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CIMA F3 Financial Strategy Exam Practice Test

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Total 435 questions

Financial Strategy Questions and Answers

Question 1

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.

Question 2

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.

Question # 2

Options:

Question 3

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.

Question 4

Which TWO of the following statements about debt instruments are correct?

Options:

A.

A zero coupon will eliminate the tax shield effect on debt payments.

B.

Changes in corporation tax rates will have no effect on the tax shield of fixed rate debentures.

C.

The true cost of servicing debt instruments to the company is the post-tax cost of debt.

D.

If corporation tax rates rise, the tax shield effect on debenture interest will be reduced.

Question 5

WX, an advertising agency, has just completed the all-cash acquisition of a competitor, YZ. This was seen by the market as a positive strategic move byWX.

Which THREE of the following will WX's shareholders expect the company's directors to prioritise following the acquisition?

Options:

A.

The integration and retention of key employees of YZ.

B.

The development of a dividend policy to meet the expectations of the YZ's shareholders.

C.

The regulatory approval required to complete the acquisition.

D.

The retention of YZ's key customers.

E.

The realisation of anticipated post-acquisition synergies.

Question 6

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.

Question 7

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.

Question 8

Select the category of risk for each of the descriptions below:

Question # 8

Options:

Question 9

Z wishes to borrow at a floating rate and has been told that it can use swaps to reduce the effective interest rate it pays. Z can borrow floating at Libor ' 1, and fixed at 10%.

Which of the following companies would be the most appropriate for Z to enter into a swap with?

Options:

A.

Company A - it can borrow floating L +1 ½ and fixed at 9.5%

B.

Company D - it can borrow at L +1 ½ and fixed at 10.5%

C.

Company C - it can borrow at L +1 ½ and fixed at 9%

D.

Company E - it can borrow floating at L +1 ½ and fixed at 12%

Question 10

On 1 January 20X1, a company had:

• Cost of equity of 10 0%.

• Cost of debt of 5.0%

• Debt of $100Mmilion

• 100 million $1 shares trading at $4.00 each.

On 1 February 20X1:

• The company's share police fell to $3.00.

• Debt and the cost of debt remained unchanged

The company does not pay tax.

Under Modigliani and Miller's theory without lax. what is the best estimate of the movement in the cost of equity as a result of the fall in ne share price?

Options:

A.

It will stay the same at 10.0%.

B.

It will rise to 10.3%.

C.

It will fall to 9.3%.

D.

It will rise to 11.2%.

Question 11

A company which is forecast to experience a strong growth in its profitability is evaluating a potential bond issue.

Which of the following changes in corporate income tax and in bond yields would make the bond issue more attractive to the company?

Options:

A.

A decrease in corporate tax and an increase in bond yields.

B.

An increase in corporate tax and a decrease in bond yields.

C.

An increase in corporate tax and an increase in bond yields.

D.

A decrease in corporate tax and a decrease in bond yields.

Question 12

A company's Board of Directors is assessing the likely impact of financing future new projects using either equity or debt.

The directors are uncertain of the effects on key variables.

 

Which THREE of the following statements are true?

Options:

A.

The choice between using either equity or debt will have no impact on the amount of corporate income tax payable.

B.

Retained earnings has no cost, and is therefore the cheapest form of equity finance.

C.

Debt finance is always preferable to equity finance.

D.

Debt finance will increase the cost of equity.

E.

Equity finance will reduce the overall financial risk.

F.

Equity finance will increase pressure to pay a higher total future dividend.

Question 13

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

Question 14

H Company has a fixed rate load at 10.0%, but wishes to swap to variable. It can borrow at LIBOR 8%.

The bank is currently quoting swap rates of 3.1% (bid) and 3.5% (ask).

What net rate will HHH Company pay if it enters into the swap?

Options:

A.

Risk-free rate +6.5%

B.

Risk-free rate +8%

C.

Risk-free rate +6.9%

D.

Risk-free rate +3.1%

Question 15

The financial assistant of a geared company has prepared the following calculation of the company's equity value:

Question # 15

Question # 15

Useful information;

• Tax rate - 20%

• Cost of equity = 12%

• Weighted average cost of capital (WACC)« 10%

" Debt finance of the company comprises a $6 million 7% undated bond trading at par Valuation workings.

Which of the following errors has been made by the financial assistant?

Options:

A.

A two year discount factor is incorrect in the perpetuity calculation.

B.

Discounting at WACC is incorrect.

C.

The 20% tax charge is missing.

D.

A deduction for debt value is missing.

Question 16

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

Company Z has a current equity market value of S590 million.

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

Question # 16

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:

Question # 16

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

Options:

A.

A

B.

B

C.

C

D.

D

Question 17

A listed publishing company owns a subsidiary company whose business activity is training.

It wishes to dispose of the subsidiary company.

 

The following information is available:

  Question # 17

The board of the publishing company believe that the value of the subsidiary company, and hence the value of the equity invested in it, can be determined by calculating the present value of the subsidiary's free cashflows.

 

Which of the following is the most appropriate discount rate to use when determining the enterprise value of the company?

Options:

A.

A WACC that reflects the gearing of the publishing company and the asset beta of a listed company that provides training activities.

B.

A cost of equity that reflects the asset beta of a listed company that provides training activities. 

C.

A WACC that reflects the gearing of the subsidiary company and the asset beta of a listed company that provides training activities.

D.

A WACC that the reflects the gearing of the publishing company and the equity beta factor of the publishing company. 

Question 18

A company has undertaken a transaction with its shareholders which has had the following impact on its financial statements:

   • Retained earnings has decreased

   • Share capital has increased

   • Earnings per share has decreased

   • The book value of equity is unchanged

The company has undertaken a: 

Options:

A.

share repurchase.

B.

scrip dividend.

C.

rights issue.

D.

cash dividend.

Question 19

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

Question 20

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

Question 21

A company based in the USA has a substantial fixed rate borrowing at an interest rate of 3.5% and wishes to swap a part of this to a floating rate to take advantage of reducing interest rates Its bank has quoted swap rates of 3 4%-3 5% against 12-month USD risk-free rate.

What is the overall interest rate achieved by the company under this borrowing plus swap combination?

Options:

A.

12-month USD risk-free rate minus 0 1 % (where 0 1 % = the fixed rate of 3.6% minus the swap rate of 3 4%)

B.

12-month USD risk-free rate

C.

12-month USD risk-free rate plus 0 1% (where 0.1 % = the fixed rate of 3.5% minus the swap rate of 3 4%) D. Unchanged at 3.60% as this is the same as the swap rate

Question 22

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

Question 23

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.

Question 24

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.

Question 25

Which of the following explains an aim of integrated reporting in accordance with The International Framework as issued by the International Integrated Reporting Council?

Options:

A.

To highlight the need for greater reporting of performance to stakeholders in a greater level of detail than at present.

B.

To support decision making and actions that focus on creating value over the short, medium and long term.

C.

To integrate the various accepted accounting practices of member bodies into a single, unified code of accounting principles.

D.

To highlight the separation of strategy, governance and financial performance in a social, environmental and economic context.

Question 26

A company's gearing is well below its optimal level and therefore it is considering implementing a share re-purchase programme.

This programme will be funded from the proceeds of a planned new long-term bond issue.

Its financial projections show no change to next year's expected earnings.

As a result, the company plans to pay the same total dividend in future years.

 

If the share re-purchase is implemented, which THREE of the following measures are most likely to decrease?

Options:

A.

The Weighted Average Cost of Capital

B.

The cost of equity

C.

The interest cover

D.

Next year's dividend per share

E.

The gearing, based on book value (debt ÷ (debt + equity))

F.

The number of shares in issue

Question 27

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.

Question 28

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.

Question 29

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 

Question 30

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

Question 31

The Government of Eastland is concerned that competition within its private healthcare industry is being distorted by the dominant position of the market leader, Delta Care. The Government has instructed the industry regulator to investigate whether the industry is operating fairly in the interests of patients.

Which of the following factors might the industry regulator review as part of their investigation?

Select ALL that apply.

Options:

A.

Profits amongst healthcare providers

B.

Each healthcare provider's market share

C.

Prices across the industry

D.

Medical treatment efficacy rates

E.

Industry entry barriers

Question 32

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

In the most recent financial year:

  Question # 32

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%

Question 33

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

  Question # 33

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

Question 34

A company's current earnings before interest and taxation are $5 million.

These are expected to remain constant for the forseeable future.

The company has 10 million shares in issue which currently trade at $3.60.

It also has a $10 million long term floating rate loan.

The current interest rate on this loan is 5%.

The company pays tax at 20%.

The company expects interest rates to increase next year to 6% and it's Price/Earnings (P/E) ratio to move to 9.5 times by the end of next year.

 

What percentage reduction in the share price will occur by the end of next year if the interest rate increase and the P/E movement both occur?

Options:

A.

Reduction of 7%

B.

Reduction of 5%

C.

Reduction of 1%

D.

Reduction of 0%

Question 35

A financial services company reported the following results in its most recent accounting period:

Question # 35

The company has an objective to achieve 5% earnings growth each year. The directors are discussing how this objective might be achieved next year.

Revenues have been flat over the last couple of years as the company has faced difficult trading conditions. Revenue is expected to stay constant in the coming year and so the directors are focussing efforts on reducing costs in an attempt to achieve earnings growth next year.

Interest costs will not change because the company's borrowings are subject to a fixed rate of interest.

What operating profit margin will the company have to achieve next year in order to just achieve its 5% earnings growth objective'?

Options:

A.

55.8%

B.

60.0%

C.

58.0%

D.

58.5%

Question 36

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

Question 37

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

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

R uses a’ residual divided policy ad has paid dividends twice in the last 10 years.

Which of the following methods would be most appropriate for valuating R?

Options:

A.

The earnings yield method, adjusting the earnings yield of a listed company downloads to reflect R’s unlisted status.

B.

The divided valuation mode.

C.

Valuing the tangible assets and intangible assets of R.D. The P/E method, adjusting the P/E of a listed company downwards to reflect R’s unlisted status.

Question 38

A is a listed company. Its shares trade on a stock market exhibiting semi-strong form efficiency.

 

Which of the following is most likely to increase the wealth of A's shareholders?

Options:

A.

Announcing that a project will be undertaken generating a positive net present value.

B.

Announcing that the final dividend will remain unchanged from the previous 3 years.

C.

Announcing that a non-current asset will be revalued in the statement of financial position.

D.

Announcing that inventory will be impaired.

Question 39

Company A is based in Country A where the functional currency is the A$. Currently all sales are to domestic customers in Country A. However, the company is planning to expand internationally by acquiring Company B, a distribution company in Country B, to enable it to sell goods worldwide The functional currency of Country B is the BS

Company A will invoice its international customers in their local currency.

Wage increases in Country B are forecast to be modest, due to high unemployment levels, but overall inflation in Country B is forecast to be significantly higher than in Country A

Which TWO of the following statements about the economic risk of the acquisition of Company B are true?

Options:

A.

Financing this acquisition with block denominated in B$ will reduce economic risk.

B.

Economic risk can be eliminated by using forward contracts to convert future cash flows into A$

C.

Higher inflation will increase the project's BS returns, so the economic risk can be ignored

D.

Exporting into a variety of international markets will reduce economic risk.

E.

Using purchasing power parity, AS is forecast to strengthen against B$, so the economic risk can be ignored

Question 40

A company has borrowings of S5 million on which it pays interest at 8%. It has an operating profit margin of 20%.

The company plans to increase borrowings by S2 million Interest on additional borrowings would be 10% and the operating profit margin would remain unchanged

A debt covenant attached to the new borrowings requires interest cover to be at least 4 times throughout the period of the borrowing

Interest cover is defined in the loan documentation as being based on operating profit

What is the minimum sales value required each year to avoid a breach of the interest cover covenant'

Options:

A.

S12.00 million

B.

S3.00 million

C.

TS2.40 million

D.

S2.88 million

Question 41

The primary objective of a public sector entity is to ensure value for money is generated.

Value for money is defined as performing an activity so as to simultaneously achieve economy, efficiency and effectiveness

Efficiency is defined as:

Options:

A.

spending funds so as to achieve the objectives of the entity.

B.

performing activities in the least amount of time possible

C.

obtaining maximum output from minimum inputs

D.

obtaining quality inputs at minimum cost.

Question 42

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

Question 43

CI IJ has decided to move its production plant to overseas country X. This would make the product cheaper to produce. The technology used to make the product is very advanced and some of the skilled staff would have to move to country X.

The Production Director has identified that there are some political risks in moving to county X.

For each of the political risks of moving to country X shown below, select the correct method for reducing the risk.

Question # 43

Options:

Question 44

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

Question 45

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:

Question # 45

 

 

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

Question 46

A company has forecast the following results for the next financial year:

  

The following is also relevant:

   • Profit after tax for the year can be assumed to be equivalent to free cash flow for the year.

   • Debt finance comprises a $10 million floating rate loan which currently carries an interest rate of 5%.

   • $400,000 investment in non-current assets is required to achieve required growth, all of which is to financed from next year's free cash flow.

   • The company plans to pay a dividend of $150,000 next year, financed from next year's free cash flow.

The company is concerned that interest rates could rise next year to 6% which could then affect their investment plans.

 Question # 46

If interest rates were to rise to 6% and the company wishes to maintain its dividend amount, the planned investment expenditure will decrease by:

Options:

A.

$25,000

B.

$75,000

C.

$50,000

D.

$100,000

Question 47

Company WWW is identical in all operating and risk characteristics to Company ZZZ. but their capital structures differ. Company WWW and Company ZZZ both pay corporate income tax at 20%

Company WWW has a gearing ratio (debt: equity) of 1:3 Its pre-tax cost of debt is 6%.

Company ZZZ Is all-equity financed. Its cost of equity is 15%

What is the cost of equity tor Company WWW?

Options:

A.

17.0%

B.

18.0%

C.

17.4%

D.

17.7%

Question 48

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:

  

 Question # 48

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

Question 49

Company A is located in Country A, where the currency is the A$.

It is listed on the local stock market which was set up 10 years ago.

It plans a takeover of Company B, which is located in Country B where the currency is the B$, and where the stock market has been operating for over 100 years.

Company A is considering how to finance the acquisition, and how the shareholders of Company B might respond to a share exchange or cash (paid in B$).

 

Which of the following is likely to explain why the shareholders of Company B would prefer a share exchange as opposed to a cash offer?

Options:

A.

It would allow them to realise their investment and make a capital gain.

B.

It would avoid them being exposed to foreign currency risk.

C.

They would receive shares in a market that is likely to be more efficient.

D.

It would enable them to benefit from the future performance of the combined entity.

Question 50

Company M is a listed company in a highly technical service industry.

The directors are considering making a cash offer for the shares in Company Q, an unquoted company in the same industry.

 

Relevant data about Company Q:

   • The company has seen consistent growth in earnings each year since it was founded 10 years ago.

   • It has relatively few non-current assets.

   • Many of the employees are leading experts in their field. A recent exercise suggested that the value of the company's human capital exceeded the value of its tangible assets.

The directors and major shareholders of Company Q have indicated willingness to sell the company.

Before negotiations become too advanced, the directors of Company M are considering the benefits to their company that would follow the acquisition.

 

Which THREE of the following are the most likely benefits of the acquisition to Company M's shareholders?

Options:

A.

Access to technical expertise.

B.

Reduction of risk through diversification.

C.

Improved asset backing for borrowing due to the acquisition of intangible assets.

D.

Gain economies of scale.

E.

Improve earnings per share (EPS).

Question 51

A company has a covenant on its 5% long-term bond, stipulating that its retained earnings must not fall below $2 million.

The company has 100 million shares in issue.

Its most recent dividend was $0.045 per share. It has committed to grow the dividend per share by 4% each year.

The nominal value of the bond is $60 million. It is currently trading at 80% of its nominal value.

Next year's earnings before interest and taxation are projected to be $11.25 million.

The rate of corporate tax is 20%.

 

If the company increases the dividend by 4%, advise the Board of Directors if the level of retained earnings will comply with the covenant?

Options:

A.

Covenant is not breached as retained earnings = $2.40 million.

B.

Covenant is not breached as retained earnings = $2.10 million.

C.

Covenant is breached as retained earnings = $1.92 million.

D.

The covenant is not breached as retained earnings = $4.68 million.

Question 52

A company is concerned that a high proportion of its debt portfolio consists of variable rate finance with an interest rate of LIBOR ' 1 .0%.

It is considering using an interest rate swap to reduce interest rate risk out is concerned about additional finance cost this might create.

A bank has quoted swap rates of 3% 3.5% against LIBOR.

A bank has quoted swap rates of 3% 3.5% against LIBOR.

Is an interest rate swap likely to be beneficial to the company at current LIBOR rates?

Options:

A.

No, because it would be cheaper to repay variable rate finance aid enter into new fixed rate finance than to enter into an interest rate swap.

B.

Yes, because it will have lower interest rate risk and interest cost remains the same.

C.

Yes, because interest cost will decrease with the interest rate swap in place.

D.

No, because interest cost will increase with the interest rate swap in place.

Question 53

Company AAB is located in Country A with the A$ as its functional currency It plans to grow by acquisition and has identified Company BBA as a potential takeover candidate Company BBA is located in Country B with the BS as its functional currency.

The directors of Company AAB are concerned about foreign currency risk if the acquisition goes ahead

Which of the following will be most effective in reducing Company AAB's exposure to translation risk if the acquisition is successful1?

Options:

A.

Financing the acquisition with equity in A$’s.

B.

Setting up a mufti-currency bank account to net-off receipts and payments

C.

Financing the acquisition with borrowings in BS's

D.

Using forward contracts to fix the exchange rate between the AS and the B$

Question 54

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.

Question 55

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

Question 56

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.

Question 57

A major energy company, GDE, generates and distributes electricity in country A. The government of country A is concerned about rising inflation and has imposed price controls on GDE, limiting the price it can charge per unit of electricity sold to both domestic and commercial customers. It is likely that price controls will continue for the foreseeable future.

 

The introduction of price controls is likely to reduce the profit for the current year from $3 billion to $1 billion.

 

The company has:

   • Distributable reserves of $2 billion. 

   • Surplus cash at the start of the year of $1 billion. 

   • Plans to pay a total dividend of $1.5 billion in respect of the current year, representing a small annual increase as in previous years. However, no dividends have yet been announced. 

 

Which THREE of the following responses would be MOST appropriate for GDE following the imposition of price controls?

Options:

A.

Announce a reduction in the annual dividend to a more sustainable level given the new price controls regime.

B.

Carry out a wide-ranging review of costs and staffing levels to identify possible cost savings and redundancies.

C.

Actively investigate potential new ways of generating revenue by the sale of related goods and services that are outside the scope of the price controls.

D.

Raise funds by means of a rights issue in order to maintain historical dividend levels.

E.

Actively look for a private equity investor to introduce new and innovative business and financial strategies to the business.

Question 58

On 31 October 20X3:

   • A company expected to agree a foreign currency transaction in January 20X4 for settlement on 31 March 20X4.  

   • The company hedged the currency risk using a forward contract at nil cost for settlement on 31 March 20X4.

   • The transaction was correctly treated as a cash flow hedge in accordance with IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.

On 31 December 20X3, the financial year end, the fair value of the forward contract was $10,000 (asset).

 

How should the increase in the fair value of the forward contract be treated within the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 20X3?

Options:

A.

Not recognised in 20X3 as the forward contract is not settled until after the year end.

B.

Not recognised in 20X3 as the gain will be offset by a loss on the hedged transaction.

C.

A $10,000 profit will be recognised within the Income Statement.

D.

A $10,000 profit will be recognised within other comprehensive income.

Question 59

An aerospace company is planning to diversify into car manufacturing. 

 

Relevant data:

  Question # 59

What is the the cost of equity to be used in the WACC for the project appraisal?

 

Give your answer in percentage, as a whole number.

 

Options:

Question 60

Company A is proposing a rights issue to finance a new investment. Its current debt to equity ratio is 10%.

 

Which TWO of the following statements are true?

Options:

A.

The issue price has to be at least 20% below the pre-rights share price.

B.

The issue price of new shares should be set to guarantee the full take up of shares offered.

C.

The actual ex-rights price may be higher than the theoretical ex-rights price due to the value created from the project.

D.

Company A's current low gearing ratio may require a rights issue rather than a debt issue to finance the new project.

E.

According to Modigliani and Miller's Theory of Capital Structure with tax, the rights issue will result in a lower cost of equity for Company A.

Question 61

A company has some 7% coupon bonds in issue and wishes to change its interest rate profile.  

It has decided to do this by entering into a plain coupon interest rate swap with it's bank.

 

The bank has quoted a swap rate of:      6.0% - 6.5% fixed against LIBOR.

 

What will the company's new interest rate profile be?

Options:

A.

VARIABLE at LIBOR

B.

VARIABLE at LIBOR + 0.5%

C.

VARIABLE at LIBOR + 1.0%

D.

FIXED at 6.5%

Question 62

A company has recently announced a scrip issue of 1 new share for every 4 existing shares. The market value of each share price before the announcement was $20.00.

What is the best estimate of the share price after the scrip issue ignoring all other influences on the share price?

Options:

A.

$40 00

B.

$25 00

C.

$16 00

D.

$20 00

Question 63

Company A needs to raise AS500 mi lion to invest in a new project and is considering using a pub ic issue of bonds to finance the investment.

Which THREE of the following statements-relating to this bond issue are true?

Options:

A.

A company must be listed before it can issue bones.

B.

The largest issuer of bond i3 the government.

C.

Purchasing bonds in the capital markets enables entities to borrow large amounts of finance.

D.

The bond market is unregulated making it easier to raise finance

E.

Bonds issues in the corporate debt market are underwritten.

Question 64

An unlisted software development company has recently reported disappointing results. This was partly due to weak economic conditions but also because of its poor competitive position. The company has a number of exciting development opportunities which would enable it to achieve significant future growth. The company's growth potential has been hindered by its inability to secure sufficient new finance.

To enable the company raise new finance the Directors are considering working forwards an IPO in 10 years and accepting finance from a venture capitalist in order support in the intervening period.

The directors are keen to retain a controlling stake in the company and full representation on the board. They therefore require venture capitalists to provide funds as a mix of debt and equity and not soley equity finance.

Which THREE of the following are most likely to disrupt the directors' plans to use venture capital finance?

Options:

A.

Venture capitalists normally expect at least one seat on the board.

B.

Venture capitalists only provide equity finance and will therefore not be interested in providing a combination of debt and equity finance.

C.

The venture capital finance offered is much more expensive than expected.

D.

Venture capitalists normally expect an exit strategy sconer than the planned IPO in 10 years'time.

E.

Venture capitalists always require ownership of more than 50% of the shares in a company to ensure control.

Question 65

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:

  

 Question # 65

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

Question 66

A company needs to raise $20 million to finance a project.

It has decided on a rights issue at a discount of 20% to its current market share price.

There are currently 20 million shares in issue with a nominal value of $1 and a market price of $5 per share.

 Question # 66

Calculate the terms of the rights issue.

Options:

A.

1 new share for every 4 existing shares

B.

1 new share for every 20 existing shares

C.

1 new share for every 5 existing shares

D.

1 new share for every 25 existing shares

Question 67

A listed company is planning a share repurchase.

The following data applies

• There are 20 million shares in issue

• The share repurchase will involve buying back 10% of the shares at a price of $1.20

• The company is holding $4.8 million cash

• Earnings for the current year ended are $3.6 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 10% and the EPS will decrease by 11%.

B.

The cash balance will decrease by 10% and the EPS will increase by 11%.

C.

The cash balance will decrease by 50% and EPS will decrease by11%

D.

The cash balance will decrease by 50% and EPS will increase by 11%

Question 68

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.

Question 69

A company is currently all-equity financed.

The directors are planning to raise long term debt to finance a new project.

The debt:equity ratio after the bond issue would be 30:60 based on estimated market values.

 

According to Modigliani and Miller's Theory of Capital Structure without tax, the company's cost of equity would:

Options:

A.

stay the same.

B.

decrease.

C.

increase.

D.

increase or decrease depending on the bond's coupon rate.

Question 70

Which THREE of the following would be most important if a hospital wishes to review the effectiveness of its services?

Options:

A.

The proportion of surgical procedures that are deemed to be successful.

B.

Average waiting times for treatment.

C.

Patient satisfaction ratings.

D.

Staff costs compared to previous years. 

E.

Revenue generated from car park charges. 

Question 71

The two founding directors of an unlisted geared company want to establish its value as they are intending to approach a venture capitalist for additional funding.

The funding will be used to invest in a major new project which has very high growth potential. The directors intend to sell 10% of the company to the venture capitalist They have prepared the following current valuation of the company using the divided valuation model:

Question # 71

The following information is relevant.

• $60,000 is the most recent dividend paid.

• 4% is the average dividend growth over the last few years.

• 10% is an estimate of the company's cost of equity using the CAPM model with the industry average asset beta

Which THREE of the following are weaknesses of the valuation method used in these circumstances?

Options:

A.

The industry average asset beta is not an appropriate beta to use in CAPM in this case.

B.

The company is unlikely to achieve constant growth in dividends year-on-year.

C.

Future dividend growth is unlikely to reflect historical dividend growth.

D.

It is not an appropriate valuation method for a small, 10% equity stake

E.

CAPM cannot be used to estimate the cost of equity of an unlisted company.

Question 72

Company A is unlisted and all-equity financed. It is trying to estimate its cost of equity. 

 

The following information relates to another company, Company B, which operates in the same industry as Company A and has similar business risk:

 

Equity beta = 1.6      

Debt:equity ratio  40:60

The rate of corporate income tax is 20%.

The expected premium on the market portfolio is 7% and the risk-free rate is 5%.

What is the estimated cost of equity for Company A?

 

Give your answer to one decimal place.

 

 ? % 

Options:

Question 73

Using the CAPM, the expected return for a company is 10%. The market return is 7% and the risk free rate is 1%.

 What does the beta factor used in this calculation indicate about the risk of the company?

Options:

A.

It has greater risk than the average market risk.

B.

It has lower risk than the average market risk.

C.

It has the same risk as the average market risk.

D.

It is not possible to tell from CAPM.

Question 74

A company s about to announce a new project that has a positive NPV.

If the market is semi-strong form efficient, which of the following statements is most Likely to be true?

The value of the company will.

Options:

A.

only change to incorporate historical information.

B.

Increase by the NPV of the project once the information has been announced

C.

already include the value of the project.

D.

increase only on completion of the project.

Question 75

Which THREE of the following statements are true of a money market hedge?

Options:

A.

They offer roughly the same outcome as a forward contract.

B.

They leave the company exposed to currency risks.

C.

They may be a little more flexible in comparison to a forward contract.

D.

They are more complex than forward contracts.

E.

They are easy to set up.

Question 76

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

Question 77

A company has convertible bonds in issue.

The following debt is apply (31 December 20X0):

• Conversion ratio- 20 shares for each $130 bond.

• Current share price - $4 50

• Expected annual growth in share price - 5%

Advise the bond Holder at which date the convers on would be worthwhile?

Options:

A.

31 December 20X2

B.

31 December 20X0

C.

31 December 20X3

D.

31 December 20X1

Question 78

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%

Question 79

A company is considering whether to lease or buy an asset.

The following data applies:

   • The bank will charge interest at 7.14% per annum

   • The asset will cost $1 million

   • Tax-allowable depreciation is available on a straight line basis over 5 years

   • There is no residual value

   • Corporate tax is paid at 30% in the year when the profit is earned

What is the NPV of the buy option?

 

Give your answer to the nearest $000.

 

$ ?  

Options:

Question 80

A company enters into a floating rate borrowing with interest due every 12 months over the five year life of the borrowing. 

At the same time, the company arranges an interest rate swap to swap the interest profile on the borrowing from floating to fixed rate. 

These transactions are designated as a hedge for hedge accounting purposes under IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.

 

Assuming the hedge is considered to be effective, how would the swap be accounted for 12 months later? 

Options:

A.

The swap would be shown at nominal value in the statement of financial position and the change in value posted to other comprehensive income.

B.

The swap would be shown at nominal value in the statement of financial position and the change in value posted to profit or loss.

C.

The swap would be shown at fair value the statement of financial position and the change in value posted to other comprehensive income.

D.

The swap would be shown at fair value the statement of financial position and the change in value posted to profit or loss.

Question 81

Company HJK is planning to bid for listed company BNM

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

Question # 81

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

Question 82

A venture capitalist is most likely to take which THREE of the following exit routes?

Options:

A.

Liquidation of the company.

B.

Flotation via a stock market listing.

C.

Trade sale to another company.

D.

Selling back to the original owners.

E.

Raising long-term debt from the company.

Question 83

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.

Question 84

Company J plans to acquire Company K, an unlisted company whose equity is to be valued using a P/E ratio approach. 

A listed company has been identified which is very similar to Company K and which can be used as a proxy.

However, the growth prospects of Company K are higher than those of the proxy.

The Directors of Company J are aware that certain adjustments will be necessary to the proxy company's P/E ratio in order to obtain a more reliable valuation.  

 

The following adjustments have been agreed:

   • 20% due to Company K being unlisted.

   • 15% to allow for the growth rate difference.

The total adjustment to the proxy p/e ratio is:

Options:

A.

5% increase

B.

5% decrease

C.

35% increase

D.

35% decrease

Question 85

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.

Question 86

The Treasurer of Z intends to use interest rate options to set an interest rate cap on Z’s borrowings.

Which of the following statement is correct?

Options:

A.

The Treasurer should buy an interested rate floor and sell an interested cap ta the same time

B.

The Treasurer will retain the benefit of movements in interest rates below the floor limit.

C.

The cost of a collar is lower than the cost of a cap a one.

D.

The Treasurer will have to negotiate the options with Z's bank.

Question 87

Company A operates in country A and uses currency AS. It is looking to acquire Company B which operates in country B and uses currency B$. The following information is relevant:

Question # 87

The assistant accountant at Company A has prepared the following valuation of company B's equity, however there are some errors in his calculations.

Question # 87

Value of Company B's equity = 14.16 + 16.03 + 17.67 = AS47.86 million

Company B has BS5 million of debt finance.

Which of the following THREE statements are true?

Options:

A.

The conversion into AS is incorrect as the assistant accountant should have divided by the exchange rate and not multiplied.

B.

Cash flow to all investors should be discounted at Company B's cost of equity of 10% rather than its WACC of 8%.

C.

The valuation is understated because forecast cash flows beyond year 3 have been ignored.

D.

The forecast exchange rates are incorrect as they show the BS strengthening and it should be weakening.

E.

The calculations show Company B's entity value, not its equity value.

Question 88

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)

Question 89

Company A is planning to acquire Company B by means of a cash offer. The directors of Company B are prepared to recommend acceptance if a bid price can be agreed. Estimates of the net present value (NPV) of future cash flows for the two companies and the combined group post acquisition have been prepared by Company A’s accountant. There are as follows:

Question # 89

What is the maximum price that Company A should offer for the shares in Company B?

Give your answer to the nearest $ million

Question # 89

Options:

Question 90

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.

Question 91

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.

Question 92

Company X is an established, unquoted company which provides IT advisory services.

The company's results and cashflows are growing steadily and it has few direct competitors due to the very specialised nature of it's business. Dividends are predictable and paid annually.

Company P is looking to buy 30% of company X's equity shares.

 

Which TWO of the following methods are likely to be considered most suitable valuation methods for valuing company P's investment in Company X?

Options:

A.

Asset based using replacement cost

B.

Dividend based using DVM

C.

Cash based using free cash flow before interest

D.

P/E ratio method using IT industry average 

E.

Earnings yield method using a listed IT company as proxy

Question 93

A company raised fixed rate bank finance together with an interest rate swap for the same term and same principal value to pay floating receive fixed rate interest on an annual basis.

 

Which THREE of the following statements are correct?

Options:

A.

The company has effectively obtained floating rate debt.

B.

On the first day of this arrangement, the company receives the principal borrowed from the bank and pays this across to the swap counterparty.

C.

LIBID (London Interbank Bid Rate) is normally used as the reference rate for determining interest due under the swap.

D.

Under the swap, interest is exchanged every year.

E.

The swap contract is normally a contract between a company and a bank.

Question 94

Company BBB has prepared a valuation of a competitor company, Company BBD. Company BBB is intending to acquire a controlling interest in the equity of Company BBD and therefore wants to value only the equity of Company BBD.

Question # 94

The directors of Company BBB have prepared the following valuation of Company BBD:

Value of Equity = 4.63 + 5.14 + 5.56 = S15.33 million

Additional information on Company BBD:

Question # 94

Which THREE of the following are weaknesses of the above valuation?

Options:

A.

Free cash flows to all investors should be discounted at the cost of equity of 10% rather than WACC of 8%.

B.

The valuation is understated as forecast future growth has been ignored beyond year 3.

C.

The valuation is understated as the directors have failed to include a perpetuity factor in the calculations.

D.

The approach used calculates the value of the total entity not the value of equity.

E.

The valuation is overstated as the directors have failed to deduct tax from the free cash flows.

Question 95

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.

Question # 95

The following information is relevant:

Question # 95

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

Question 96

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.

Question 97

An entity prepares financial statements to 31 December each year.  The following data applies:

 

1 December 20X0

   • The entity purchased some inventory for $400,000.

   • In order to protect the inventory against adverse changes in fair value the entity entered into a futures contract to sell the inventory for a fixed price on 31 January 20X1.

   • The entity designated this contract as a fair value hedge of the value of the inventory.

31 December 20X0

   • The inventory had a fair value of $480,000 and the futures contract had a fair value of $75,000 (a financial liability).

What will be the impact on the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December 20X0 in respect of the change in the value of the inventory and the futures contract?

Options:

A.

A loss of $75,000 will be recognised in profit or loss.

B.

A loss of $75,000 will be recognised in other comprehensive income.

C.

A net gain of $5,000 will be recognised in profit or loss.

D.

A net gain of $5,000 will be recognised in other comprehensive income.

Question 98

A large multi-divisional company in the food processing and distribution business is conducting a strategic review.  The divisions all compete in the same market.

 

The sale of one of its underperforming food processing divisions to the divisional management team is currently being considered. The purchase by the divisional management team will require venture capital finance.

 

Which THREE of the following are likely to influence the multi-divisional company's decision on whether or not to sell the under-performing division to the management team?

Options:

A.

The divisional management team has detailed confidential information about the operation of the other divisions.

B.

The divisional management team has skills and experience that are important for the future successful operation of other divisions.

C.

The ability of the management team to raise the finance required to complete the purchase of the division at a reasonable price.

D.

The quality of the management team and its ability to manage the divested division successfully.

E.

The specific conditions imposed on the management team by the venture capital provider. 

Question 99

Company M plans to bid for Company J. Company M has 20 million shares in issue and a current share price of $10.00 before publicly announcing the planned takeover. Company J has 10 million shares in issue and a current share price of $4.00.

The directors of Company M are considering an all-share bid of 1 Company M shares for 2 Company J shares.

Synergies worth $20m are expected from the acquisition.

 

What is the likely change in wealth for Company M's shareholders (in total) if the bid is accepted?

 

Give your answer to the nearest $ million.

 

$  ? million 

Options:

Question 100

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.

Question 101

Company X is based in Country A, whose currency is the A$.

It trades with customers in Country B, whose currency is the B$.

Company X aims to maintain its revenue from exports to Country B at 25% of total revenue.

 

Company A has the following forecast revenue:

  Question # 101

The forecast revenue from Country B has assumed an exchange rate of A$1/B$2, that is A$1 = B$2.

 

If the B$ depreciates against the A$ by 10%, the ratio of revenue generated from Country B as a percentage of total revenue will:

Options:

A.

fall to 23.3%.

B.

rise to 27.0%.

C.

rise to 30.3%.

D.

fall to 22.7%.

Question 102

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.

Question 103

A company's directors plan to increase gearing to come in line with the industry average of 40%. They need to know what the effect will be on the company's WACC.

According to traditional theory of gearing the WACC is most likely to:

Question # 103

Options:

Question 104

Company X plans to acquire Company Y.

 

Pre-acquisition information:

 

 Question # 104

Post-acquisition information:

Total combined earnings are expected to increase by 10%

Total combined P/E multiple will remain at 10 times

 

Which of the following share-for-share exchanges will result in an increase of 10% in Company X's share price post-acquisition?

Options:

A.

1 share in Company X for 2.75 shares in Company Y

B.

3 shares in Company X for 5 shares in Company Y

C.

2 shares in Company X for 1 shares in Company Y

D.

1 share in Company X for 2 shares in Company Y

Question 105

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.

Question 106

MAN is a manufacturing company that is based in country M and sells almost exclusively to customers in country M, priced in the local currency, M$.

 

MAN wishes to expand the business by acquiring a company that manufactures similar products but has a more global customer base. It is particularly interested in selling to customers in country P, which uses currency P$ but recognises that the P$ is generally quite volatile against the M$.

 

Country P uses the same language as country M, has free entry of labour from country M, no exchange controls or withholding tax and a favourable double tax treaty.

 

Which of the following companies would be most suitable takeover candidates for MAN to investigate further?

Options:

A.

A company based in country M with a global customer base including country P.

B.

A company based in country P with a global customer base including country P.

C.

A company based in country M with a shared interest in selling in country P.

D.

A company based in country P with a large proportion of customers in country M.

Question 107

Company H is considering the valuation of an unlisted company which it hopes to acquire.

It has obtained the target company's financial statements.

Company H has been advised that the book value of net assets as shown in the financial statements of the target company does not provide a reliable indicator of their true value.

 

Advise the Board of Directors which of the following THREE statements are disadvantages of the net asset basis of valuation?

Options:

A.

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

B.

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

C.

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

D.

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

E.

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

Question 108

A company intends to sell one of its business units. Company W, by a management buyout (MBO). A selling price of S200 million has been agreed.

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

Question # 108

The VCC requires a minimum return on its equity investment In the MBO of 35% a year on a compound basis over 5 years. What is the minimum total equity value of Company W in 5 years time in order to meet the VCC's required return? Give your answer to one decimal place.

Question # 108

Options:

Question 109

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

The corporate tax rate in the company's own country is 20% and 25% tax depreciation allowances are available.

 

Which THREE of the following would be considered advantages of establishing the subsidiary in the foreign country?

Options:

A.

The corporate tax rate in the foreign country is 40%.

B.

There is a double tax treaty between the company's domestic country and the foreign country.

C.

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

D.

There are high customs duties payable on products entering the foreign country. 

E.

There are restrictions on companies wishing to remit profit from the foreign country.

Question 110

A large, listed company is planning a major project that should greatly improve its share price in the long term.

These plans require a significant capital cost that the company plans to finance by debt.

All of the debt options being considered are for the same duration of time.

 

Which of the following sources of debt finance is likely to be the most expensive for the company over the full term of the debt?

Options:

A.

Bonds

B.

A finance lease

C.

Convertible bonds

D.

Bank loan

Question 111

An entity prepares financial statements to 30 June.

During the year ended 30 June 20X2 the following events occurred:

 

1 July 20X1

   • The entitiy borrowed $100 million at a variable rate of interest.

   • In order to protect itself against the variability of its interest cashflows, the entity entered into a pay-fixed-receive-variable interest swap with annual settlements.  The fair value of the swap on this date was zero.

30 June 20X2

   • The entity received a net settlement of $2 million under the swap. After this net settlement, the fair value of the swap was $5 million - a financial asset.

The entity decides to use hedge accounting for this arrangement and has designated it as a cash flow hedge.  The swap is a perfect hedge of the variability of the cash interest payments.

 

Which of the following describes the treatment of the settlement and the change in the fair value of the swap in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the year ended 30 June 20X2?

Options:

A.

$7 million is recognised in profit or loss.

B.

$7 million is recognised in other comprehensive income.

C.

$2 million is recognised in profit or loss and $5 million is recognised in other comprehensive income.

D.

$5 million is recognised in profit or loss and $2 million is recognised in other comprehensive income.

Question 112

Company A plans to acquire Company B.

Both firms operate as wholesalers in the fashion industry, supplying a wide range of ladies' clothing shops.

Company A sources mainly from the UK, Company B imports most of its supplies from low-income overseas countries.

Significant synergies are expected in management costs and warehousing, and in economies of bulk purchasing.

 

Which of the following is likely to be the single most important issue facing Company A in post-merger integration?

Options:

A.

Identifying and removing surplus staff.

B.

Understanding the management information system of the acquired firm.

C.

Discussions with representatives from key customer accounts.

D.

Discussions with anti-poverty campaigning groups.

Question 113

ZZZ is a listed company based in Brinland. a European country. It is the largest owner and operator of residential care homes for elderly people in Brinland

Most of the residential care homes in Brinland are run by small private operators, and the standards of cafe are extremely variable However. 22Z has developed a good reputation because its client service is considered to be extremely good even though its prices are higher than those of most of its competitors.

ZZZ has expanded rapidly in the last few years, partly by acquisition and partly by organic growth consequently, the company's share price now stands at a record high, and the dividend declared at the end of the most recent accounting period was 10% higher than the previous year's dividend.

The Brinland government has recently set up a regulatory body to monitor the residential care homes industry. The regulatory body is considering introducing a variety of regulations to improve the customer experience in the industry. Following a period of consultation and investigation, the regulatory body is expected to announce a range of new regulations in the near future.

The directors of ZZZ are concerned that the new regulations may adversely affect their company

Which THREE of the following new regulations are likely to have the greatest negative impact on ZZTs performance?

Options:

A.

Imposition of a minimum staff to client ratio.

B.

Price controls, setting a maximum price that providers can charge

C.

Monopoly controls, forcing large operators to dispose of some care homes

D.

Imposition of a one-off "windfall" tax to fund training courses for carers across the industry

E.

Fines for companies that miss specified service level targets

Question 114

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.

Question 115

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

Question 116

A company is planning to repurchase some of its shares. Relevant details are as follows:

   • 100 million shares in issue

   • Current share price $5

   • 5 million shares to be repurchased

   • 10% repurchase premium

   • Repurchased shares to be cancelled

What would you expect the share price after the repurchase to be?

 

Give your answer to two decimal places.

 

$ ?  

Options:

Question 117

Companies A, B, C and D:

   • are based in a country that uses the K$ as its currency.  

   • have an objective to grow operating profit year on year.

   • have the same total levels of revenue and cost.

   • trade with companies or individuals in the eurozone.  All import and export trade with companies or individuals in the eurozone is priced in EUR.  

Typical import/export trade for each company in a year are as follows:

  Question # 117

 Which company's growth objective is most sensitive to a movement in the EUR/K$ exchange rate?

Options:

A.

Company LLL

B.

Company MMM

C.

Company NNN

D.

Company OOO

Question 118

Company A is planning to acquire Company B. Both companies are listed and are of similar size based on market capitalisation No approach has yet been made to Company B's shareholders as the directors of Company A are undecided about the most suitable method of financing the offer Two methods are under consideration a share exchange or a cash offer financed by debt.

Company A currently has a gearing ratio (debt to debt plus equity) of 30% based on market values. The average gearing ratio (debt to debt plus equity) for the industry is 50% Although no formal offer has been made there have been market rumours of the proposed bid. which is seen as favorable to Company A. As a consequence. Company As share price has risen over the past few weeks while Company B's share price has fallen.

Which THREE of the following statements are most likely to be correct?

Options:

A.

Based on current share price movements, a share exchange would mean Company A has to issue fewer shares to acquire Company B than it would have done a few weeks ago

B.

Company B's shareholders will be able to participate in the future growth of the combined business if it is a share exchange

C.

The method of finance chosen will not affect the post-acquisition earning per share of the combined business

D.

Company A's weighted average cost of capital will fall if financing is with debt

E.

Company A's gearing will increase following a share exchange.

Question 119

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%.

Question 120

M is an accountant who wishes to take out a forward rate agreement as a hedging instrument but the company treasurer has advised that a short-term interest rate future would be a better option.

Which of the following is true of a short-term interest ratefuture?

Options:

A.

It can be tailoredtothe exact reeds of the company.

B.

It interest rates have gone down the price of the future will have fallen.

C.

It must be kept for ne whole duration of the contract

D.

The date is flexible and the position can be closed quickly and easily.

Question 121

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

Question 122

DFG is a successful company and its shares are listed on a recognised stock exchange. The company's gearing ratio is currently in line with the industry average and the directors of DFG do not want to increase the company's financial risk. The company does not carry a large cash balance and its shareholders are not expected to be willing to support a rights issue at this time

LMB is a small services company owned and managed by a small board of directors who are going to retire within the next year

DFG wishes to purchase LMB and has approached LMB's owners, who are broadly open to the proposal, to discuss the bid and the consideration to be offered by DFG. LMB's owners explain to DFG that they are also keen to defer any tax liabilities they would be subject to on receipt of the consideration.

Based on the information provided, which of the following types of consideration would be most suitable to finance the acquisition?

Options:

A.

Loan stock in DFG for the current value of LMB

B.

DFG shares for the current value of LMB

C.

Cash for the current value of LMB

D.

DFG shares for a percentage of the current value of LMB plus a three year earn-out arrangement

Question 123

An all equity financed company reported earnings for the year ending 31 December 20X1 of $5 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 7%.

The company pays corporate income tax at 30%.

 

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.

$5.25 million

B.

$7.50 million

C.

$7.57 million

D.

$8.40 million

Question 124

Company W has received an unwelcome takeover bid from Company B. The offer is a share exchange of 3 shares in Company B for 5 shares in Company Wora cash alternative of $5.70 for each Company W share.

Company B is approximately twice the size of Company W based on market capitalisation. Although the two companies have some common business interested the main aim of the bid is diversification for Company B.

Company W 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.

Question # 124

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

Options:

A.

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

B.

Refer the bid to the country's competition authorities.

C.

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

D.

Pay a one-off special dividend.

Question 125

RR has agreed to sell goods to XX for S20.000 XX will pay when the goods are delivered in 6 months time. RR's home currency is the £- The current exchange rate is 4.3 £/S. The projected inflation rate for the S is 2.8%, and for the E 4 6%.

When RR receives payment for its goods, what will the value be to the nearest pound?

Options:

A.

£87.506

B.

£85,243

C.

£86 760

D.

£84.520

Question 126

The competition authorities are investigating the takeover of Company Z by a larger company, Company Y.

Both companies are food retailers. 

The takeover terms involve using a part cash, part share exchange means of payment.

Company Z is resisting the bid, arguing that it undervalues its business, while lobbying extensively among politicians to sway public opinion against the bidder.

 

Which of the following actions by Company Y is most likely to persuade the competition authorities to approve the acquisition?

Options:

A.

Company Y increases the cash element of its bid offer.

B.

Company Y agrees to dispose of specified outlets which geographically overlap those of Company Z.

C.

Company Y guarantees to preserve employment at its cental distribution depot.

D.

Company Y undertakes to pass on any cost savings to customers.

Question 127

Company ABD and Company BCD operate in the same industry and each has a significant market share.

The directors of Company ABD have heard rumours in the market that Company BCD is planning to bid to takeover Company ABD. They do not believe the takeover would be in the best interests of the shareholders and are therefore keen to prevent the bid from going ahead.

Which THREE of the following defense strategies could be used by the directors of Company ABD at this point in time?

Options:

A.

Communicate effectively with their shareholders

B.

Revalue the non-current assets

C.

Refer the bid to the competition authorities

D.

Poison Pill

E.

White Knight

Question 128

ADC is planning to acquire DEF in order to benefit from the expertise of DEF's owner ‘managers Both are Listed companies. ADC is trying to decide whether to offer cash or shares in consideration for DEF's shares.

Which THREE of the following are advantages to ABC of offering shares to acquire CEF?

Options:

A.

It shares tie benefits of future growth with the DCT shareholder.

B.

It dilutes ownership in ABC.

C.

It incentivises DEF to continue creating value for the combined group

D.

It results in a tax saving for ABC.

E.

The risk of poor future performance of the acquisition is shared with the DEF company shareholder.

F.

It preserves liquidity

Question 129

A company is funded by:

   • $40 million of debt (market value)

   • $60 million of equity (market value)

The company plans to:

   • Issue a bond and use the funds raised to buy back shares at their current market value.

   • Structure the deal so that the market value of debt becomes equal to the market value of equity.

According to Modigliani and Miller's theory with tax and assuming a corporate income tax rate of 20%, this plan would: 

Options:

A.

increase the company's asset beta.

B.

decrease the company's equity beta.

C.

increase shareholder wealth.

D.

increase the market value of the company's equity.

Question 130

A company needs to raise $20 million to finance a project.

It has decided on a rights issue at a discount of 20% to its current market share price.

There are currently 20 million shares in issue with a nominal value of $1 and a market price of $5 per share.

 

Calculate the terms of the rights issue.

Options:

A.

1 new share for every 4 existing shares

B.

1 new share for every 20 existing shares

C.

1 new share for every 5 existing shares

D.

1 new share for every 25 existing shares

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Total 435 questions