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F3 Financial Strategy Questions and Answers

Questions 4

G purchased a put option that grants the right to cap the interest on a loan at 10.0%. Simultaneously, G sold a call option that grants the holder the benefits of any decrease if interest rates fall below 8.5%.

Which THREE possible explanations would be consistent with G's behavior?

Options:

A.

G is willing to risk the loss of savings from a fall in interest rates if that offsets the cost of limiting the cost of rises.

B.

G's strategy is to ensure that its interest rates lie between 8.5% and 10.0%.

C.

G is concerned that interest rates may rise above 10.0%.

D.

G is concerned that interest rates may rise above 8.5%.

E.

G is concerned that interest rates may fall below 10%.

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Questions 5

Which THREE of the following statements are correct?

Options:

A.

A portfolio can be diversified by increasing the number of securities in different industries held in the portfolio.

B.

Systematic risk can be eliminated in a diversified portfolio.

C.

The beta of a company's shares reflects systematic risk.

D.

A beta of 1 indicates that the investment is risk free.

E.

The security market line (SML) shows the relationship between systematic risk and return.

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Questions 6

PPA owns $500,000 of shares in Company ABB. Company ABB has a daily volatility of 2% of its share price

Calculate the 12-day value at risk that shows the most PPA can expect to lose during a 12-day period (PPA wishes to be 90% certain that the actual loss in any month will be less than your predicted figure)

Give your answer to the nearest thousand dollars.

Options:

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Questions 7

A venture capitalist is considering investing in a management buy-out that would be financed as follows:

• Equity from managers

• Equity from a venture capitalist

• Mezzanine debt finance from a venture capitalist

• Senior debt from a bank

The venture capitalist is planning to work with the management to grow the business in anticipation of an initial public offering within five years.

However, the cash forecast shows a potential shortage of funds in the first year and the venture capitalist is evaluating the potential impact of cash being generated in the first year being significantly lower than forecast.

The most important risk that a shortage of cash would create for the management buyout is that the new company has insufficient funds to:

Options:

A.

pay interest on bank debt finance.

B.

pay contractual director bonuses.

C.

pay dividends to venture capitalist.

D.

invest in new capital projects required to generate growth.

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Questions 8

Company C has received an unwelcome takeover bid from Company P.

Company P is approximately twice the size of Company C based on market capitalisation.

Although the two companies have some common business interests, the main aim of the bid is diversification for Company P.

The offer from Company P is a share exchange of 2 shares in Company P for 3 shares in Company C.

There is a cash alternative of $5.50 for each Company C share.

Company C has substantial cash balances which the directors were planning to use to fund an acquisition.

These plans have not been announced to the market.

 

The following share price information is relevant. All prices are in $.

  

 

Which of the following would be the most appropriate action by Company C's directors following receipt of this hostile bid?

Options:

A.

Write to shareholders explaining fully why the company's share price is under valued.

B.

Change the Articles of Association to increase the percentage of shareholder votes required to approve a takeover.

C.

Pay a one-off special dividend.

D.

Refer the bid to the country's competition authorities.

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Questions 9

A company with a market capitalisation of S50million is considering raising $1 million debt to fund a new 10-year capital investment protect

The value of this issue is considered to be small in comparison to the company's market capitalisation

The company is considering whether to raise the debt finance by either a "bond private placing' or a 'public bond issue.

Which THREE of the following statements are correct?

Options:

A.

An initial public bond issue will be administratively complex and relatively expensive for the relatively small amount of debt being raised whereas a bond private placing will be relatively less complex

B.

An average investor is made aware of a potential initial public bond issue whereas the average investor is only made aware of a bond private placing after it has occurred.

C.

The company's credit rating will be a key element in determining the interest rate payable and the potential success of either the public bond issue or the bond private placing

D.

An initial public bond issue does not need to be underwritten whereas a bond private placing must be underwritten.

E.

An initial public bond issue can be arranged relatively quickly whereas a bond private placing can take up to a year to arrange.

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Questions 10

A company is wholly equity funded. It has the following relevant data:

   • Dividend just paid $4 million

   • Dividend growth rate is constant at 5%

   • The risk free rate is 4%

   • The market premium is 7%

   • The company's equity beta factor is 1.2

Calculate the value of the company using the Dividend Growth Model.

Give your answer in $ million to 2 decimal places.

$ ?  million

Options:

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Questions 11

Company A plans to acquire Company B in a 1-for-1 share exchange.

Pre-acquisition information is as follows:

 

 

Post-acquisition information is as follows:

  • Annual earnings are expected to increase by $4 million.
  • The P/E multiple of the combined company is expected to be 12 times.

 

If the acquisition proceeds, what is the expected percentage increase in the post acquisition share price of Company A?  

Options:

A.

50%

B.

 8%

C.

6%

D.

0%

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Questions 12

Company S is planning to acquire Company T.

The shareholders in Company T will receive new shares in Company S in an all-share consideration.

 

Relevant information:

 

 

The shareholders in Company T want sufficient shares to receive a 25% premium on the pre-acquisition value of their shares, based on the pre-acquisition share price.

 

Which of the following share-for-share offers will achieve the desired result?

Options:

A.

2 shares in Company S for 1 share in Company T

B.

1 share in Company S for 1 share in Company T

C.

1 share in Company S for 2 shares in Company T

D.

10 shares in Company S for 4 shares in Company T

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Questions 13

A company generates operating profit of $17.2 million, and incurs finance costs of $5.7 million.

 

It plans to increase interest cover to a multiple of 5-to-1 by raising funds from shareholders to repay some existing debt. The pre-tax cost of debt is fixed at 5%, and the refinancing will not affect this.

 

Assuming no change in operating profit, what amount must be raised from shareholders?

 

Give your answer in $ millions to the nearest one decimal place.

 

$ ?   

Options:

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Questions 14

STU has relatively few tangible assets and is dependent for profits and growth on the high-value individuals it employs. Which of the following statements best explains why the net asset valuator method’s considered unstable for TU?

Options:

A.

STU does not account for its tangible assets

B.

STU does not account for its intangible assets.

C.

STU accounts for its intangible assets at net realisable value.

D.

STU accounts for its intangible assets at historical value.

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Questions 15

A company is based in Country Y whose functional currency is YS. It has an investment in Country Z whose functional currency is ZS This year the company expects to generate ZS20 million profit after tax.

Tax Regime

• Corporate income tax rate in Country Y is 60%

• Corporate income tax rate in Country Z Is 30%

• Full double tax relief is available

Assume an exchange rate of YS1 = ZS5

What is the expected profit after tax in YS if the ZS profit is remitted to Country Y?

Options:

A.

YS2 29 million

B.

YS1 60 million

C.

YS6.67 million

D.

YS57.14 million

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Questions 16

Delta and Kappa both wish to borrow $50m.

Delta can borrow at a fixed rate of 12% or at a floating rate of the risk-free rate +3%

Kappa can borrow at 15% fixed or the risk-free rate +4%.

Delta wishes a variable rate loan and Kappa a fixed rate loan The bank for the two companies suggests a swap arrangement The two companies agree to a swap arrangement, sharing savings equally

What is the effective swap rate for each company?

Options:

A.

Delta pays 11%, Kappa pays the risk-free rate +3%

B.

Delta pays the risk-free rate +3%, Kappa pays 15%

C.

Delta pays 12%, Kappa pays the risk-free rate +4%

D.

Delta pays the risk-free rate +2%, Kappa pays 14%

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Questions 17

A company intends to sell one of its business units, Company R by a management buyout (MBO).

A selling price of $100 million has been agreed.

The managers are discussing with a bank and a venture capital company (VCC) the following financing proposal:

  

The VCC requires a minimum return on its equity investment in the MBO of 30% a year on a compound basis over 5 years.

 

What is the minimum TOTAL equity value of Company R in 5 years time in order to meet the VCC's required return?

 

Give your answer to one decimal place.

 

$  ? million 

Options:

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Questions 18

Which THREE of the following long term changes are most likely to increase the credit rating of a company?

Options:

A.

An increase in the interest cover ratio.

B.

A decrease in the (Net debt) / (Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) ratio.

C.

An increase in the free cashflow generated from operations.

D.

A decrease in the (Book value of debt) / (Book value of equity) ratio.

E.

A decrease in the dividend cover ratio.

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Questions 19

A consultancy company is dependent for profits and growth on the high value individuals it employs.

The company has relatively few tangible assets.

 

Select the most appropriate reason for the net asset valuation method being considered unsuitable for such a company.

Options:

A.

It does not account for the intangible assets.

B.

It accounts for the intangible assets at historical value.

C.

It accounts for intangible assets at net realisable value.

D.

It does not account for tangible assets.

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Questions 20

An unlisted company:

  • Is owned by the original founder and member of their families.
  • Is growing more rapidly than other companies in the same industry.
  • Pays a fixed annual divided

Which of the following methods would be the most appropriate to value this company’s equity?

Options:

A.

P/E ratio of a listed company in the same industry.

B.

Divided valuation method.

C.

Asset based approach including intangibles.

D.

Discounted cash flow analysis based on forecast future free cash flows.

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Questions 21

Company AD is planning to acquire Company DC. It is evaluating two methods of structuring the terms of the bid, which will be ether a debt-funded cash offer or a share exchange

The following Information is relevant

• The two companies are of similar size and in related industries

• AB's gearing ratio measured as debt to debt plus equity, is currently 30% based on market values. This Is the company's optimum capital structure set to reflect the risk appetite of shareholders.

• The combined company is expected to generate savings and synergies

Which THREE of the following are advantages to AB's shareholders of a debt-funded cash offer compared with a share exchange?

Options:

A.

Shareholder control will remain with AB’s current shareholders

B.

More of the synergistic benefits of the acquisition will accrue to AB's current shareholders.

C.

Gearing will increase.

D.

EPS Mil Increase

E.

WACC will increase f credit worthless falls too low, further increasing the returns to shareholders.

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Questions 22

Modigliani and Miller are the main proponents of the view that the dividend policy is irrelevant to the value of a company's shares.

They argue that a company that continually reinvests its entire earnings would generate the same shareholder wealth if it engaged in a policy of high dividends and financed its expansion with funds obtained from rights issues.

 

Which THREE of the following statements are assumptions that are required in order to support this proposition?  

Options:

A.

There are no transaction costs involved in the issue of new shares (including rights issues).

B.

There is a multiplicity of corporate and personal income tax rates.

C.

Investors act in a rational manner.

D.

The capital markets are efficient markets.

E.

Investors do not always have access to perfect information.

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Questions 23

An unlisted company wishes to obtain an estimated value for its shares in anticipation of a private sale of a large parcel of shares.

 

Relevant data for the unlisted company:

   • It has a residual dividend policy. 

   • It has earnings that are highly sensitive to underlying economic conditions.

   • It is a small business in a large industry where there are listed companies but there are none with a similar capital structure. 

 

The company intends to base valuations on the cost of equity of a proxy company after adjusting for any differences in capital structure where appropriate.

 

Which of the following methods is likely to give the most accurate equity value for this unlisted company?

Options:

A.

Dividend valuation model.

B.

Discounted cash flow analysis at WACC based on free cash flow to equity. 

C.

Net asset valuation.

D.

P/E based valuation using the P/E of a similar listed company in the same industry.

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Questions 24

A company in country T is considering either exporting its product directly to customers in country P or establishing a manufacturing subsidiary in country P.

The corporate tax rate in country T is 20% and 25% tax depreciation allowances are available

Which TIIRCC of the following would be considered advantages of establishing a subsidiary in country T?

Options:

A.

The corporate tsx rate in country P is 40%.

B.

There are restrictions on companies wishing to remit profit from country P

C.

Year 1 tax depreciation allowances of 100% are available in country P.

D.

There is a double tax treaty between country T and country P.

E.

There are high customs cuties payable of products entering country P.

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Questions 25

Three companies are quoted on the New York Stock Exchange. The following data applies:

Which of the following statements is TRUE?

Options:

A.

Company A has the greatest business risk

B.

Companies A and B have the same capital structure

C.

Companies A and C have the same business risk

D.

Companies A and B have the same business risk

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Questions 26

Where a company acquires another company, which THREE of the following offer the greatest potential for enhancing shareholder wealth?

Options:

A.

Achieving greater cultural diversity

B.

Achieving more press coverage for the company

C.

Creating new opportunities for employees.

D.

Exploiting production synergies.

E.

Elimination of existing competition.

F.

Acquiring intellectual property assets

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Questions 27

A listed company in a high growth industry, where innovation is a key driver of success has always operated a residual dividend policy, resulting in volatility in dividends due to periodic significant investments in research and development.

 

The company has recently come under pressure from some investors to change its dividend policy so that shareholders receive a consistent growing dividend. In addition, they suggested that the company should use more debt finance. 

 

If the suggested change is made to the financial policies, which THREE of the following statements are true?

Options:

A.

It may give a signal to the market that the company is entering a period of stable growth. 

B.

There may be a change to the shareholder profile due to 'the clientele effect'. 

C.

The directors will not have to take shareholder dividend preferences into consideration in future. 

D.

Retained earnings have a lower cost than debt finance.

E.

The company's financial risk will increase due to its increased use of debt finance.

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Questions 28

Company Z wishes to borrow $50 million for 10 years at a fixed rate of interest.

 

Two alternative approaches are being considered:

   A. Issue a 10 year bond at a fixed rate of 6%, or

   B. Borrow from the bank at Libor +2.5% for a 10 year period and simultaneously enter into a 10 year interest rate swap.

 

Current 10 year swap rates against Libor are 4.0% - 4.2%.

 

What is the difference in the net interest cost between the two alternative approaches?

Options:

A.

Approach A is 0.7% a year less expensive

B.

Approach A is 0.5% a year less expensive

C.

Approach B is 2.0% a year less expensive

D.

Approach B is 2.2% a year less expensive

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Questions 29

Company B is an all equity financed company with a cost of equity of 10%.

It is considering issuing bonds in order to achieve a gearing level of 20% debt and 80% equity.

These bonds will pay a coupon rate of 5% and have an interest yield of 6%.

Company B pays corporate tax at the rate of 25%.

 

According to Modigliani and Miller's theory of capital structure with tax, what will be Company B's new cost of equity?

A)

B)

C)

D)

Options:

A.

Option A

B.

Option B

C.

Option C

D.

Option D

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Questions 30

A company is valuing its equity prior to an initial public offering (IPO). 

 

Relevant data:

   • Earnings per share $1.00

   • WACC is 8% and the cost of equity is 12%

   • Dividend payout ratio 40%

   • Dividend growth rate 2% in perpetuity

 

The current share price using the Dividend Valuation Model is closest to:

Options:

A.

$4.08

B.

$6.12

C.

$6.80

D.

$4.00

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Questions 31

Holding cash in excess of business requirements rather than returning the cash to shareholders is most likely to result in lower:

Options:

A.

liquidity.

B.

vulnerability to a takeover bid.

C.

net profit.

D.

return on equity.

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Questions 32

Company A is a listed company that produces pottery goods which it sells throughout Europe. The pottery is then delivered to a network of self employed artists who are contracted to paint the pottery in their own homes. Finished goods are distributed by network of sales agents.The directors of Company A are now considering acquiring one or more smaller companies by means of vertical integration to improve profit margins.

Advise the Board of Company A which of the following acquisitions is most likely to achieve the stated aim of vertical integration?

Options:

A.

A company in a similar market to Company A.

B.

A pottery factory in the Middle East.

C.

A company that produces accessories.

D.

A listed international logistics firm.

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Questions 33

An all equity financed company plans an issue of new ordinary shares to the general public to raise finance for a new project

The following data applies:

• 10 million ordinary shares are currently in issue with a market value of S3 each share

• The new project will cost S2.88 million and is expected to give a positive NPV of S1 million

• The issue will be priced at a AaA discount to the current share price.

What gam or loss per share will accrue to the existing shareholders?

Options:

A.

Gain of 0.18

B.

Loss of $0.08

C.

Gain of $0.08

D.

Loss of $0.18

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Questions 34

A company's main objective is to achieve an average growth in dividends of 10% a year. 

In the most recent financial year:

  

Sales are expected to grow at 8% a year over the next 5 years. 

Costs are expected to grow at 5% a year over the next 5 years. 

 

What is the minimum dividend payout ratio in 5 years' time that would allow the company to achieve its objective?

Options:

A.

21.7%

B.

30.0%

C.

27.5%

D.

22.5%

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Questions 35

A listed company plans to raise $350 million to finance a major expansion programme.

The cash flow projections for the programme are subject to considerable variability.

Brief details of the programme have been public knowledge for a few weeks.

The directors are considering two financing options, either a rights issue at a 20% discount to current share price or a long term bond.

 

The following data is relevant:

  

The company's share price has fallen by 5% over the past 3 months compared with a fall in the market of 3% over the same period.

The directors favour the bond option.

However, the Chief Accountant has provided arguments for a rights issue.

 

Which TWO of the following arguments in favour of a right issue are correct?

Options:

A.

The issue of bonds might limit the availability of debt finance in the future.

B.

The recent fall in the share price makes a rights issue more attractive to the company.

C.

The rights issue will lead to less pressure on the operating cash flows of the programme.

D.

The WACC will decrease assuming Modigliani and Miller's Theory of Capital Structure without taxes applies.

E.

The administrative costs of a rights issue will be lower.

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Questions 36

Which THREE of the following methods of business valuation would give a valuation of the equity of an entity, rather than the value of the whole entity?

Options:

A.

Expected dividend in one year's time / (cost of equity - growth rate).

B.

Total earnings x appropriate price-earnings ratio.

C.

Forecast future cash flows to all Investors, discounted at the weighted average cost of capital.

D.

Forecast future cash flows to equity, discounted at the cost of equity.

E.

Non-current assets, plus current assets, minus current liabilities

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Questions 37

The International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) was formed in August 2010 and brings together a cross-section of representatives from a wide variety of business sectors.

 The primary purpose of the IIRC's framework is to help enable an organsation to communicate how it:

Options:

A.

minimises the environmental impact of its business processes.

B.

creates value in the short, medium and long term.

C.

contributes positively to the economic well being of the environment in which it operates.  

D.

ensures that the conflicting needs of different stakeholder groups are met in an optimal manner.

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Questions 38

An unlisted software development business is to be sold by its founders to a private equity house following the initial development of the software. The business has not yet made a profit but significantprofits are expected for the next three years with only negligible profits thereafter. The business owns the freehold of the property from which it operates. However, it is the industry norm to lease property.

Which THREE of the following are limitations to the validity of using the Calculated Intangible Value (CIV) method for this business?

Options:

A.

The business owns the freehold property from which it operates.

B.

Significant profits are forecast for the next three years with only negligible profits thereafter.

C.

The business has not yet made a profit.

D.

The CIV method cannot be applied to an unlisted company.

E.

The intellectual property representing the software development has not been included in the accounts.

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Questions 39

Company GDD plans to acquire Company HGG, an unlisted company which has been in business for 3 years.

Company HGG has incurred losses in its first 3 years but is expected to become highly profitable in the near future

There are no listed companies in the country operating in the same business field as Company HGG The future success of Company HGG's business and hence the future growth rate in earnings and dividends is difficult to determine

Company GDD is assessing the validity of using the dividend growth method to value Company HGG

Which THREE of the following are weaknesses of using the dividend growth model to value an unlisted company such as Company HGG?

Options:

A.

The future growth rate in earnings and dividends will be difficult to accurately determine

B.

The future projected dividend stream is used as the basis for the valuation

C.

The company has been unprofitable to date and hence, there is no established dividend payment pattern

D.

The dividend growth model does not take the time value of money into consideration

E.

The cost of capital will be difficult to estimate

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Questions 40

Company A has agreed to buy all the share capital of Company B.

The Board of Directors of Company A believes that the post-acquisition value of the expanded business can be computed using the "boot-strapping" concept.

Which of the following most accurately describes "boot-strapping" in this context?

Options:

A.

Forecasting the future free cash flows of the combined entities and discounting these at the bidder's Weighted Average Cost of Capital

B.

Adding together the current post tax earnings of each company and multiplying this by the price earnings ratio of the acquired entity

C.

Adding together the current post-tax earnings of each company and multiplying this by the price/earnings ratio of the bidder

D.

Combining the pre-acquisition market capitalisation of each company

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Questions 41

The Board of Directors of a small listed company engaged in exploration are currently considering the future dividend policy of the company. Exploration is considered a high-risk business and consequently the company has a low level of debt finance.

 

Forecasts indicate a period of profit fluctuation in the next few years as the company is planning to embark on a major capital investment project. Debt finance is unlikely to be available due to the project's high business risk.

 

Which THREE of the following are practical considerations when determining the company's dividend/retention policy? 

Options:

A.

The timing and size of the cash flow requirements for the new investment.

B.

The fluctuating nature of the projected future profits.

C.

The legislation and regulation governing distributable profits.

D.

The dividend policies of mature listed multinational companies in the exploration industry. 

E.

The general level of interest rates and the tax savings on interest costs relating to debt finance.

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Questions 42

Which TIIRCC of the following are most likely to reduce the long term credit rating co a company?

Options:

A.

The issue of new shares where the funds raised are invested in a project that has an NPV of nil.

B.

The issue of a new bond where the funds raised are invested in a project that has an NPV of nil.

C.

The issue of new shares where the funds raised are invested in expanding into a new nigh risk market.

D.

Loss of a major customer that contributed 30% of sales revenue.

E.

Disposal of a loss-making division where the funds raised will be used to pay a special dividend to shareholders.

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Questions 43

Company A is a large well-established listed entertainment company and Company B is a small unlisted company specializing in providing online media streaming.

Company A has a gearing ratio of 60% (using book values) and interest cover of 2.

Company A is considering making an offer for Company B, either a cash offer financial by raising additional debt finance or a share-for-share exchange.

Which of the following is most likely to occur if Company A offers a share-for exchange rather than offering cash finance by raising debt?

Options:

A.

Earnings per share would be higher.

B.

Divided per share would be higher.

C.

Gearing would be lower.

D.

There would be no dilution f of control.

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Questions 44

Company A is subject to a takeover bid from Company B, both companies operate in the same industry and each of them demand a significant market share Company B h3S made an of an of $5 per share to the shareholders of Company A.

The directors of Company A do not believe the takeover would be in the best interests of the stakeholders and other stakeholders of Company A due to the following reruns

1. Company B has recently taken ever several ether companies resulting in them breaking up the company and se ling on the assets.

2 The directors of Company A believe the offer of $5 per snare undervalues tie company

The directors of Company A are therefore keen to prevent the bid from going ahead

Which THREE of the following defence strategies could be used by the directors of Company Air this situation?

Options:

A.

Offer the company to an alternative While Knight bidder.

B.

Appeal to their own shareholders that the company should not be broken up because i: has strong growth prospects.

C.

Refer the bid to the Competition Authorizes because of the risk of a large number of employee redundancies if Company B's Did were to be successful

D.

Inform shareholders of the potential current value of the non-current assets including intangibles, to show that their true value is higher than the bid value.

E.

Give existing shareholders the right to buy bonds in the future.

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Questions 45

Which THREE of the following are benefits of integrated reporting?

Options:

A.

Improve the quality of information available to the providers of financial capital.

B.

Promote an understanding of the interdependencies of capitals. 

C.

Reduce the amount of work that is required to produce the report and accounts.

D.

Improve short term decision making.

E.

Support integrated decision-making. 

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Questions 46

Company RRR is a well-established, unlisted, road freight company.

In recent years RRR has come under pressure to improve its customer service and has had some success in doing this However, the cost of improved service levels has resulted in it making small losses in its latest financial year. This is the first time RRR has not been profitable.

RRR uses a 'residual' dividend policy and has paid dividends twice in the last 10 years.

Which of the following methods would be most appropriate for valuing RRR?

Options:

A.

Valuing the tangible assets and intangible assets of RRR.

B.

The P/E method, adjusting the P/E of a listed company downwards to reflect RRR's unlisted status.

C.

The earnings yield method, adjusting the earnings yield of a listed company downwards to reflect RRR's unlisted status.

D.

The dividend valuation model.

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Questions 47

Two listed companies in the same industry are joining together through a merger.

 

What are the likely outcomes that will occur after the merger has happened? 

Select ALL that apply.

Options:

A.

Increase in customer base.

B.

Competition authorities step in to stop a potential price monopoly.

C.

Decrease in employee motivation due to internal changes.

D.

Changes to supplier relationships owing to internal changes.

E.

Cost savings from synergistic benefits and economies of scale.

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Questions 48

Which of the following statements best describes a residual dividend policy?

Options:

A.

Dividends are paid only after the on-going operational needs of the business have been met.

B.

Dividends are paid only if no further positive NPV projects are available.

C.

All surplus earnings are invested back into the business.

D.

Dividends are paid at a constant rate.

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Questions 49

XYZ has a variable rate loan of $200 million on which it is paying interest of Liber ‘3%.

XYZ entered into a swap with AG bank to convert this to a fixed rate 8% loan. AB bank charges an annual commission of 0.4% for making this arrangement

Calculate the net payment from KYZ to AB bank at the end of the first year if Libor was 2% throughout the year.

Give your answer in $ million, to one decimal place.

Options:

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Questions 50

LPM Company is based in Country C. whose currency is the CS

It has entered Into a contract to buy a machine in three months' time. The supplier is overseas and the payment is to be made in a different currency from the CS

The treasurer at LPM Company is considering using a money market hedge to manage the transaction risk associated with a payment.

The assumptions of interest rate parity apply

Which THREE of the following statements concerning the use of a money market hedge for this supplier payment are correct?

Options:

A.

Any opportunity to benefit from future exchange rate movements is lost.

B.

It can be tailored to match the size of the payment

C.

It manages transaction risk

D.

It offers a significantly better outcome than a forward contract

E.

lt avoids the need to find immediate finance

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Questions 51

A company based in Country A with the A$ as its functional currency requires A$500 million 20-year debt finance to finance a long-term investment The company has a high credit rating, but has not previously issued corporate bonds which are listed on the stock exchange Which THREE of the following are advantages of issuing 20 year bonds compared with simply borrowing for a 20 year period?

Options:

A.

Larger capital market

B.

Greater availability of debt of 20-year duration

C.

Lower arrangement costs

D.

Less administrative effort to arrange the new finance

E.

Lower interest rate

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Questions 52

A company has identified potential profitable investments that would require a total of S50 million capital expenditure over the next two years The following information is relevant.

• The company has 100 million shares in issue and has a market capitalisation of S500 million

• It has a target debt to equity ratio of 40% based on market values This ratio is currently 30%

• Earnings for the current year are expected to be S1 00 million

• Its last dividend payment was $1 per share One of the company's objectives is to increase dividends by at least 10% each year

• The company has no cash reserves

Which of the following is the most suitable method of financing to meet the company's requirements?

Options:

A.

Use a share repurchase scheme rather than pay a cash dividend

B.

Increase debt to meet the target debt to equity ratio.

C.

Reduce dividends for this year only to 50 cents a share.

D.

Maintain dividends at $1 per share for the next two years.

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Questions 53

A listed entertainment and media company produces and distributes films globally. The company invests heavily in intellectual property in order to create the scope for future film projects. The company has five separate distribution companies, each managed as a separate business unit The company is seeking to sell one of its business units in a management buy-out (MBO) to enable it to raise finance for proposed new investments

The business unit managers have been in discussions with a bank and venture capitalists regarding the financing for the MBO The venture capitalists are only prepared to invest a mixture of debt and equity and have suggested the following:

The venture capitalists have stated that they expect a minimum return on their equity investment of 3Q°/o a year on a compound basis over the first 5 years of the MBO No dividends will be paid during this period.

Advise the MBO team of the total amount due to the venture capitalist over the 5-year period to satisfy their total minimum return?

Options:

A.

$155.14 million

B.

$111 39 million

C.

$120 14 million

D.

$146 39 million

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Questions 54

Company Z has identified four potential acquisition targets: companies A, B, C and D.

Company Z has a current equity market value of $590 million.

The price it would have to pay for the equity of each company is as follows:

Only one of the target companies can be acquired and the consideration will be paid in cash.

The following estimations of the new combined value of Company Z have been prepared for each acquisition before deduction of the cash consideration:

Ignoring any premium paid on acquisition, which acquisition should the directors pursue?

Options:

A.

A

B.

B

C.

C

D.

D

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Questions 55

A company financed by equity and debt can be valued by discounting:

Options:

A.

free cash flow before interest at WACC.

B.

free cash flow before interest at the cost of equity.

C.

free cash flow after interest at WACC.

D.

free cash flow after interest at the cost of equity.

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Questions 56

Company AEE has a 10 year 6% corporate bond in issue which has a nominal value of $400 million, which is currently trading at 95%. The bond is secured on the company's property

The Board of Directors has calculated the equity value of Company AEE as follows;

Which THREE of the following are errors in the valuation?

Options:

A.

Including retained earnings from the Statement of Financial Position.

B.

Deducting $400 million for the value of the company's corporate bond.

C.

Using the company's weighted average cost of capital to discount cash flows attributable to shareholders.

D.

Using cash flows to equity rather than expected dividends as the initial cash flows.

E.

Deducting replacement capital expenditure

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Questions 57

A company based in Country D, whose currency is the D$, has an objective of maintaining an operating profit margin of at least 10% each year. 

 

Relevant data:

   • The company makes sales to Country E whose currency is the E$. It also makes sales to Country F whose currency is the F$. 

   • All purchases are from Country G whose currency is the G$.

   • The settlement of all transactions is in the currency of the customer or supplier.

 

Which of the following changes would be most likely to help the company achieve its objective?

Options:

A.

The D$ strengthens against the E$ over time. 

B.

The F$ weakens against the D$ over time.

C.

The D$ strengthens against the G$ over time.

D.

The D$ weakens against the G$ over time.

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Questions 58

XYZ is a multi-national group with subsidiary AA in Country A and subsidiary BB in Country B. The capital structures of AA and BB are set up to take advantage of the lower tax rate in Country A Thin capitalisation rules in Country B will limit the ability for either AA or BB to claim tax relief on:

Options:

A.

interest earned by BB.

B.

interest earned by AA

C.

interest paid by BB

D.

interest paid by AA

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Questions 59

Company HJK is planning to bid for listed company BNM

Financial data for BNM for the financial year ended 31 December 20X1:

HJK is not forecasting any growth in these figures for the foreseeable future

Profit and cost data above should be assumed to be equivalent to cash flow data when answenng this question

Which THREE of the following approaches would be most appropriate for HJK to use to value the equity of BNM?

Options:

A.

Cash flows of S24 million discounted at the cost of equity

B.

Share price x number of shares in issue plus retained profits

C.

Cash flows of S14 million discounted at the cost of equity

D.

Share price x number of shares in issue

E.

Cash flows of $30 million (= S40 million net of tax at 25%) discounted at WACC minus the value of debt

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Questions 60

The ex div share price of a company's shares is $2.20.

 

An investor in the company currently holds 1,000 shares.

 

The company plans to issue a scrip dividend of 1 new share for every 10 shares currently held.

 

After the scrip dividend, what will be the total wealth of the shareholder?

 

Give your answer to the nearest whole $.

 

 $ ?  .

Options:

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Questions 61

A listed company has recently announced a profit warning.

 

The company's share price fell 20% on the day of the announcement but had been fairly static in the weeks leading up to the announcement.

 

Which form of efficient market is most likely to be indicated by this share price movement?

Options:

A.

Weak form

B.

Semi-strong form

C.

Strong form

D.

Random walk

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Questions 62

A venture capitalist invests in a company by means of buying:

   • 9 million shares for $2 a share and

   • 8% bonds with a nominal value of $2 million, repayable at par in 3 years' time. 

The venture capitalist expects a return on the equity portion of the investment of at least 20% a year on a compound basis over the first 3 years of the investment.

 

The company has 10 million shares in issue.

 

What is the minimum total equity value for the company in 3 years' time required to satisify the venture capitalist's expected return?

 

Give your answer to the nearest $ million.

 

$   million.   

 

Options:

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Questions 63

Which of the following statements is true of a spin-off (or demerger)?

Options:

A.

Raises finance to fund new projects.

B.

Changes the ownership structure of the core entity by introducing new shareholders. 

C.

Allows investors to identify the true value of the demerged business.

D.

Increases the risk of a takeover bid for the core entity.

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Questions 64

Company AAB is located in country A whose currency is the AS It has a subsidiary, BBA, located m country B that has the BS as its currency AAB has asked BBA to pay BS40 million surplus funds to AAB to assist with a planned new capital investment in country A The exchange rate today is AS1 = BS3

Tax regimes

• Company BBA pays withholding tax of 25% on all cash remitted to the parent company

• Company AAB pays tax of 10% on at cash received from its subsidiary

How much will company AAB have available for investment after receiving the surplus funds from BBA?

Options:

A.

A$ 12 million

B.

A$ 9 million

C.

A$ 81 million

D.

A$ 27 million

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Questions 65

A company wishes to raise additional debt finance and is assessing the impact this will have on key ratios. 

The following data currently applies:

   • Profit before interest and tax for the current year is $500,000

   • Long term debt of $300,000 at a fixed interest rate of 5%

   • 250,000 shares in issue with a share price of $8

The company plans to borrow an additional $200,000 on the first day of the year to invest in new project which will improve annual profit before interest and tax by $24,000.

The additional debt would carry an interest rate of 3%.

Assume the number of shares in issue remain constant but the share price will increase to $8.50 after the investment.

The rate of corporate income tax is 30%.

 

After the investment, which of the following statements is correct?

Options:

A.

Interest cover will fall; P/E ratio will fall.

B.

Interest cover will fall; P/E ratio will rise.

C.

Interest cover will rise; P/E ratio will rise.

D.

Interest cover will rise; P/E ratio will fall.

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Questions 66

A listed company in a high growth industry, where innovation is a key driver of success has always operated a residual dividend policy, resulting in volatility in dividends due to periodic significant investments in research and development.

 

The company has recently come under pressure from some investors to change its dividend policy so that shareholders receive a consistent growing dividend. In addition, they suggested that the company should use more debt finance. 

 If the suggested change is made to the financial policies, which THREE of the following statements are true?

Options:

A.

It may give a signal to the market that the company is entering a period of stable growth. 

B.

There may be a change to the shareholder profile due to 'the clientele effect'. 

C.

The directors will not have to take shareholder dividend preferences into consideration in future. 

D.

Retained earnings have a lower cost than debt finance.

E.

The company's financial risk will increase due to its increased use of debt finance.

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Questions 67

Which THREE of the following non-financial objectives would be most appropriate for a listed company in the food retailing industry?

Options:

A.

Reduce customer complaints

B.

Increase customer service quality

C.

Reduce production time

D.

Improve staff morale

E.

Reduce raw material wastage

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Questions 68

TTT pic is a listed company. The following information is relevant:

TTT pic's board is considering issuing new 6% irredeemable debt to re-purchase equity. This is expected to change TTT pic's debt to equity mix to 40: 60 by market value. The corporate tax rate is 20%.

What will be TTT pic's WACC following this change in capital structure?

Options:

A.

11.66%

B.

12.67%

C.

13.43%

D.

11.09%

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Questions 69

A company is deciding whether to offer a scrip dividend or a cash dividend to its shareholders. 

Although the company has excellent long-term growth prospects, it is experiencing short-term profit and cash flow problems.

 

Which of the following statements is most likely to be a reason for choosing the scrip dividend?

Options:

A.

It is a way of raising additional finance to promote future growth.

B.

It is a way of increasing earnings per share.

C.

It is a way of encouraging shareholders to allow cash to be retained in the business.

D.

It is a way of increasing dividend per share.

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Questions 70

When valuing an unlisted company, a P/E ratio for a similar listed company may be used but adjustments to the P/E ratio may be necessary.

 

Which THREE of the following factors would justify a reduction in the proxy p/e ratio before use? 

Options:

A.

The relative lack of marketability of unlisted company shares.

B.

A lower level of scrutiny and regulation for unlisted companies.

C.

Unlisted companies being generally smaller and less established.

D.

Control premium not being included within the proxy p/e ratio used.

E.

The forecast earnings growth being relatively higher in the unlisted company.

F.

A profit item within the unlisted company's latest earnings which will not reoccur.

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Questions 71

A venture capitalist has made an equity investment in a private company and is evaluating possible methods by which it can exit the investment over the next 3 years. The private company shareholders comprise the four original founders and the venture capitalist. 

 Advise the venture capitalist which THREE of the following methods will enable it to exit its equity investment?

Options:

A.

The private company buys back the equity shares.

B.

The private company undertakes a 1 for 4 rights issue.

C.

The private company obtains a stock market listing.

D.

The private company conducts a stock split of its share capital.

E.

Trade sale of shares to an external 3rd party.

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Questions 72

Which of the following would be a reason for a company to adopt a low dividend pay-out policy?

Options:

A.

High profitability

B.

A lack of alternative sources of finance

C.

A lack of investment opportunities

D.

Using dividends to give a signal to the stock market

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Questions 73

The International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) was formed in August 2010 and brings together a cross-section of representatives from a wide variety of business sectors.

 

The primary purpose of the IIRC's framework is to help enable an organsation to communicate how it:

Options:

A.

minimises the environmental impact of its business processes.

B.

creates value in the short, medium and long term.

C.

contributes positively to the economic well being of the environment in which it operates.  

D.

ensures that the conflicting needs of different stakeholder groups are met in an optimal manner.

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Questions 74

Which THREE of the following are likely to be strategic reasons for a horizontal acquisition?

Options:

A.

Reduction of risk by building a larger portfolio

B.

Acquisition of an undervalued company

C.

To achieve economies of scale

D.

To secure key parts of the value chain

E.

Reduction of competition

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Questions 75

Extracts from a company's profit forecast for the next financial year as follows:

  

Since preparing the forecast, the company has decided to return surplus cash to shareholders by a share repurchase arrangement.

The share repurchase would result in the company purchasing 20% of the 1,250 million ordinary shares currently in issue and canceling them.

 

Assuming the share repurchase went ahead, the impact on the company's forecast earnings per share will be an increase of:

Options:

A.

$0.100

B.

$0.125

C.

$0.175

D.

$0.200

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Questions 76

Company A has a cash surplus.

The discount rate used for a typical project is the company's weighted average cost of capital of 10%.

No investment projects will be available for at least 2 years.

 

Which of the following is currently most likely to increase shareholder wealth in respect of the surplus cash?

Options:

A.

Investing in a 2 year bond returning 5% each year.

B.

Investing in the local money market at 4% each year.

C.

Maintaining the cash in a current account.

D.

Paying the surplus cash as a dividend at the earliest opportunity.

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Questions 77

A listed company is financed by debt and equity.

If it increases the proportion of debt in its capital structure it would be in danger of breaching a debt covenant imposed by one of its lenders.

 

The following data is relevant:

  

 

The company now requires $800 million additional funding for a major expansion programme. 

 

Which of the following is the most appropriate as a source of finance for this expansion programme?

Options:

A.

Retained earnings

B.

Private placement of a bond

C.

Rights issue

D.

Bank overdraft

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Questions 78

A company based in Country D, whose currency is the D$, has an objective of maintaining an operating profit margin of at least 10% each year. 

 

Relevant data:

   • The company makes sales to Country E whose currency is the E$. It also makes sales to Country F whose currency is the F$. 

   • All purchases are from Country G whose currency is the G$.

   • The settlement of all transactions is in the currency of the customer or supplier.

 

Which of the following changes would be most likely to help the company achieve its objective?

Options:

A.

The D$ strengthens against the E$ over time. 

B.

The F$ weakens against the D$ over time.

C.

The D$ strengthens against the G$ over time.

D.

The D$ weakens against the G$ over time.

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Questions 79

Company ABC is planning to bid for company DDD, an unlisted company in an unrelated industry sector to ABC.

 

The directors of ABC are considering a number of different valuation methods for DDD before making a bid.

 

Which of the following is the MOST appropriate method for ABC to use to value DDD?

Options:

A.

Using DDD's tangible assets.

B.

Applying an industry P/E ratio to DDD's forecast earnings.

C.

Discounting DDD's forecast cash flows using ABC's cost of equity.

D.

Applying Company ABC's P/E ratio to DDD's forecast earnings.

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Questions 80

Which TWO of the following situations offer arbitrage opportunities?

A)

B)

C)

D)

Options:

A.

Option A

B.

Option B

C.

Option C

D.

Option D

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Questions 81

The long-term prospects for inflation in the UK and the USA are 1% and 4% per annum respectively.

The GBP/USD spot rate is currently GBP/USD1.40

Using purchasing power parity theory, what GBP/USD spot rate would you expect to see in six months’ time?

Options:

A.

GBP/USD1.38

B.

GBP/USD1.44

C.

GBP/USD1.42

D.

GBP/USD1.36

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Questions 82

In the context of the Integrated Reporting Framework which THREE of the following statements are correct?

Options:

A.

Under integrated reporting 'natural capital' refers to the renewable and non-renewable resources and processes which provide goods or services that support the organisation in the conduct of its business.

B.

An integrated report integrates economic, environmental and social reports and is issued alongside the annual financial statements.

C.

The primary purpose of an integrated report is to explain to providers of financial capital how an entity creates value over time.

D.

Sustainability reporting is an intrinsic component of an integrated report

E.

The primary purpose of an integrated report is to ensure that management take environmental issues into consideration when making decisions.

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Questions 83

The ex div share price of Company A’s shares is $.3.50

An investor in Company A currently holds 2,000 shares.

Company A plans to issue a script divided of 1 new shares for every 10 shares currently held.

After the scrip divided, what will be the total wealth of the shareholder?

Give your answer to the nearest whole $.

Options:

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Questions 84

A company's Board of Directors is considering raising a long-term bank loan incorporating a number of covenants.

The Board members are unsure what loan covenants involve. 

 

Which THREE of the following statements regarding loan covenants are true?

Options:

A.

A positive loan covenant would require the company to undertake specific actions.

B.

A loan covenant has no contractually binding obligations.

C.

A restrictive covenant prohibits the company from conducting certain actions without the approval of the lending institution.

D.

A covenant gives the financial institution the right but not the obligation to convert debt into equity in a case of non-compliance. 

E.

A financial covenant usually requires the company to adhere to specific financial conditions or targets.

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Questions 85

RST wishes to raise at least $40 million of new equity by issuing up to 10 million new equity shares at a minimum price of $3.00 under an offer for sale by tender. It receives the following tender offers:

What is the maximum amount that RST can raise by this share issue?

(Give your answer to the nearest $ million).

Options:

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Questions 86

WW is a quoted manufacturing company. The Finance Director has addressed the shareholders during WW's annual general meeting-She has told the shareholders that WW raised equity during the year and used the funds to repay a large loan that was maturing, thereby reducing WW's gearing ratio

At the conclusion of the Finance Director's speech one of the shareholders complained that it had been foolish for WW to have used equity to repay debt The shareholder argued that the Modigliani and Miller model (with tax) offers proof that debt is cheaper than equity when companies pay tax on their profits.

Which THREE arguments could the Finance Director have used in response to the shareholder?

Options:

A.

A lower gearing ratio will result in an increase in the value of the company

B.

WW was approaching a debt covenant limit and it was therefore important to reduce gearing.

C.

A lower gearing ratio creates greater flexibility for WW in the future

D.

The shareholder was confusing the cost of capital with shareholder wealth

E.

Reducing the gearing ratio has reduced the financial risk of WW which will benefit shareholders

F.

The Modigliani and Miller model would only be valid in practice if WW's shareholders were aware of the model and believed in its validity

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Questions 87

A large, listed company in the food and household goods industry needs to raise $50 million for a period of up to 6 months.

It has an excellent credit rating and there is almost no risk of the company defaulting on the borrowings. The company already has a commercial paper programme in place and has a good relationship with its bank.

 

Which of the following is likely to be the most cost effective method of borrowing the money?

Options:

A.

Bank overdraft

B.

6 month term loan

C.

Treasury Bills

D.

Commercial paper

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Questions 88

An unlisted company which is owned and managed by its original founders has accumulated excess cash following many years of profitable trading.

The Board of Directors is comprised of the four original founders who each hold 25% of the equity share capital.

 

Which THREE of the following will be significant considerations when deciding on the company's dividend policy? 

Options:

A.

The adequacy of the pension funds of the original founders. 

B.

The impact of the dividend policy on the company's share price.

C.

The cash requirements of the shareholders in the foreseeable future.

D.

The dividend policy of listed companies in the same industry.

E.

Income tax rates and the personal tax liabilities of the shareholders.

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Questions 89

Company XXY operates in country X with the X$ as its currency. It is looking to acquire company ZZY which operates in country Z with the Z$ as its currency.

The assistant accountant at Company XXY has started to prepare an initial valuation of Company ZZY's equity for the first 3 years, however their valuation is incomplete. TBC' in the table below indicates that her calculations have yet to be completed.

The following information is relevant:

What is the correct figure (to the nearest million S) to include in year 3 as the present value in X$ million?

Options:

A.

X$453 million

B.

X$504 million

C.

X$401 million

D.

X$360 million

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Questions 90

A company currently has a 6.25% fixed rate loan but it wishes to change the interest style of the loan to variable by using an interest rate swap directly with the bank.

 

The bank has quoted the following swap rate:

   • 5.50% - 5.55% in exchange for LIBOR

LIBOR is currently 5%.

 

If the company enters into the swap and LIBOR remains at 5%, what will the company's interest cost be?

Options:

A.

5.00%

B.

5.75%

C.

5.70%

D.

6.25%

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Questions 91

A company has in a 5% corporate bond in issue on which there are two loan covenants.

   • Interest cover must not fall below 3 times

   • Retained earnings for the year must not fall below $3.5 million

The Company has 200 million shares in issue.

The most recent dividend per share was $0.04.

The Company intends increasing dividends by 10% next year.

 

Financial projections for next year are as follows:

 

Advise the Board of Directors which of the following will be the status of compliance with the loan covenants next year?

Options:

A.

The company will be in compliance with both covenants.

B.

The company will be in breach of both covenants.

C.

The company will breach the covenant in respect of retained earnings only.

D.

The company will be in breach of the covenant in respect of interest cover only.

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Questions 92

The directors of a financial services company need to calculate a valuation of their company’s equity in preparation for an upcoming initial Public Offering (IPO) of shares. At a recent board meeting they discussed the various methods of business valuation.

The Chief Executive suggested using a Price-earing (P./E) method of valuation, but the finance Director argued that a valuation based on forecast cash flows to equity would be more appropriate.

Which THREE of the following are advantages of valuation based on forecast cash flows to equity, compared to a valuating using a price earnings methods?

Options:

A.

Using cash is theoretically superior to using profits in a valuation calculation.

B.

It give on estimate of the likely shareholder value that will be created.

C.

The calculations are much simpler.

D.

It incorporates the time value of money.

E.

It avoids the problem of having to forecast a sustainable level of future growth.

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Questions 93

A company is planning a share buyback. In which of the following circumstances would a share buyback be appropriate?

Options:

A.

The company wants to reduce its gearing.

B.

The company wants to reduce the nominal value of its shares to make them more marketable.

C.

The country in which the company operates taxes capital gains at a higher rate than income.

D.

The company has a one off cash surplus and no available investment opportunities.

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Questions 94

Company P is a large unlisted food-processing company.

Its current profit before interest and taxation is $4 million, which it expects to be maintainable in the future. 

It has a $10 million long-term loan on which it pays interest of 10%.

Corporate tax is paid at the rate of 20%.  

 

The following information on P/E multiples is available:

  

 

Which of the following is the best indication of the equity value of Company P?

Options:

A.

$80 million

B.

$40 million 

C.

$48 million

D.

$24 million

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Questions 95

A listed company in a high technology industry has decided to value its intellectual capital using the Calculated Intangible Value method (CIV).

 

Relevant data for the company:

   • Pays corporate income tax at 30%

   • Cost of equity is 9%, pre-tax cost of debt is 7% and the WACC is 8%

   • The value spread has been calculated as $26 million

Calculate the CIV for the company.

Options:

A.

228 million

B.

289 million

C.

531 million

D.

325 million

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Questions 96

A company is planning a new share issue.

The funds raised will be used to repay debt on which it is currently paying a high interest rate.

Operating profit and dividends are expected to remain unchanged in the near future.

If the share issue is implemented, which THREE of the following are most likely to increase?

Options:

A.

The cost of equity

B.

The number of shares in issue

C.

Next year's payment of corporate income tax

D.

The gearing (book value of debt as a percentage of the book value of equity + debt)

E.

Interest cover

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Questions 97

G pic wishes to borrow $5 million in 6 months, for a period of 3 months. A bank has quoted the following Forward Rate Agreement (FRA) rales:

3 v 9 6.55%-6.70% 6v9 6.70%-6 90%.

G pic can borrow at 0 75% above base rate, and the base rate is currently 6.25% Concerned that base rates may rise, G pic decides that it will hedge using an FRA

At the settlement date for the FRA, the base rate has risen to 7.50%

What is the effective interest rate paid by G pic for its borrowing?

Options:

A.

7.45

B.

7.30

C.

8.25

D.

7.65

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Questions 98

Company ACC. an ungeared car manufacturer has launched a takeover bid of Company BDD. a key competitor operating in the same industry Company BDD has high gearing Company ACC has a large surplus cash balance and believes that the acquisition is an opportunity to enhance shareholder wealth through the realisation of synergistic benefits. Which THREE of the following would most likely be synergistic benefits to Company ACC of purchasing Company BDD9 I

Options:

A.

Reduction in staff costs due to the removal of duplicated roles.

B.

Decreased cost of debt

C.

Enhanced profit due to reduced competition

D.

Reduction in financial risk due to diversification

E.

Cost savings in production due to economies of scale

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Questions 99

A company's gearing (measured as debt/(debt + equity)) is currently 60% and it is investigating whether an optimal gearing structure exists within the industry.

It has analysed the capital structure of similar companies in the industry and it would appear that there is evidence supporting the traditional theory of capital structure.

Companies with the lowest WACC in the industry have gearing of around 45% to 50%.

 

Which of the following actions would result in the company achieving a more optimal capital structure?

Options:

A.

Undertaking a rights issue of equity to repay some of its debt.

B.

Refinancing to replace some of its short term debt with long term debt.

C.

Increasing the level of dividend to return more cash to shareholders.

D.

Using retained cash to undertake a buyback of some of its equity.

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Questions 100

JAG and ZEB are two listed companies. JAG is approximately 20 times the size of ZEB.

10 days ago JAG made a hostile bid for ZEB. offering a share exchange.

The bid price represents a 10% profit to the shareholders of ZEB at today's market prices to reflect the high levels of synergistic benefits that JAG expects to realise from the transaction.

Which of the following is the greatest future threat to the post-transaction value for JAG?

Options:

A.

Forecast synergistic benefits are not realised.

B.

New shareholders acquired from ZEB demand a higher dividend payout than JAG is used to.

C.

Negative market response to the bid.

D.

New shareholders acquired from ZEB withdraw their investment by selling their shares within 12 months.

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Questions 101

The Board of Directors of a listed company wish to estimate a reasonable valuation of the entire share capital of the company in the event of a takeover bid.

The company's current profit before taxation is $10 0 million.

The rate of corporate tax is 20%.

The average P/E multiple of listed companies in the same industry is 10 times current earnings.

The P/E multiple of recent takeovers in the same industry have ranged from 11 times to 12 times current earnings.

The average P/E multiple of the top 100 companies on the stock market is 16 times current earnings.

Advise the Board of Directors which of the following is a reasonable estimate of a range of values of the entire share capital in the event of a bid being made for the whole company?

Options:

A.

Minimum = $110 million, and maximum = $120 million.

B.

Minimum = $88 million, and maximum = $96 million.

C.

Minimum = S100 million, and maximum = $120 million.

D.

Minimum = S80 million, and maximum = $128 million.

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Questions 102

A large, quoted company that is all-equity financed is planning to acquire a smaller unquoted company that is also all-equity financed.

The acquiring company's directors are using the dividend valuation model to value the target company before making an offer.

 

Relevant data for the target company:

   • Dividends paid in the last financial year           $2 million

   • Book value of net assets                                     $15 million

   • Shares in issue                                                     1 million

The acquiring company's cost of capital is 10%.

Its directors believe they can improve the target company's performance in the long term.

They estimate there will be no growth in the first year of the acquisition but from year 2 onwards there will be a 4% growth each year in perpetuity.

 

What is the maximum price the acquiring company should offer for each of the shares in the target company? 

Options:

A.

$33.33

B.

$34.67

C.

$32.78

D.

$15.00

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Questions 103

Company AB was established 6 years ago by two individuals who each own 50% of the shares.

Each individual heads a separate division within the company, which now has annual turnover of GBP10 million and employs 40 people.

Some of the employees are very highly paid as they are important contributors to the company's profitability.

The owners of the company wish to realise the full value of their investment within the next 12 months.

 

Which TWO of the following options are most likely to be acceptable exit strategies to the two owners of the company?

Options:

A.

Initial Public Offering (IPO)

B.

Management Buyout

C.

Sale to a larger competitor

D.

Sale to a Private Equity Investor on an earn-out basis

E.

Spin off (or de-merger)

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Questions 104

Company P is a pharmaceutical company listed on an alternative investment market.  

The company is developing a new drug which it hopes to market in approximately six years' time.

Company P is owned and managed by a group of doctors who wish to retain control of the company.  The company operates from leased laboratories with minimal fixed assets. 

Its value comes from the quality of its research staff and their research.

The company currently has one approved drug which generates sufficient cashflow to cover day to day operations but not sufficient for major new research and development.

Company P wish to raise debt finance to develop the new drug. 

 

Recommend which of the following types of debt finance would be most appropriate for Company P to help finance the development of this new drug. 

Options:

A.

6% Eurobond repayable at par in 5 years' time.

B.

5% Bond repayable at par in 7 years' time.

C.

3% Commercial Paper.

D.

4% Convertible bond with a conversion ratio of 350 ordinary shares per bond.

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Questions 105

KKL is a listed sports clothing company with three separate business units. KKL is seeking to sell TT’, one of these business units

TTP cwns a new. brand of trail running shoes that have Droved hugely popular with lone distance runners. The management team of TTP are frustrated by the constraints imposes b/ KKL in managing tie brand and developing. the bus ness and they believe that TTF has huge growth potential.

The management team of TTP have approached KKL with a proposal to purchase 1~P through a management layout (MDO). KKL has accepted this proposal as TTP has not proved to be a good fit' with the rest of the business and has agreed on the selling price.

Which THREE of the following factors a-e mast Likely to affect the success of the MBO?

Options:

A.

The motivation of the TTP management team to invest in future growth.

B.

Searing sufficient. funding for the MBO.

C.

The constraints imposed by KKL managing TTF's brand.

D.

The ability of the TTF management team to take over the head office functions successfully.

E.

The ability the TTP management team to develop the brand and achieve the expected growth.

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Questions 106

Which THREE of the following long term changes are most likely to increase the credit rating of a company?

Options:

A.

An increase in the interest cover ratio.

B.

A decrease in the (Net debt) / (Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) ratio.

C.

An increase in the free cashflow generated from operations.

D.

A decrease in the (Book value of debt) / (Book value of equity) ratio.

E.

A decrease in the dividend cover ratio.

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Questions 107

Which of the following statements are true with regard to interest rate swaps?

Select ALL that apply.

Options:

A.

Some companies interest rate swap to deliberately increase their risks because they believe that they are better at predicting future interest rates than the market.

B.

Risk of default is high from the floating interest rate payer if interest rates rise.

C.

When interest rates are falling the risk of default by the fixed interest rate payer is low.

D.

An nicest rate swap is an internal hedging technique.

E.

An interest rate swap is an external hedging technique.

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Questions 108

An all equity financed company reported earnings for the year ending 31 December 20X1 of $8 million.

One of its financial objectives is to increase earnings by 5% each year.

In the year ending 31 December 20X2 it financed a project by issuing a bond with a $1 million nominal value and a coupon rate of 4%.

The company pays corporate income tax at 20%.

 

If the company is to achieve its earnings target for the year ending 31 December 20X2, what is the minimum operating profit (profit before interest and tax) that it must achieve?

Options:

A.

$6.69 million

B.

$10.50 million

C.

$8.40 million

D.

$10.54 million

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Questions 109

Which THREE of the following remain unchanged over the life of a 10 year fixed rate bond?

Options:

A.

The coupon rate

B.

The yield

C.

The market value

D.

The nominal value

E.

The amount payable on maturity

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Questions 110

Company C invests heavily in Research and Development an need to raise $45 million to finance future projects. It has decided to use equity finance raised by a tender offer, The following tender offers have been received from potential investors:

Company C wishes to select an offer price that will project shareholders from a significant dilution of control but still raise the required amount of finance.

What offer price should Company C’s select?

Options:

A.

$4.50

B.

$4.00

C.

$4.75

D.

$4.25

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Questions 111

Company ADE is an unlisted company; it needs to raise a significant amount of finance to fund future expansion. The directors are considering listing the company on the local stock exchange The following discussions have taken place between some of the directors:

Director A - We consider a public issue of bonds in the capital markets, we don't need to list to issue the bonds which will save time and money.

Director B - We should list on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) and not the main market to avoid any regulatory requirements

Director C - We should remain unlisted; we can access an unlimited amount of equity finance through a rights issue

Director D - Listing will increase Company ADE's ability to raise new equity and debt finance in the future.

Director E - If we list, Company ADE will be a more likely target for a takeover than if we remain unlisted.

Which TWO of the directors' statements are correct?

Options:

A.

Director A

B.

Director B

C.

Director C

D.

Director D

E.

Director E

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Questions 112

A national airline has made an offer to acquire a smaller airline in the same country.

 

Which of the following would be of most concern to the competition authorities?

Options:

A.

After the acquisition the board propose to reduce the number of  flight destinations from the country.

B.

The board informed a major institutional shareholder about the proposed acquisition before informing other shareholders.

C.

After the acquisition the board propose to increase prices significantly on routes where no other airlines operate.

D.

The acquisition is likely to result in significant redundancies of staff currently working for the smaller airline. 

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Questions 113

A company plans to raise finance for a new project.

It is considering either the issue of a redeemable cumulative preference share or a Eurobond. 

 

Advise the directors which of the following statements would justify the issue of preference shares over a bond?

Options:

A.

Preference shares are not secured against the assets of the business - however, the Eurobond would be.

B.

If profits are poor, dividends do not have to be paid on the preference share - however, interest would need to be paid on the Eurobond.

C.

The issue of the preference share would reduce the company's gearing - however, the Eurobond would increase it.

D.

The company can claim tax relief on the dividend paid on the preference share at a higher rate than the interest paid on the Eurobond.

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Questions 114

Listed company R is in the process of making a cash offer for the equity of unlisted company S. 

 

Company R has a market capitalisation of $200 million and a price/earnings ratio of 10.

 

Company S has a market capitalisation of $50 million and earnings of $7 million.

 

Company R intends to offer $60 million and expects to be able to realise synergistic benefits of $20 million by combining the two businesses.  This estimate excludes the estimated $8 million cost of integrating the two businesses.

 

Which of the following figures need to be used when calculating the value of the combined entity in $ millions?

Options:

A.

8, 20, 50, 60, 200 

B.

8, 20, 50, 200

C.

20, 50, 60, 200

D.

7, 10, 20, 50, 200

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Questions 115

A company is preparing an integrated report according to the International Framework as issued by the International Integrated Reporting Council.

 

Which THREE of the following should be included in the report?

Options:

A.

An explanation of how the organisation's governance structure supports its ability to create value in the short, medium and long term.

B.

A detailed analysis of the organisation's business model.

C.

The challenges and uncertainties that the organisation is likely to encounter in pursuing its strategy. 

D.

A comparison of the key elements of its financial statements with those of its main competitor. 

E.

A summary of the key issues discussed by directors in main board meetings. 

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Questions 116

The Board of Directors of Company T is considering a rights issue to fund a new investment opportunity which has a zero NPV.

 

The Board of Directors wishes to explain to shareholders what the theoretical impact on their wealth will be as a result of different possible actions during the rights issue.

 

Which THREE of the following statements in respect of theoretical shareholder wealth are true?

Options:

A.

If shareholders exercise their full rights there will be no impact on their wealth.

B.

If the shareholders allow their rights to lapse (do nothing) there will be no impact on their wealth.

C.

If shareholders sell their entire rights entitlement there will be no impact on their wealth.

D.

If the shareholders only partially exercise their rights and allow the remainder to lapse there will be no impact on their wealth.

E.

If shareholders partially exercise their rights and sell the remaining rights entitlement there will be no impact on their wealth.

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Questions 117

A company is undertaking a lease-or-buy evaluation, using the post-tax cost of bank borrowing as the discount rate.

 

Details of the two alternatives are as follows:

 

Buy option:

   • To be financed by a bank loan

   • Tax depreciation allowances are available on a reducing-balance basis

   • Assets depreciated on a straight-line basis

Lease option:

   • Finance lease

   • Maintenance to be paid by the lessee

   • Tax relief available on interest payments and book depreciation

Which THREE of the following are relevant cashflows in the lease-or-buy appraisal?

Options:

A.

Tax relief on tax depreciation allowances

B.

Bank loan payments

C.

Maintenance payments

D.

Lease payments

E.

Tax relief on the book depreciation

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Questions 118

A venture capitalist invests in a company by means of buying:

   • 9 million shares for $2 a share and

   • 8% bonds with a nominal value of $2 million, repayable at par in 3 years' time. 

The venture capitalist expects a return on the equity portion of the investment of at least 20% a year on a compound basis over the first 3 years of the investment.

 

The company has 10 million shares in issue.

 

What is the minimum total equity value for the company in 3 years' time required to satisify the venture capitalist's expected return?

 

Give your answer to the nearest $ million.

 

$   million.   

 

Options:

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Questions 119

A company is deciding whether to offer a scrip dividend or a cash dividend to its shareholders. 

Although the company has excellent long-term growth prospects, it is experiencing short-term profit and cash flow problems.

 

Which of the following statements is most likely to be a reason for choosing the scrip dividend?

Options:

A.

It is a way of raising additional finance to promote future growth.

B.

It is a way of increasing earnings per share.

C.

It is a way of encouraging shareholders to allow cash to be retained in the business.

D.

It is a way of increasing dividend per share.

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Questions 120

On 1 January:

   • Company X has a value of $50 million

   • Company Y has a value of $20 million

   • Both companies are wholly equity financed

Company X plans to take over Company Y by means of a share exchange. Following the acquisition the post-tax cashflow of Company X for the foreseeable future is estimated to be $8 million each year. The post-acquisition cost of equity is expected to be 10%.

 

What is the best estimate of the value of the synergy that would arise from the acquisition? 

Options:

A.

$10 million

B.

$30 million 

C.

$60 million

D.

$100 million

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Questions 121

Company M is a geared company whose equity has a market value of $1,500 million and debt has a market value of S300 million. The company plans to issue $200 million of new shares and use the funds raised to pay off some of the debt

Company M currently has a cost of equity of 13% and a WACC of 10% It pays corporate tax at the rate of 30% Company B, an ungeared company operating in the same business sector as Company M, has a cost of equity of 12%

Assume Modigliani and Miller's theory of capital structure with tax applies

Which calculation below shows the correct approach to calculating the new WACC following the planned changes in capital structure?

A

B

C

D

Options:

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Questions 122

Which THREE of the following statements are disadvantages of the net asset basis of valuation?

Options:

A.

The net book value of current assets is normally a reliable indicator of their realisable value

B.

The net book value of assets is merely a record of past transactions which complies with accounting conventions

C.

The net book value of assets can be obtained from the financial statements

D.

The net realisable value is usually different from the net book value shown in the financial statements

E.

Intangible assets are often not shown in the company's financial statements.

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Questions 123

A company has:

   • $6 million market value of equity

   • $4 million market value of debt 

   • WACC of 11.04%

   • Corporate income tax rate of 20%

According to Modigliani and Miller's theory of capital structure with tax, what is the ungeared cost of equity?

Options:

A.

12.00%

B.

10.16%

C.

16.24%

D.

12.54%

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Questions 124

A company is planning to issue a 5 year $100 million bond at a fixed rate of 6%.

 

It is also considering whether or not to enter into a 10 year $100 million swap to receive 5% fixed and pay Libor + 1% once a year.

 

The company predicts that Libor will be 4% over the life of the 5 years.

 

What is the impact of the swap on the company's annual interest cost assuming that the Libor prediction is correct?  

Options:

A.

Increase by 1%.

B.

Fall by 1%. 

C.

Remain the same.

D.

Fall by 2%.

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Questions 125

A company has in a 5% corporate bond in issue on which there are two loan covenants.

   • Interest cover must not fall below 3 times

   • Retained earnings for the year must not fall below $3.5 million

The Company has 200 million shares in issue.

The most recent dividend per share was $0.04.

The Company intends increasing dividends by 10% next year.

 

Financial projections for next year are as follows:

 

Advise the Board of Directors which of the following will be the status of compliance with the loan covenants next year?

Options:

A.

The company will be in compliance with both covenants.

B.

The company will be in breach of both covenants.

C.

The company will breach the covenant in respect of retained earnings only.

D.

The company will be in breach of the covenant in respect of interest cover only.

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Questions 126

Company R is a major food retailer.  It wishes to acquire Company S, a food manufacturer.

Company S currently supplies many stores owned by Company R with food products that it manufactures.

Company S is of similar size to Company R but has a lower credit rating.

 

Which of the following is most likely to be a synergistic benefit to R on purchasing S?

Options:

A.

Savings due to a reduction in purchase costs and more control over the value chain.

B.

Cost savings due to reducing the range of products manufactured by Company S.

C.

Lower cost of borrowing due to the acquistion of a company with a different credit rating.

D.

Reduced competition resulting in the ability to raise retail selling prices for food products.

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Questions 127

A listed company is planning a share repurchase. 

 

The following data applies:

   • There are 10 million shares in issue

   • The  share repurchase will involve buying back 20% of the shares at a price of $0.75

   • The company is holding $2 million cash

   • Earnings for the current year ended are $2 million

 

The Directors are concerned about the impact that this repurchase programme will have on the company's cash balance and current year earnings per share (EPS) ratio.

 

Advise the directors which of the following statements is correct?

Options:

A.

The cash balance will decrease by 75% and EPS will decrease by 25%.

B.

The cash balance will decrease by 75% and EPS will increase by 25%.

C.

The cash balance will decrease by 20% and the EPS will decrease by 25%.

D.

The cash balance will decrease by 20% and the EPS will increase by 25%.

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Questions 128

A company plans to raise $12 million to finance an expansion project using a rights issue.

Relevant data:

• Shares will be offered at a 20% discount to the present market price of $15.00 per share.

• There are currently 2 million shares in issue.

• The project is forecast to yield a positive NPV of $6 million.

What is the yield-adjusted Theoretical Ex-Rights Price following the announcement of the rights issue?

Options:

A.

$16.00

B.

$14.00

C.

$9.00

D.

$11.00

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Questions 129

A company has just received a hostile bid.  Which of the following response strategies could be considered?

Options:

A.

Revalue non-current assets

B.

Poison pill strategy

C.

Change the Articles of Association to amend voting rights

D.

Approach a White Knight 

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Questions 130

Assume today is 31 December 20X1.

 A listed mobile phone company has just launched a new phone which is proving to be a great success.

As a direct result of the product's success, earnings are forecast to increase by:

   • 5% a year in each of years 20X2 – 20X6

   • 3% from 20X7 onwards 

 

Market analysts were very excited to hear the news of the success of the product and future growth forecasts.

 

Assuming a semi-efficient market applies, which of the following company valuation methods is likely to give the best estimate of the company's equity value today?

Options:

A.

Today's share price x number of shares in issue + retained earnings.

B.

Today's share price x number of shares in issue.

C.

Discounted free cash flow using the company's forecast growth rates.

D.

P/E valuation based on the company's long term P/E and earnings for the year ended 31 December 20X1.

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Exam Code: F3
Exam Name: Financial Strategy
Last Update: Apr 27, 2024
Questions: 435
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