Thursday, July 20

Introduction to Business Finance (1415) - Spring 20223 - Assignment 1

Introduction to Business Finance (1415)

Q. 1     Describe the role of financial manager in a corporation. Also narrate, what are the two primary activities of the financial manager that are related to the firm’s

 balance sheet?    

 

The role of a financial manager in a corporation is multifaceted and essential for the financial well-being of the organization. Financial managers are responsible for making strategic financial decisions, managing financial resources, and ensuring the company's financial stability and growth. They play a crucial role in analyzing financial data, formulating financial plans, and implementing strategies to achieve the organization's financial objectives.

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One primary activity of the financial manager related to the firm's balance sheet is managing the company's assets. Assets represent the economic resources owned or controlled by the company, which can generate future economic benefits. Financial managers are responsible for optimizing the allocation of these assets to maximize the company's profitability while minimizing risk.

The financial manager begins by conducting a thorough analysis of the company's asset base. This analysis involves evaluating the performance, value, and potential risks associated with each asset. Financial managers assess various investment opportunities and determine which projects or assets are viable and aligned with the company's goals.

Once potential investments are identified, the financial manager employs financial modeling techniques and financial evaluation tools to assess the expected returns, risks, and cash flows associated with each investment option. They consider factors such as the net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), payback period, and risk-adjusted return on investment to make informed decisions.

Based on this analysis, the financial manager decides on capital budgeting, determining which projects to undertake and how to allocate financial resources effectively. They consider factors such as the expected profitability, the time value of money, and the company's risk tolerance. By making optimal investment decisions, financial managers aim to maximize the company's long-term value and enhance shareholders' wealth.

Additionally, financial managers monitor the performance of existing assets and evaluate whether they should be retained, sold, or replaced. They assess the efficiency and productivity of assets, ensuring they contribute to the company's profitability. Financial managers also consider factors such as depreciation, obsolescence, and technological advancements when managing assets.

The second primary activity related to the firm's balance sheet is managing the company's liabilities and equity. Liabilities represent the company's obligations to external parties, such as creditors and suppliers, while equity represents the ownership interest of shareholders.

Financial managers are responsible for determining the appropriate capital structure of the company, which involves deciding the optimal mix of debt and equity financing. They assess the company's financing needs and evaluate different sources of capital. This includes analyzing the costs and benefits of issuing stocks or bonds, taking loans, or attracting investments.

Financial managers also consider the company's risk profile, cost of capital, and the impact of leverage on the company's financial position. They aim to strike a balance between debt and equity financing that minimizes the company's cost of capital while maintaining an acceptable level of financial risk.

Furthermore, financial managers monitor the company's debt levels and ensure they are within manageable limits. They analyze debt ratios, such as debt-to-equity ratio and interest coverage ratio, to assess the company's ability to meet its debt obligations. By effectively managing liabilities, financial managers contribute to the company's financial stability and solvency.

Equity management is another crucial aspect of the financial manager's role. They work closely with shareholders and investors to attract and retain capital. Financial managers analyze the company's financial performance, communicate financial information to stakeholders, and implement strategies to enhance shareholder value.

Financial managers also play a vital role in managing working capital, which refers to the company's short-term assets and liabilities. They ensure the company has sufficient liquidity to meet its operational needs and obligations. This involves managing cash flows, optimizing inventory levels, and monitoring accounts receivable and accounts payable.

By effectively managing assets, liabilities, and equity, financial managers aim to maintain a healthy balance sheet that accurately reflects the company's financial position, liquidity, and solvency. A strong balance sheet enhances the company's ability to access capital markets, attract investors, and pursue growth opportunities.

In conclusion, financial managers in a corporation play a critical role in managing the company's financial activities and decisions. They are responsible for optimizing the allocation of assets, making investment decisions, and managing the company's liabilities and equity. By effectively managing these aspects, financial managers contribute to the company's financial stability, growth, and value creation.

 

Q.2 a  What is the financial services area of finance? DescrASQDSibe the field of managerial finance.        

Define agency costs, and explain why firms incur them. How can management structure management compensation to minimize agency problems? What is the current view with regard to the execution of many compensation plans?                

a) The financial services area of finance refers to the sector that provides various financial products and services to individuals, businesses, and governments. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including banking, investment management, insurance, brokerage, financial planning, and advisory services. Financial institutions, such as banks, credit unions, insurance companies, asset management firms, and brokerage firms, are key players in the financial services sector.

These institutions offer services that facilitate the management, investment, and protection of money and assets. They provide banking services like deposits, loans, and payment processing. Investment management services include asset allocation, portfolio management, and investment advisory. Insurance companies offer coverage against various risks, such as life, health, property, and liability. Brokerage firms facilitate the buying and selling of securities, such as stocks and bonds. Financial planning and advisory services assist individuals and businesses in managing their finances, planning for retirement, and making investment decisions.

The financial services area of finance plays a crucial role in the economy by facilitating the efficient allocation of capital, managing risk, and promoting economic growth. It provides individuals and businesses with access to funds, investment opportunities, insurance protection, and financial advice. The sector also contributes to the stability and functioning of financial markets by providing liquidity, facilitating transactions, and managing financial risks.

b) Agency costs refer to the expenses and conflicts of interest that arise when there is a separation between ownership and control in a firm. In large corporations, shareholders (the owners) delegate the day-to-day management of the company to professional managers (agents). However, there may be a misalignment of interests between shareholders and managers, leading to agency problems and associated costs.

Firms incur agency costs due to several factors. First, managers may prioritize their own self-interests over the interests of shareholders. This can result in decisions that maximize personal benefits, such as excessive compensation, perquisites, or pursuing projects that enhance the manager's reputation rather than shareholder value.

Second, information asymmetry can lead to agency costs. Managers usually possess more information about the company's operations, financial position, and future prospects than shareholders. This information advantage can be exploited by managers to their advantage, potentially leading to actions that harm shareholders' interests.

To minimize agency problems, management can structure management compensation in a way that aligns the interests of managers with those of shareholders. This can be achieved through various mechanisms, such as performance-based incentives, stock options, restricted stock units, and long-term incentive plans. By tying a portion of management compensation to the company's performance and stock price, managers are incentivized to make decisions that enhance shareholder value.

Furthermore, corporate governance mechanisms, such as independent boards of directors, can provide oversight and ensure that management acts in the best interests of shareholders. Regular monitoring, transparency, and accountability can help mitigate agency costs by reducing the opportunities for managerial opportunism.

Regarding the execution of many compensation plans, there is growing recognition of the need for a balanced approach. Excessive executive compensation and certain compensation structures that incentivize excessive risk-taking have been criticized. This criticism intensified after the global financial crisis of 2008, where some financial institutions were accused of rewarding executives for short-term gains while ignoring long-term risks.

Regulatory bodies and shareholders have pushed for greater transparency and accountability in executive compensation practices. There is an emphasis on aligning compensation with long-term sustainable performance and risk management. Shareholders' say-on-pay votes and increased disclosure requirements aim to ensure that compensation plans are reasonable, performance-driven, and promote long-term shareholder value.

In recent years, there has also been a focus on broader stakeholder interests beyond just shareholders. Some companies have started considering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors when designing executive compensation plans. This approach aims to align compensation with sustainable business practices, social responsibility, and the long-term interests of all stakeholders.

Overall, the current view on management compensation is to strike a balance between incentivizing performance, aligning interests with shareholders, and addressing societal concerns regarding fairness and risk management. The goal is to design compensation structures that promote long-term value creation, mitigate agency problems, and consider the broader impact of business decisions on various stakeholders.

 

Q.3      Hayes Enterprises began 2023 with a retained earnings balance of Rs. 928,000.     

            During 2023, the firm earned Rs. 377,000 after taxes. From this amount, preferred

            Stockholders were paid Rs. 47,000 in dividends. At year-end 2023, the firm’s retained earnings totaled Rs. 1,048,000. The firm had 140,000 shares of common stock outstanding during 2023.

a          Prepare a statement of retained earnings for the year ended December 31,2023 for Hayes Enterprises. (Note: Be sure to calculate and include the amount of cash dividends paid in 2023.)

b.         Calculate the firm’s 2023 earnings per share (EPS).

c.         How large a per-share cash dividend did the firm pay on common stock during 2023?

Hayes Enterprises Statement of Retained Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2023:

Beginning Retained Earnings (January 1, 2023): Rs. 928,000

Net Income: Rs. 377,000

Less: Preferred Stock Dividends: Rs. 47,000

Ending Retained Earnings (December 31, 2023): Rs. 1,048,000

To understand the changes in retained earnings for Hayes Enterprises during 2023, we need to consider the beginning retained earnings balance, net income, and any dividends paid.

Beginning Retained Earnings represents the accumulated earnings from previous periods that were not distributed as dividends. In this case, the beginning retained earnings balance is Rs. 928,000.

Net Income represents the earnings generated by the company during the year after deducting taxes and other expenses. For Hayes Enterprises, the net income for 2023 is Rs. 377,000.

Preferred Stock Dividends are the dividends paid to preferred stockholders, who have a priority claim on the company's earnings. In this case, the preferred stockholders were paid Rs. 47,000 in dividends.

To calculate the ending retained earnings, we add the net income and subtract the preferred stock dividends from the beginning retained earnings.

Beginning Retained Earnings: Rs. 928,000

Net Income: Rs. 377,000

Less: Preferred Stock Dividends: Rs. 47,000

Ending Retained Earnings = Beginning Retained Earnings + Net Income - Preferred Stock Dividends

Ending Retained Earnings = Rs. 928,000 + Rs. 377,000 - Rs. 47,000

Ending Retained Earnings = Rs. 1,258,000

Therefore, the ending retained earnings for Hayes Enterprises on December 31, 2023, is Rs. 1,258,000.

In terms of the earnings per share (EPS) for Hayes Enterprises in 2023, we need to divide the net income attributable to common stockholders by the average number of common shares outstanding during the year.

Net Income: Rs. 377,000

Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding: 140,000

Earnings per Share (EPS) = Net Income / Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding

EPS = Rs. 377,000 / 140,000

EPS = Rs. 2.69 per share

Hence, the earnings per share for Hayes Enterprises in 2023 is Rs. 2.69.

To determine the per-share cash dividend paid on common stock during 2023, we need to divide the total cash dividends paid to common stockholders by the number of common shares outstanding.

Total Cash Dividends Paid to Common Stockholders: Net Income - Preferred Stock Dividends

Total Cash Dividends Paid = Rs. 377,000 - Rs. 47,000

Total Cash Dividends Paid = Rs. 330,000

Number of Common Shares Outstanding: 140,000

Per-Share Cash Dividend = Total Cash Dividends Paid / Number of Common Shares Outstanding

Per-Share Cash Dividend = Rs. 330,000 / 140,000

Per-Share Cash Dividend = Rs. 2.35 per share

Therefore, the per-share cash dividend paid on common stock during 2023 for Hayes Enterprises is Rs. 2.35.

In summary, Hayes Enterprises started 2023 with a retained earnings balance of Rs. 928,000. They earned Rs. 377,000 after taxes during the year, out of which Rs. 47,000 was paid as dividends to preferred stockholders. The ending retained earnings on December 31, 2023, totaled Rs. 1,258,000. The firm had 140,000 shares of common stock outstanding during the year. The earnings per share (EPS) for 2023 was Rs. 2.69, and the per-share cash dividend paid on common stock was Rs. 2.35.

 

 

Q.4      What is the purpose of the cash budget? What role does the sales forecast play in its preparation?           

a.         Briefly describe the basic format of the cash budget.

b.         How can the two “bottom lines” of the cash budget be used to determine the firm’s short-term borrowing and investment requirements?

c.         What is the cause of uncertainty in the cash budget, and what two techniques can be used to cope with this uncertainty?    

a) The purpose of a cash budget is to forecast and plan the inflows and outflows of cash for a specific period, typically on a monthly or quarterly basis. It helps businesses manage their cash flows effectively, ensuring that they have sufficient cash on hand to meet their obligations and make necessary investments.

The sales forecast plays a crucial role in the preparation of the cash budget. The sales forecast estimates the expected sales revenue for the budgeted period, serving as a foundation for projecting the cash inflows. The accuracy of the sales forecast directly affects the accuracy of the cash budget since sales revenue is a significant driver of cash inflows.

b) The basic format of a cash budget typically includes the following components:

1. Cash Inflows: This section includes all the sources of cash coming into the business, such as cash sales, accounts receivable collections, loans, or investments. It considers the timing of cash receipts based on the sales forecast and other revenue sources.

2. Cash Outflows: This section includes all the cash payments that the business needs to make, such as inventory purchases, operating expenses, payroll, loan repayments, and taxes. It considers the timing and amount of each cash outflow based on the budgeted expenses and payment terms.

3. Net Cash Flow: This section calculates the difference between total cash inflows and total cash outflows for each period. It provides an indication of whether the business is generating positive or negative cash flow.

4. Beginning Cash Balance: This section includes the cash balance at the beginning of the budgeted period.

5. Ending Cash Balance: This section calculates the cash balance at the end of each period by adding the net cash flow to the beginning cash balance.

By analyzing the two "bottom lines" of the cash budget, which are the net cash flow and the ending cash balance, a business can determine its short-term borrowing and investment requirements. If the net cash flow is negative or the ending cash balance falls below a desired minimum, it indicates a cash shortfall. In this case, the business may need to arrange short-term borrowing, such as a line of credit or a bank loan, to cover the deficit and meet its cash obligations. On the other hand, if the net cash flow is positive and the ending cash balance is higher than expected, the business may have excess cash that could be invested in short-term instruments or used to pay down debt, reducing interest expenses.

c) The cause of uncertainty in the cash budget arises from the inherent unpredictability of future cash flows and the timing of inflows and outflows. Various factors can contribute to this uncertainty, including changes in market conditions, customer behavior, supplier terms, and economic factors.

To cope with this uncertainty, businesses can employ two techniques:

1. Sensitivity Analysis: Sensitivity analysis involves testing the impact of different scenarios on the cash budget. By adjusting key assumptions, such as sales volumes, pricing, or timing of cash flows, businesses can assess the potential effects on cash flows. This analysis helps identify the sensitivity of the cash budget to changes in specific variables, enabling management to make informed decisions based on different scenarios.

2. Cash Reserves and Contingency Planning: Building cash reserves provides a cushion to handle unexpected fluctuations in cash flows. By maintaining an adequate cash buffer, businesses can navigate through uncertain periods without relying heavily on external financing. Additionally, developing contingency plans that outline actions to be taken in case of cash shortfalls or unexpected events helps businesses respond effectively and mitigate the impact of uncertainty.

In summary, the purpose of a cash budget is to forecast and plan cash inflows and outflows. The sales forecast plays a significant role in its preparation as it serves as a basis for projecting cash inflows. The cash budget's basic format includes sections for cash inflows, cash outflows, net cash flow, beginning and ending cash balances. The two "bottom lines" of the cash budget help determine the firm's short-term borrowing and investment requirements. The uncertainty in the cash budget arises from the unpredictable nature of cash flows, and businesses can cope with this uncertainty through sensitivity analysis and implementing cash reserves and contingency planning.

 

Q.5      Interest rate for an annuity Anna Waldheim was seriously injured in an industrial accident. She issued the responsible parties and was awarded a judgment of Rs. 2,000,000. Today, she and her attorney are attending a settlement conference with the defendants. The defendants have made an initial offer of Rs. 156,000 per year for 25 years. Anna plans to counteroffer at Rs.255,000 per year for 25 years Both the offer and the counteroffer have a present value of Rs. 2,000,000,the amount of the judgment. Both assume payments at the end of each year.

a.         What interest rate assumption have the defendants used in their offer (rounded to the nearest whole percent)?

b.What interest rate assumption have Anna and her lawyer used in their counteroffer (founded to the nearest whole percent)?

c. Anna is willing to settle for an annuity that carries an interest rate assumption of 9% what annual payment would be acceptable to her?         

a) To determine the interest rate assumption used by the defendants in their offer, we need to calculate the interest rate that equates the present value of their offer to the judgment amount.

Present Value of Defendants' Offer: Rs. 2,000,000

Annual Payment: Rs. 156,000

Number of Years: 25

Using a financial calculator or spreadsheet, we can solve for the interest rate that makes the present value equal to Rs. 2,000,000. In this case, the interest rate assumption used by the defendants is approximately 7%.

b) Similarly, to determine the interest rate assumption used by Anna and her lawyer in their counteroffer, we need to calculate the interest rate that equates the present value of their counteroffer to the judgment amount.

Present Value of Counteroffer: Rs. 2,000,000

Annual Payment: Rs. 255,000

Number of Years: 25

Using a financial calculator or spreadsheet, we can solve for the interest rate that makes the present value equal to Rs. 2,000,000. In this case, Anna and her lawyer used an interest rate assumption of approximately 12%.

c) To determine the annual payment acceptable to Anna with an assumed interest rate of 9%, we need to calculate the present value of the payment stream.

Present Value: Rs. 2,000,000

Interest Rate: 9%

Number of Years: 25

Using a financial calculator or spreadsheet, we can solve for the annual payment that makes the present value equal to Rs. 2,000,000. In this case, the acceptable annual payment for Anna would be approximately Rs. 217,849.

In summary, the defendants used an interest rate assumption of approximately 7% in their offer, while Anna and her lawyer used an interest rate assumption of approximately 12% in their counteroffer. Anna would be willing to accept an annual payment of approximately Rs. 217,849 with an assumed interest rate of 9%.

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