seeks to leverage these advantages and is willing to take on additional risk might opt for an aggressive financing approach.

Reference:

Gitman, L. (2006). Principles of Managerial Finance (11th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Addison Wesley.

DQ 2: What is an asset?

An asset is defined as a resource with economic value that is owned and controlled by an individual, corporation, or country, with the expectation that it will provide future benefits. Essentially, an asset is anything that has monetary value and is controlled by a business or individual. This includes money, stocks, goodwill, and other similar resources.

What is a liability?

Liabilities are defined as an organization’s legal debts or obligations that arise during business operations. Liabilities are settled over time through the transfer of economic benefits, which may include money, goods, or services. Examples of liabilities include accounts payable, loans, and mortgages.

Difference Between Assets and Liabilities:Assets are owned and controlled by an organization and represent property (both tangible and intangible) that can be converted into cash. In contrast, liabilities represent debts and obligations that a business is required to pay.

Can an Organization Operate Without Current Liabilities?Liabilities are essential for financing business operations, making them crucial for organizations. Therefore, it is unlikely that an organization can operate without current liabilities.

References:Investopedia. What is an asset? Retrieved from Investopedia Asset Investopedia. What is a liability? Retrieved from Investopedia Liability

DQ 3: Define factoring of accounts receivables.

Factoring accounts receivables involves the process of selling a company’s accounts receivable to a third party (known as a factor) at a discount in exchange for immediate cash. This method is a commonly used way for companies to obtain short-term funding. When a company factors its accounts receivable, the factor takes ownership of the receivables and assumes the risk of collecting the debts.

How Does Factoring Affect Cash Management?Factoring allows companies to convert their accounts receivable into cash quickly, without the hassle of collection. This method provides immediate liquidity, improving cash flow management. However, if factoring is used extensively, it can lead to a reduction in the company’s receivables department.

Difference Between Factoring and Accounts Receivable Financing:The main difference between factoring and accounts receivable financing lies in ownership. Factoring involves the transfer of ownership of the receivables to the factor, while accounts receivable financing does not involve such a transfer. Instead, the company retains ownership of the receivables while using them as collateral for a loan.

Reference:

Gitman, L. (2006). Principles of Managerial Finance (11th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Addison Wesley.

DQ 4: What is zero working capital?

Zero working capital is defined as a situation where a company’s current assets equal its current liabilities, resulting in a net working capital of zero. In other words, there is no excess or deficit in the company’s working capital.

When Would This Methodology Be Used?The zero working capital approach is used when a company decides to reinvest its working capital rather than holding onto it. Financial institutions often favor companies with higher working capital, but some organizations prefer to maintain lower levels to minimize the costs associated with holding excess cash or inventory.

Is This Model Applicable to All Organizations?No, the zero working capital approach is not suitable for all organizations. Some companies require surplus cash and inventory to meet their obligations and manage their operations effectively. The zero working capital approach is best suited for organizations that operate based on demand and produce goods only when they are required by customers.

Reference:

Gitman, L. (2006). Principles of Managerial Finance (11th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Addison Wesley.



Week 4 Discussion Questions

DQ 1: What is investment banking?

Investment banking refers to a sector of banking that deals primarily with the creation of capital for other companies, governments, and other entities. Investment banks assist in large, complex financial transactions, such as underwriting, facilitating mergers and acquisitions, and acting as a broker for institutional clients. They also specialize in the promotion of new securities and provide advice on significant financial matters. In essence, investment banking is a financial intermediary focused on raising capital and providing strategic advice on financial transactions.

How would an investment banker assist an organization in going public?

Investment bankers commonly assist organizations in going public through a process known as underwriting. Underwriting involves the investment bank buying the shares of the company going public at a predetermined price and then selling those shares to the public. The bank takes on the risk of selling the shares and earns a profit from the difference between the price paid to the company and the sale price to the public. This process helps ensure that the company receives the necessary capital while the investment bank manages the risks associated with the public offering.

As a CFO, what information would you need to select an investment banker?

As a Chief Financial Officer (CFO), several critical factors should be considered when selecting an investment banker:

  1. Knowledge of the Business: The investment banker should have in-depth knowledge of your industry and be familiar with similar companies.
  2. Senior-Level Attention: Ensure that the senior investment banker will be directly involved in the transaction and represent your company effectively in the market.
  3. Network and Contacts: The banker should have extensive contacts with potential buyers, both locally and internationally, and be able to secure endorsements and support for the sale.
  4. Alignment with Goals: The banker should understand your company’s selling objectives and be capable of negotiating a deal that meets your specific needs.
  5. Confidentiality: The banker must maintain the highest level of confidentiality throughout the process.
  6. Cost-Effectiveness: The fees charged by the investment banker should be reasonable and reflect the value provided, contributing to the successful completion of the transaction.

Reference:

BNET. (2010). Six Criteria for Selecting an Investment Banker. Retrieved June 16, 2010, from BNET Gitman, L. (2006). Principles of Managerial Finance (11th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Addison Wesley.

DQ 2: What is the difference between operating and financial leverage?

Leverage refers to the extent to which an organization uses borrowed money or other fixed costs to increase the potential return on investment.

  • Operating leverage arises from the presence of fixed operating costs in a company’s revenue stream. Higher operating leverage means that a small change in sales can lead to a significant change in operating income.
  • Financial leverage, on the other hand, results from the use of fixed financial costs, such as interest on debt. Higher financial leverage increases the potential for higher returns on equity but also raises the risk of financial distress if the company’s earnings do not cover the fixed financial costs.

Importance of Assessing Operating vs. Financial Leverage:

Assessing the balance between operating and financial leverage is crucial for understanding the overall risk and potential return of a company. The combined effect of these two types of leverage can amplify the impact of sales fluctuations on the company’s earnings per share (EPS), influencing the company’s financial strategy and risk management practices.

Reference:Gitman, L. (2006). Principles of Managerial Finance (11th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Addison Wesley.

DQ 3: What are the risks of having an excessive amount of financial leverage in an organization?

Excessive financial leverage can lead to significant risks, particularly if the company’s return on assets (ROA) does not exceed the cost of the debt. When a company takes on too much debt, the interest payments can reduce the return on equity (ROE) and overall profitability. Additionally, high levels of debt increase the risk of insolvency, especially during economic downturns or periods of declining revenues.

What is the degree of total leverage?

The degree of total leverage (DTL) is a measure that combines both operating and financial leverage. It is calculated as the percentage change in earnings per share (EPS) divided by the percentage change in sales. DTL provides insight into how sensitive a company’s EPS is to changes in sales, reflecting the combined impact of fixed operating and financial costs.

Reference:Investopedia. (2010). Retrieved June 17, 2010, from Investopedia Gitman, L. (2006). Principles of Managerial Finance (11th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Addison Wesley.

DQ 4: What is EBIT-EPS analysis?

EBIT-EPS analysis stands for Earnings Before Interest and Taxes - Earnings Per Share analysis. It is used to evaluate the impact of different financing options (debt vs. equity) on a company’s earnings per share. The analysis helps determine whether it is more advantageous to finance a project with debt or equity by comparing the EPS under each scenario.

What is the indifference curve?

The indifference curve is a concept often used in economics to illustrate how consumers might respond to different combinations of products that yield the same level of satisfaction. In the context of EBIT-EPS analysis, the indifference curve represents the point where different financing options provide the same EPS, helping to identify the most efficient funding strategy.

How is risk factored into the EBIT-EPS analysis?

Risk in EBIT-EPS analysis is considered through two key factors:

  1. Financial Breakeven Point: This is where EBIT equals the interest expense, indicating no profit or loss. A higher breakeven point suggests greater financial risk.
  2. Slope of the Capital Structure Line: A steeper slope indicates higher financial risk because it reflects greater sensitivity of EPS to changes in EBIT.

What are the basic shortcomings of EBIT-EPS analysis?

The primary limitation of EBIT-EPS analysis is that it focuses more on maximizing EPS rather than enhancing shareholder value. This approach may not always align with the company’s long-term strategic goals.

Reference:Gitman, L. (2006). Principles of Managerial Finance (11th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Addison Wesley.



Week 2 Discussion Questions

DQ 1: What is the difference between present values and future values?

Present Value (PV) refers to the value of a sum of money in today’s terms, while Future Value (FV) represents the expected value of that sum at a future date. According to Gitman (2006), FV techniques calculate cash flows at the end of a project’s life, whereas PV techniques calculate cash flows at the beginning, when the project’s life is considered to be at zero.

How would you use present and future value techniques in preparing a financial plan for retirement?

When preparing a financial plan for retirement, PV and FV techniques can be used to determine the desired retirement age. For example, if an individual wants to retire today and knows their current savings, they can calculate the FV of their savings if they continue to work for a longer period. This helps in planning the amount needed to retire comfortably at a future date.

How would various required rates of return affect your decision? Explain.

The required rates of return significantly impact the decision-making process. If the inflation rate is lower than the investment’s return rate, the individual will gain value over time. However, if the inflation rate is higher than the investment return, there is a risk of losing money instead of making it.

Reference:Gitman, L. (2006). Principles of Managerial Finance (11th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Addison Wesley.

DQ 2: What is a loan amortization schedule?

A loan amortization schedule is a detailed plan that outlines equal loan payments over time, showing how each payment is divided between interest and principal. To keep track of my loans, I use an amortization schedule in Excel. This method ensures that I am always aware of my loan status, as each payment’s principal and interest portions are clearly laid out.

How would you use it to determine your loan interest rate?

Since an amortization schedule tracks the original loan payment and interest rate, it can be used to calculate the loan’s interest rate. The schedule can determine the total number of payments, total interest payable, and the monthly payment amount.

What factors would impact your choice between two loans?

The two main factors are the interest rate and the loan duration. Generally, lower interest rates save more money over time. However, the length of the loan term must also be reasonable, as longer durations may incur more interest overall.

Reference:Gitman, L. (2006). Principles of Managerial Finance (11th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Addison Wesley.

DQ 3: What are the three key inputs to the valuation model?

According to Gitman (2006), the three key inputs to the valuation model are:

  1. Cash Flows: The value of any asset depends on the cash flows it generates.
  2. Timing: The timing of cash flows is crucial as it influences the expected returns from the asset.
  3. Measure of Risk: The level of risk associated with a specific cash flow can significantly affect its value.

How would you determine the valuation of an asset?

The value of an asset is the present value of all expected future cash flows over the relevant time period. This value is calculated by discounting the expected cash flows back to their present value using the appropriate discount rate, which reflects the asset’s risk. The following formula can be used:

V0=āˆ‘t=1nCFt(1+k)tV_0 = \sum_{t=1}^{n} \frac{CF_t}{(1+k)^t}V0​=āˆ‘t=1n​(1+k)tCFt​​

Where V0V_0V0​ is the value of the asset, CFtCF_tCFt​ is the cash flow at time ttt, and kkk is the discount rate.

Reference:Gitman, L. (2006). Principles of Managerial Finance (11th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Addison Wesley.

DQ 4: How would the intrinsic value of assets differ from the market value? Explain.

Intrinsic value represents the actual value of an asset, which is determined through fundamental analysis, whereas market value is the price at which the asset is currently traded in the market. Market value can be influenced by market conditions such as economic downturns or speculative bubbles.

For instance, a collectible might have an intrinsic value of $5,000, but if the market is depressed, its market value could be only $1,000. Similarly, a house with an intrinsic value of $500,000 might only sell for $200,000 during a market downturn.

Reference:Intrinsic Value. Retrieved from Financial Dictionary



Week 4 – Scott Equipment Organization Paper

Determining Financial Metrics for Each Policy:

For each financial policy, the expected rate of return on stockholders’ equity, net working capital position, and current ratio are analyzed as follows:

  • Aggressive (Large Amount of Short-Term Debt):
    • Expected Rate of Return on Stockholders’ Equity: 6.89%
    • Net Working Capital Position: $6 million
    • Current Ratio: 5:4
  • Moderate (Moderate Amount of Short-Term Debt):
    • Expected Rate of Return on Stockholders’ Equity: 6.81%
    • Net Working Capital Position: $12 million
    • Current Ratio: 5:3
  • Conservative (Small Amount of Short-Term Debt):
    • Expected Rate of Return on Stockholders’ Equity: 6.73%
    • Net Working Capital Position: $18 million
    • Current Ratio: 5:2

Profitability and Risk Analysis:

The aggressive policy is rated high in profitability due to its higher return on equity compared to the moderate and conservative policies. However, it is associated with lower liquidity, indicating higher risk. In contrast, the conservative policy offers the lowest profitability but the highest liquidity, which reduces risk. The moderate policy strikes a balance between the two. Based on the analysis, the aggressive policy is the most recommended strategy for maximizing profitability while considering the trade-off with risk.


Week 5 – Individual Assignment: Chapter 12 Problem 12.4

Barry Carter’s Music Store: Break-Even Analysis

  1. Operating Breakeven Point:
    • Fixed Operating Costs (FC): $73,500
    • Sales Price per CD (P): $13.98
    • Variable Operating Cost per CD (VC): $10.48
    • Breakeven Point (Q): FCPāˆ’VC=7350013.98āˆ’10.48=21,000\frac{FC}{P-VC} = \frac{73500}{13.98 - 10.48} = 21,000Pāˆ’VCFC​=13.98āˆ’10.4873500​=21,000 CDs
  2. Total Operating Costs at Breakeven Volume:
    • Total Operating Costs: 73500+(21000Ɨ10.48)=295,58073500 + (21000 \times 10.48) = 295,58073500+(21000Ɨ10.48)=295,580
  3. Decision to Enter the Music Business:
    • If Barry estimates selling 2,000 CDs per month, he will sell 24,000 CDs annually, which exceeds the breakeven point by 3,000 CDs. Therefore, it is advisable for Barry to enter the music business.
  4. EBIT Calculation:
    • EBIT: (13.98Ɨ24,000)āˆ’295,580=10,500(13.98 \times 24,000) - 295,580 = 10,500(13.98Ɨ24,000)āˆ’295,580=10,500

Chapter 12: Problem 12.19 – Capital Structure Decision

  1. EBIT–EPS Analysis:
    • Structure A:
      • EBIT of $60,000 leads to an EPS of $6.60 (4,000 shares).
      • EBIT of $50,000 leads to an EPS of $5.10 (4,000 shares).
    • Structure B:
      • EBIT of $60,000 leads to an EPS of $7.80 (2,000 shares).
      • EBIT of $50,000 leads to an EPS of $4.80 (2,000 shares).
    • Preferred Structure: Structure A is preferred below an EBIT of $52,000, while Structure B is preferred above this level.
  2. Leverage and Risk:
    • Structure A: Lower returns with less risk.
    • Structure B: Higher returns with more risk.
    • If the firm expects EBIT to exceed $75,000, Structure B is recommended due to its higher returns.

Chapter 12: Problem 12.21 – Medallion Cooling Systems Inc.

  1. Earnings Per Share (EPS) for Various Debt Ratios:
    • As the debt ratio increases, the EPS initially increases and then decreases, with a peak at the 45% debt ratio.
  2. Optimal Capital Structure:
    • The optimal capital structure is identified at a 45% debt ratio, as this provides the highest EPS.

Chapter 16: Problem 16.2 and 16.5 – Loan Interest Calculation

  1. Annual Interest Paid for Each Loan:
    • For each loan, the annual interest decreases over time as the principal is paid down.
  2. Lease vs. Purchase Decision for Northwest Lumber:
    • After-Tax Cash Outflows:
      • The purchase option has a lower present value of after-tax cash outflows compared to the lease option, making it the more cost-effective choice.

References:Gitman, L. (2006). Principles of Managerial Finance (11th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Addison Wesley.


Related posts