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  • 20 Marks

FM – Nov 2021 – L3 – Q3 – Financing Decisions and Capital Markets

Analyze financing alternatives for ZY Plc's new investment and assess rights issue and bond issue implications.

ZY Plc is an all-equity financed, publicly listed company in the food processing industry. The ZY family holds 40% of its ordinary shares, with the remainder owned by large financial institutions. ZY Plc currently has 10 million ₦1 ordinary shares in issue.

Recently, the company secured a long-term contract to supply food products to a large restaurant chain, necessitating an investment in new machinery costing ₦24 million. This machinery will be operational starting January 1, 2022, with payment due the same day, and sales commencing shortly afterward.

The company’s policy is to distribute all profits as dividends. If ZY Plc continues as an all-equity financed company, it will pay an annual dividend of ₦9 million indefinitely, starting December 31, 2022.

To finance the ₦24 million investment, ZY Plc is considering two options:

  1. A 2-for-5 rights issue, where the annual dividend would remain at ₦9 million. The cum-rights price per share is expected to be ₦6.60.
  2. Issuing 7.5% irredeemable bonds at par with interest payable annually in arrears. For this option, interest would be paid out of the ₦9 million otherwise allocated to dividends.

Under either financing method, the cost of equity is anticipated to remain at its current rate of 10% annually, with no tax implications.

Required:

a. Calculate the issue and ex-rights share prices of ZY Plc., assuming a 2-for-5 rights issue is used to finance the new project as of January 1, 2022. Ignore taxation. (4 Marks)

b. Calculate the value per ordinary share in ZY Plc on January 1, 2022, if 7.5% irredeemable bonds are issued to finance the new project. Assume that the cost of equity remains at 10% each year. Ignore taxation. (4 Marks)

c. Write a report to the directors of ZY Plc that includes: i. A comparison and contrast of the rights issue and bond issue methods for raising finance, referencing calculations from parts (a) and (b) and any assumptions. (6 Marks)
ii. A discussion on the appropriateness of the following alternative methods of issuing equity finance in the specific context of ZY Plc: – A placing – An offer for sale – A public offer for subscription (6 Marks)

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  • 30 Marks

FM – Nov 2021 – L3 – Q1 – Strategic Cost Management

Analyze costs and investment requirements for Femi Appliances Ltd's new motor vehicle vacuum cleaner product line.

Femi Appliances Limited (FAL) is a Nigerian-based manufacturer of household appliances with many distribution centers across various locations in Nigeria and along the ECOWAS sub-region. FAL is now considering the development of a new motor vehicle vacuum cleaner – VC4.

The product can be introduced quickly and has an expected life of four years, after which it may be replaced with a more efficient model. Costs associated with the product are estimated as follows:

Direct Costs (per unit):

  • Labour:
    • 3.5 skilled labour hours at ₦500 per hour
    • 4 unskilled labour hours at ₦300 per hour
  • Materials:
    • 6 kilos of material Z at ₦146 per kilo
    • Three units of component P at ₦480 per unit
    • One unit of component Q at ₦640
  • Other variable costs: ₦210 per unit

Indirect Costs:

  • Apportionment of management salaries: ₦10,500,000 per year
  • Tax allowable depreciation of machinery: ₦21,000,000 per year
  • Selling expenses (excluding salaries): ₦16,600,000 per year
  • Apportionment of head office costs: ₦5,000,000 per year
  • Rental of buildings: ₦10,000,000 per year
  • Annual interest charges: ₦10,400,000
  • Other annual overheads: ₦7,000,000 (includes building rates ₦2,000,000)

If the new product is introduced, it will be manufactured in an existing factory, having no effect on rates payable. The factory could be rented out for ₦12,000,000 per year to another company if the product is not introduced.

New machinery costing ₦86,000,000 will be required, depreciated on a straight-line basis over four years with a salvage value of ₦2,000,000. The machinery will be financed by a four-year fixed-rate bank loan at 12% interest per year. Additional working capital requirements may be ignored.

The new product will require two additional managers at an annual gross cost of ₦2,500,000 each, while one current manager (₦2,000,000) will be transferred and replaced by a deputy manager at ₦1,700,000 per year. Material Z totaling 70,000 kilos is already in inventory, valued at ₦9,900,000.

FAL will utilize the existing advertising campaigns for distribution centers to also market the new product, saving approximately ₦5,000,000 per year in advertising expenses.

The unit price of the product in the first year will be ₦11,000, with projected demand as follows:

  • Year 1: 12,000 units
  • Year 2: 17,500 units
  • Year 3: 18,000 units
  • Year 4: 18,500 units

An inflation rate of 5% per year is anticipated, with prices rising accordingly. Wage costs are expected to increase by 7% per year, and other costs (including rent) by 5% annually. No price or cost increases are expected in the first year of production.

Income tax is set at 35%, payable in the year the profit occurs. Assume all sales and costs are on a cash basis and occur at the end of the year, except for the initial purchase of machinery, which would take place immediately. No inventory will be held at the end of any year.

Required:

a. Calculate the expected internal rate of return (IRR) associated with the manufacture of VC4. Show all workings to the nearest ₦million. (19 Marks)

b. i. Explain what is meant by an asset beta and how it differs from an equity beta. (2 Marks)
ii. Given the company’s equity beta is 1.2, the market return is 15%, and the risk-free rate is 8%, discuss whether introducing the product is advisable. (4 Marks)

c. The company is concerned about a potential increase in corporate tax rates. Advise the directors by how much that the tax rate would have to change before the project is not financially viable. A discount rate of 17% per year may be assumed for part (c). (5 Marks)

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  • 15 Marks

FM – May 2024 – L3 – SC – Q5 – Financial Distress and Bankruptcy

Discuss problems of severe financial difficulties and the impact of high financial gearing on stakeholders, excluding bondholders.

(a) Explain the main problems and costs which might arise for a company experiencing a period of severe financial difficulties. (7 Marks)

(b) Describe how interested parties, other than bondholders, will be affected by high financial gearing levels, and describe what protective measures they can take. (8 Marks)

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  • 30 Marks

FM – Nov 2018 – L3 – Q1 – Financial Strategy Formulation

Appraisal of a diversification project into holiday travel using WACC and associated financial strategy considerations.

Eko Plc. (Eko) is a listed company in the food retailing sector and has large stores in all major cities in the country. Eko’s board is considering diversifying by opening holiday travel shops in all of its stores.

At a recent board meeting, the directors discussed how the holiday travel shops project (the project) should be appraised. The sales director insisted that Eko’s current weighted average cost of capital (WACC) should be used to evaluate the project, as the majority of its operations will still be in food retailing. The finance director disagreed, stating that the existing cost of equity does not account for the systematic risk of new projects and that the company’s overall WACC would change as a result of the project’s acceptance. The board was also concerned about the market’s reaction to its diversification plans. Another board meeting was scheduled, at which Eko’s advisors would be asked to make a presentation on the project.

You work for Eko’s advisors and have been asked to prepare information for the presentation. You have established the following:

Eko intends to raise the capital required for the project in such a way as to leave its existing debt-to-equity ratio (by market value) unchanged following the diversification. Extracts from Eko’s most recent management accounts are shown below:

Statement of financial position as at May 31, 2017

On May 31, 2017, Eko’s ordinary shares had a market value of 276 kobo (ex-div) and an equity beta of 0.60. For the year ended May 31, 2017, the dividend yield was 4.2%, and the earnings per share were 25 kobo. The return on the market is expected to be 8% p.a, and the risk-free rate is 2% p.a.

Eko’s debentures had a market value of N108 (ex-interest) per N100 nominal value on May 31, 2017, and they are redeemable at par on May 31, 2021.

Companies operating solely in the holiday travel industry have an average equity beta of 1.40 and an average debt-to-equity ratio (by market value) of 3:5. It is estimated that if the project goes ahead, the overall equity beta of Eko will be made up of 90% food retailing and 10% holiday travel shops.

Assume that the income tax rate will be 20% p.a. for the foreseeable future.

Required:

a. Ignoring the project, calculate the current WACC of Eko using:
i. The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) (8 Marks)
ii. The Gordon Growth Model (6 Marks)

b. Use the CAPM to calculate the cost of equity that should be included in a WACC suitable for appraising the project and explain your reason. (5 Marks)

c. By calculating an overall equity beta and using the CAPM, estimate the overall WACC of Eko assuming that the project goes ahead and comment on the implications of a permanent change in the overall WACC. (5 Marks)

d. Advise whether Eko should diversify its operations and how the stock market might react to the proposed project. (3 Marks)

e. Identify the appropriate project appraisal methodology that should be used when a project’s financing results in a major increase in a company’s market gearing ratio, and using the data relating to Eko, calculate the project discount rate that should be used in this circumstance. (3 Marks)

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  • 30 Marks

FM – Nov 2023 – L1 – SA – Q1 – Mergers and Acquisitions

Evaluate Finkex Plc's acquisition strategy of Toba Plc, focusing on share-for-share impact, valuation methods, and shareholder implications.

Finkex Plc (FP) is a listed company that operates in the pharmaceutical sector, manufacturing a broad range of drugs under license in a number of countries along the ECOWAS sub-region. For a number of years, the company has grown organically.

Three years ago, the company acquired 20% of the issued share capital of Toba Plc (TP) for N110 million, as a route to both expansion and diversification. The acquisition was by private negotiation in exchange for an issue of its own shares.

Toba Plc is involved in a different area of the pharmaceutical sector from FP as it is primarily a research-driven company involved in the development of new drugs.

To expedite the realization of its diversification strategy, the directors of FP have now decided to acquire the remaining 80% of Toba’s share capital.

Extracts from the financial statements of Finkex Plc are given below:

Finkex Plc – Extracts from financial statements for the last two years

Year 2023 2022
N’m N’m
Non-current assets (including investment in Toba plc) 602.8 499.4
Current assets 265.0 180.4
Total Assets 867.8 679.8
Current liabilities 199.2 136.8
Total assets less current liabilities 668.6 543.0
Non-current liabilities 149.5 159.4
Net assets 519.1 383.6
Issued share capital (ordinary shares of ₦1 each) 100.0 73.6
Share premium 84.0 12.4
Profit or loss account 335.1 297.6
Total Equity 519.1 383.6
Sales revenue 1320.6 496.0
Earnings after tax 51.50 37.60
Dividend 14.0 14.0
Retained profits 37.5 23.6

All that is known about Toba Plc is that it has 114 million shares in issue; total share capital and reserves are N684 million; earnings after tax in the most recent year were ₦85.2 million on sales of N1,252.0 million, which were double those of the previous year; and that it has an investment valued at N80 million (book and market) in a type of enterprise which might not be of interest to Finkex Plc.

The current stock market prices per share are: Finkex Plc 300k; Toba plc 341k. Both companies pay tax at 50%.

Required:

a. At the above market prices, how many shares of Finkex Plc would have to be issued to buy the rest of Toba Plc on a share-for-share offer? (4 Marks)

b. With regard to earnings and also the book value of assets per share, how would the above share-for-share offer affect the position of:

i. Existing shareholders in Finkex Plc; (6 Marks)

ii. The 80% shareholders in Toba Plc whose shares were to be acquired? (4 Marks)

c. Assuming that the 80% shareholders in Toba Plc were prepared to accept ₦80 million 10% Loan Stock as part of the consideration:

i. What advantages might there be for Finkex Plc in this arrangement? (2 Marks)

ii. What total price could Finkex Plc afford to pay without diluting the earnings per share of its existing shareholders, as calculated in (b) (i) above? (6 Marks)

d. If the board of Toba Plc decided to advise its shareholders not to accept an offer from Finkex Plc, what arguments might they use – including any derived from the financial information available about Finkex Plc?

(8 Marks)

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  • 20 Marks

FM – Nov 2022 – L3 – Q2 – Financing Decisions and Capital Markets

Evaluating financing options (rights issue vs convertible loans) for Balama Plc's expansion.

Balama Plc. (Balama) is a listed manufacturer of dairy products. In recent years, the company has experienced only a modest level of growth, but following the recent retirement of the chief executive, his replacement is keen to expand Balama’s operations.

The board of directors has recently agreed to support a proposal by the new chief executive that the company purchase new manufacturing equipment to enable it to expand its range of dairy products. The new equipment will cost N50 million, and the company is seeking to raise new finance to fund the expenditure in full. However, the board of directors is undecided as to how the new finance is to be raised. The directors are considering either a 1 for 5 rights issue at a price of N2.50 per share with a theoretical ex-rights price of N2.92 or a convertible loan of N50 million.

The loan will be secured against the company’s freehold land and buildings. The company’s share is presently quoted at a price of N3.00 per share.

Required:

a. Explain the terms ‘rights issue’ and ‘convertible loans’. (3 Marks)

b. Explain how the ‘theoretical ex-rights’ price of N2.92 is calculated and why the actual price might be different. Show your workings. (4 Marks)

c. Prepare a report for the board of directors that fully evaluates the two potential methods of financing the company’s expansion plans. (13 Marks)

(Total 20 Marks)

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  • 30 Marks

FM – Nov 2022 – L3 – Q1 – Mergers and Acquisitions

Evaluating the acquisition of Company K3 in Togo for business expansion purposes.

The following case relates to a business expansion decision for Abayomi Plc (AP):

Abayomi Plc (AP) is a major electrical company in Nigeria. The directors have recently identified Togo as a priority location for business expansion. Togo uses currency T$. Assume today is 30 August 2021.

Company K3, located in Togo, has been identified as a potential acquisition target. AP already manages two business units in Togo, named K1 and K2, and these have shown strong performance under AP’s ownership.

K3 is particularly attractive to AP because it has its own warehouse, distribution, and logistics network, all of which could be used by K1 and K2, if the acquisition goes ahead. Currently, K1 and K2 send goods to customers from AP warehouses located in Ghana. This involves considerable cost and delay in delivery.

K3 is a private company, and 100% of its shares are owned by the family that founded it. Many shareholders are keen to realize their investment by selling the company to AP.

Both companies are working towards an effective date for the sale of K3 to AP on 1 January 2022.

Financial Data for K3 for 2020:

The statement of financial position of K3 as at 31 December 2020 showed the following balances:

T$ Million
Long term borrowings 375
Share capital (T$1 ordinary shares) 90
Total liabilities 465
Net assets 180

Additional Data:

AP aims to maintain the same capital structure as AP. That is, gearing (debt/debt+equity) would be 25% based on market values. AP would guarantee K3’s new debt, which can be assumed to have the same risk profile as AP’s debt.

A proxy company has been identified which is also located in Togo and has a similar business model to K3.

Proxy company data:

  • P/E ratio of 12.
  • Equity beta of 1.7 and debt beta of 0.4.
  • Gearing (debt/debt+equity) based on market values of 35%.

Togo has a risk-free rate of 5% and a market risk premium of 4%.

Financial Data for AP:

Latest data available for AP shows:

  • P/E ratio of 14.
  • Equity beta of 1.5 and debt beta of 0.3.
  • Gearing (debt/debt+equity) based on market values of 25%.
  • AP pays 6.2% interest on its long-term borrowings.
  • Tax rate in Nigeria is 30%.

The spot rate for T$ against Naira today is T$7/₦ (i.e., ₦1 = T$7.00) and is not expected to change in the foreseeable future.

Assume that Nigeria has the same risk-free rate and market risk premium as Togo.

Required:
Assume you are the Finance Director of AP.

a. Advise on:
i. The types of synergistic benefit that might arise from the acquisition of K3. (8 Marks)
ii. Possible reasons why both one-off and ongoing synergistic benefits might not be achieved to the extent expected. (4 Marks)

b. Calculate:
i. A Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) for use in valuing K3 based on the proxy company’s business and country risk and AP’s capital structure. (6 Marks)
ii. A range of values for the equity of K3 in T$ as at 1 January 2022 using the following methods:

  • Asset basis. (2 Marks)
  • P/E (including bootstrapping). (5 Marks)
  • DCF (with and without synergistic benefits). (5 Marks)

(Total 30 Marks)

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  • 10 Marks

SCS – Aug 2022 – L3 – Q2 – Strategy Implementation

A report detailing the advantages of acquisition and mergers as a growth strategy versus internal development for Bazar.

In discussing the report presented by AB Consult & Associate, the Director of Finance and Operations made a strong point for acquisition and mergers as a growth strategy instead of internal development. She gave her full support to the decision to acquire the 20 stores.

Required:
Write a report detailing the advantages of an acquisition and mergers method of growth instead of an internal development. Conclude your report by explaining why the financial position and financial performance of Bazar will support or not support the decision to acquire the 20 stores.

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  • 5 Marks

SCS – July 2023 – L3 – Q5b – Sources of Finance

Explain two benefits of increasing long-term capital using retained profits.

When companies retain profits in the business, the increase in the retained profits adds to equity reserves. This view was suggested by SavvyTech plc management team to the board. The Board is not convinced and seek further explanation.

Required:
Explain TWO (2) benefits to the board of directors on what it means to increase long-term capital using retained profits in SavvyTech plc.

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  • 8 Marks

AFM – Nov 2018 – L3 – Q2b – International investment and financing decisions

Evaluate the impact of profit repatriation restrictions and provide strategies to deal with blocked funds in international investments.

Suppose the South African government changes its policy on profit repatriation and legislates that profit cannot be repatriated until termination or exit.

i) If Rock can invest blocked funds in South Africa for a 12% annual rate of return, by how much would the project’s NPV differ from your results in sub-question (a) above?
(5 marks)

ii) Suggest THREE (3) ways through which Rock can deal with the risk of blocked funds.
(3 marks)

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  • 20 Marks

FM – Nov 2021 – L3 – Q3 – Financing Decisions and Capital Markets

Analyze financing alternatives for ZY Plc's new investment and assess rights issue and bond issue implications.

ZY Plc is an all-equity financed, publicly listed company in the food processing industry. The ZY family holds 40% of its ordinary shares, with the remainder owned by large financial institutions. ZY Plc currently has 10 million ₦1 ordinary shares in issue.

Recently, the company secured a long-term contract to supply food products to a large restaurant chain, necessitating an investment in new machinery costing ₦24 million. This machinery will be operational starting January 1, 2022, with payment due the same day, and sales commencing shortly afterward.

The company’s policy is to distribute all profits as dividends. If ZY Plc continues as an all-equity financed company, it will pay an annual dividend of ₦9 million indefinitely, starting December 31, 2022.

To finance the ₦24 million investment, ZY Plc is considering two options:

  1. A 2-for-5 rights issue, where the annual dividend would remain at ₦9 million. The cum-rights price per share is expected to be ₦6.60.
  2. Issuing 7.5% irredeemable bonds at par with interest payable annually in arrears. For this option, interest would be paid out of the ₦9 million otherwise allocated to dividends.

Under either financing method, the cost of equity is anticipated to remain at its current rate of 10% annually, with no tax implications.

Required:

a. Calculate the issue and ex-rights share prices of ZY Plc., assuming a 2-for-5 rights issue is used to finance the new project as of January 1, 2022. Ignore taxation. (4 Marks)

b. Calculate the value per ordinary share in ZY Plc on January 1, 2022, if 7.5% irredeemable bonds are issued to finance the new project. Assume that the cost of equity remains at 10% each year. Ignore taxation. (4 Marks)

c. Write a report to the directors of ZY Plc that includes: i. A comparison and contrast of the rights issue and bond issue methods for raising finance, referencing calculations from parts (a) and (b) and any assumptions. (6 Marks)
ii. A discussion on the appropriateness of the following alternative methods of issuing equity finance in the specific context of ZY Plc: – A placing – An offer for sale – A public offer for subscription (6 Marks)

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  • 30 Marks

FM – Nov 2021 – L3 – Q1 – Strategic Cost Management

Analyze costs and investment requirements for Femi Appliances Ltd's new motor vehicle vacuum cleaner product line.

Femi Appliances Limited (FAL) is a Nigerian-based manufacturer of household appliances with many distribution centers across various locations in Nigeria and along the ECOWAS sub-region. FAL is now considering the development of a new motor vehicle vacuum cleaner – VC4.

The product can be introduced quickly and has an expected life of four years, after which it may be replaced with a more efficient model. Costs associated with the product are estimated as follows:

Direct Costs (per unit):

  • Labour:
    • 3.5 skilled labour hours at ₦500 per hour
    • 4 unskilled labour hours at ₦300 per hour
  • Materials:
    • 6 kilos of material Z at ₦146 per kilo
    • Three units of component P at ₦480 per unit
    • One unit of component Q at ₦640
  • Other variable costs: ₦210 per unit

Indirect Costs:

  • Apportionment of management salaries: ₦10,500,000 per year
  • Tax allowable depreciation of machinery: ₦21,000,000 per year
  • Selling expenses (excluding salaries): ₦16,600,000 per year
  • Apportionment of head office costs: ₦5,000,000 per year
  • Rental of buildings: ₦10,000,000 per year
  • Annual interest charges: ₦10,400,000
  • Other annual overheads: ₦7,000,000 (includes building rates ₦2,000,000)

If the new product is introduced, it will be manufactured in an existing factory, having no effect on rates payable. The factory could be rented out for ₦12,000,000 per year to another company if the product is not introduced.

New machinery costing ₦86,000,000 will be required, depreciated on a straight-line basis over four years with a salvage value of ₦2,000,000. The machinery will be financed by a four-year fixed-rate bank loan at 12% interest per year. Additional working capital requirements may be ignored.

The new product will require two additional managers at an annual gross cost of ₦2,500,000 each, while one current manager (₦2,000,000) will be transferred and replaced by a deputy manager at ₦1,700,000 per year. Material Z totaling 70,000 kilos is already in inventory, valued at ₦9,900,000.

FAL will utilize the existing advertising campaigns for distribution centers to also market the new product, saving approximately ₦5,000,000 per year in advertising expenses.

The unit price of the product in the first year will be ₦11,000, with projected demand as follows:

  • Year 1: 12,000 units
  • Year 2: 17,500 units
  • Year 3: 18,000 units
  • Year 4: 18,500 units

An inflation rate of 5% per year is anticipated, with prices rising accordingly. Wage costs are expected to increase by 7% per year, and other costs (including rent) by 5% annually. No price or cost increases are expected in the first year of production.

Income tax is set at 35%, payable in the year the profit occurs. Assume all sales and costs are on a cash basis and occur at the end of the year, except for the initial purchase of machinery, which would take place immediately. No inventory will be held at the end of any year.

Required:

a. Calculate the expected internal rate of return (IRR) associated with the manufacture of VC4. Show all workings to the nearest ₦million. (19 Marks)

b. i. Explain what is meant by an asset beta and how it differs from an equity beta. (2 Marks)
ii. Given the company’s equity beta is 1.2, the market return is 15%, and the risk-free rate is 8%, discuss whether introducing the product is advisable. (4 Marks)

c. The company is concerned about a potential increase in corporate tax rates. Advise the directors by how much that the tax rate would have to change before the project is not financially viable. A discount rate of 17% per year may be assumed for part (c). (5 Marks)

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  • 15 Marks

FM – May 2024 – L3 – SC – Q5 – Financial Distress and Bankruptcy

Discuss problems of severe financial difficulties and the impact of high financial gearing on stakeholders, excluding bondholders.

(a) Explain the main problems and costs which might arise for a company experiencing a period of severe financial difficulties. (7 Marks)

(b) Describe how interested parties, other than bondholders, will be affected by high financial gearing levels, and describe what protective measures they can take. (8 Marks)

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  • 30 Marks

FM – Nov 2018 – L3 – Q1 – Financial Strategy Formulation

Appraisal of a diversification project into holiday travel using WACC and associated financial strategy considerations.

Eko Plc. (Eko) is a listed company in the food retailing sector and has large stores in all major cities in the country. Eko’s board is considering diversifying by opening holiday travel shops in all of its stores.

At a recent board meeting, the directors discussed how the holiday travel shops project (the project) should be appraised. The sales director insisted that Eko’s current weighted average cost of capital (WACC) should be used to evaluate the project, as the majority of its operations will still be in food retailing. The finance director disagreed, stating that the existing cost of equity does not account for the systematic risk of new projects and that the company’s overall WACC would change as a result of the project’s acceptance. The board was also concerned about the market’s reaction to its diversification plans. Another board meeting was scheduled, at which Eko’s advisors would be asked to make a presentation on the project.

You work for Eko’s advisors and have been asked to prepare information for the presentation. You have established the following:

Eko intends to raise the capital required for the project in such a way as to leave its existing debt-to-equity ratio (by market value) unchanged following the diversification. Extracts from Eko’s most recent management accounts are shown below:

Statement of financial position as at May 31, 2017

On May 31, 2017, Eko’s ordinary shares had a market value of 276 kobo (ex-div) and an equity beta of 0.60. For the year ended May 31, 2017, the dividend yield was 4.2%, and the earnings per share were 25 kobo. The return on the market is expected to be 8% p.a, and the risk-free rate is 2% p.a.

Eko’s debentures had a market value of N108 (ex-interest) per N100 nominal value on May 31, 2017, and they are redeemable at par on May 31, 2021.

Companies operating solely in the holiday travel industry have an average equity beta of 1.40 and an average debt-to-equity ratio (by market value) of 3:5. It is estimated that if the project goes ahead, the overall equity beta of Eko will be made up of 90% food retailing and 10% holiday travel shops.

Assume that the income tax rate will be 20% p.a. for the foreseeable future.

Required:

a. Ignoring the project, calculate the current WACC of Eko using:
i. The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) (8 Marks)
ii. The Gordon Growth Model (6 Marks)

b. Use the CAPM to calculate the cost of equity that should be included in a WACC suitable for appraising the project and explain your reason. (5 Marks)

c. By calculating an overall equity beta and using the CAPM, estimate the overall WACC of Eko assuming that the project goes ahead and comment on the implications of a permanent change in the overall WACC. (5 Marks)

d. Advise whether Eko should diversify its operations and how the stock market might react to the proposed project. (3 Marks)

e. Identify the appropriate project appraisal methodology that should be used when a project’s financing results in a major increase in a company’s market gearing ratio, and using the data relating to Eko, calculate the project discount rate that should be used in this circumstance. (3 Marks)

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  • 30 Marks

FM – Nov 2023 – L1 – SA – Q1 – Mergers and Acquisitions

Evaluate Finkex Plc's acquisition strategy of Toba Plc, focusing on share-for-share impact, valuation methods, and shareholder implications.

Finkex Plc (FP) is a listed company that operates in the pharmaceutical sector, manufacturing a broad range of drugs under license in a number of countries along the ECOWAS sub-region. For a number of years, the company has grown organically.

Three years ago, the company acquired 20% of the issued share capital of Toba Plc (TP) for N110 million, as a route to both expansion and diversification. The acquisition was by private negotiation in exchange for an issue of its own shares.

Toba Plc is involved in a different area of the pharmaceutical sector from FP as it is primarily a research-driven company involved in the development of new drugs.

To expedite the realization of its diversification strategy, the directors of FP have now decided to acquire the remaining 80% of Toba’s share capital.

Extracts from the financial statements of Finkex Plc are given below:

Finkex Plc – Extracts from financial statements for the last two years

Year 2023 2022
N’m N’m
Non-current assets (including investment in Toba plc) 602.8 499.4
Current assets 265.0 180.4
Total Assets 867.8 679.8
Current liabilities 199.2 136.8
Total assets less current liabilities 668.6 543.0
Non-current liabilities 149.5 159.4
Net assets 519.1 383.6
Issued share capital (ordinary shares of ₦1 each) 100.0 73.6
Share premium 84.0 12.4
Profit or loss account 335.1 297.6
Total Equity 519.1 383.6
Sales revenue 1320.6 496.0
Earnings after tax 51.50 37.60
Dividend 14.0 14.0
Retained profits 37.5 23.6

All that is known about Toba Plc is that it has 114 million shares in issue; total share capital and reserves are N684 million; earnings after tax in the most recent year were ₦85.2 million on sales of N1,252.0 million, which were double those of the previous year; and that it has an investment valued at N80 million (book and market) in a type of enterprise which might not be of interest to Finkex Plc.

The current stock market prices per share are: Finkex Plc 300k; Toba plc 341k. Both companies pay tax at 50%.

Required:

a. At the above market prices, how many shares of Finkex Plc would have to be issued to buy the rest of Toba Plc on a share-for-share offer? (4 Marks)

b. With regard to earnings and also the book value of assets per share, how would the above share-for-share offer affect the position of:

i. Existing shareholders in Finkex Plc; (6 Marks)

ii. The 80% shareholders in Toba Plc whose shares were to be acquired? (4 Marks)

c. Assuming that the 80% shareholders in Toba Plc were prepared to accept ₦80 million 10% Loan Stock as part of the consideration:

i. What advantages might there be for Finkex Plc in this arrangement? (2 Marks)

ii. What total price could Finkex Plc afford to pay without diluting the earnings per share of its existing shareholders, as calculated in (b) (i) above? (6 Marks)

d. If the board of Toba Plc decided to advise its shareholders not to accept an offer from Finkex Plc, what arguments might they use – including any derived from the financial information available about Finkex Plc?

(8 Marks)

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  • 20 Marks

FM – Nov 2022 – L3 – Q2 – Financing Decisions and Capital Markets

Evaluating financing options (rights issue vs convertible loans) for Balama Plc's expansion.

Balama Plc. (Balama) is a listed manufacturer of dairy products. In recent years, the company has experienced only a modest level of growth, but following the recent retirement of the chief executive, his replacement is keen to expand Balama’s operations.

The board of directors has recently agreed to support a proposal by the new chief executive that the company purchase new manufacturing equipment to enable it to expand its range of dairy products. The new equipment will cost N50 million, and the company is seeking to raise new finance to fund the expenditure in full. However, the board of directors is undecided as to how the new finance is to be raised. The directors are considering either a 1 for 5 rights issue at a price of N2.50 per share with a theoretical ex-rights price of N2.92 or a convertible loan of N50 million.

The loan will be secured against the company’s freehold land and buildings. The company’s share is presently quoted at a price of N3.00 per share.

Required:

a. Explain the terms ‘rights issue’ and ‘convertible loans’. (3 Marks)

b. Explain how the ‘theoretical ex-rights’ price of N2.92 is calculated and why the actual price might be different. Show your workings. (4 Marks)

c. Prepare a report for the board of directors that fully evaluates the two potential methods of financing the company’s expansion plans. (13 Marks)

(Total 20 Marks)

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  • 30 Marks

FM – Nov 2022 – L3 – Q1 – Mergers and Acquisitions

Evaluating the acquisition of Company K3 in Togo for business expansion purposes.

The following case relates to a business expansion decision for Abayomi Plc (AP):

Abayomi Plc (AP) is a major electrical company in Nigeria. The directors have recently identified Togo as a priority location for business expansion. Togo uses currency T$. Assume today is 30 August 2021.

Company K3, located in Togo, has been identified as a potential acquisition target. AP already manages two business units in Togo, named K1 and K2, and these have shown strong performance under AP’s ownership.

K3 is particularly attractive to AP because it has its own warehouse, distribution, and logistics network, all of which could be used by K1 and K2, if the acquisition goes ahead. Currently, K1 and K2 send goods to customers from AP warehouses located in Ghana. This involves considerable cost and delay in delivery.

K3 is a private company, and 100% of its shares are owned by the family that founded it. Many shareholders are keen to realize their investment by selling the company to AP.

Both companies are working towards an effective date for the sale of K3 to AP on 1 January 2022.

Financial Data for K3 for 2020:

The statement of financial position of K3 as at 31 December 2020 showed the following balances:

T$ Million
Long term borrowings 375
Share capital (T$1 ordinary shares) 90
Total liabilities 465
Net assets 180

Additional Data:

AP aims to maintain the same capital structure as AP. That is, gearing (debt/debt+equity) would be 25% based on market values. AP would guarantee K3’s new debt, which can be assumed to have the same risk profile as AP’s debt.

A proxy company has been identified which is also located in Togo and has a similar business model to K3.

Proxy company data:

  • P/E ratio of 12.
  • Equity beta of 1.7 and debt beta of 0.4.
  • Gearing (debt/debt+equity) based on market values of 35%.

Togo has a risk-free rate of 5% and a market risk premium of 4%.

Financial Data for AP:

Latest data available for AP shows:

  • P/E ratio of 14.
  • Equity beta of 1.5 and debt beta of 0.3.
  • Gearing (debt/debt+equity) based on market values of 25%.
  • AP pays 6.2% interest on its long-term borrowings.
  • Tax rate in Nigeria is 30%.

The spot rate for T$ against Naira today is T$7/₦ (i.e., ₦1 = T$7.00) and is not expected to change in the foreseeable future.

Assume that Nigeria has the same risk-free rate and market risk premium as Togo.

Required:
Assume you are the Finance Director of AP.

a. Advise on:
i. The types of synergistic benefit that might arise from the acquisition of K3. (8 Marks)
ii. Possible reasons why both one-off and ongoing synergistic benefits might not be achieved to the extent expected. (4 Marks)

b. Calculate:
i. A Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) for use in valuing K3 based on the proxy company’s business and country risk and AP’s capital structure. (6 Marks)
ii. A range of values for the equity of K3 in T$ as at 1 January 2022 using the following methods:

  • Asset basis. (2 Marks)
  • P/E (including bootstrapping). (5 Marks)
  • DCF (with and without synergistic benefits). (5 Marks)

(Total 30 Marks)

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  • 10 Marks

SCS – Aug 2022 – L3 – Q2 – Strategy Implementation

A report detailing the advantages of acquisition and mergers as a growth strategy versus internal development for Bazar.

In discussing the report presented by AB Consult & Associate, the Director of Finance and Operations made a strong point for acquisition and mergers as a growth strategy instead of internal development. She gave her full support to the decision to acquire the 20 stores.

Required:
Write a report detailing the advantages of an acquisition and mergers method of growth instead of an internal development. Conclude your report by explaining why the financial position and financial performance of Bazar will support or not support the decision to acquire the 20 stores.

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  • 5 Marks

SCS – July 2023 – L3 – Q5b – Sources of Finance

Explain two benefits of increasing long-term capital using retained profits.

When companies retain profits in the business, the increase in the retained profits adds to equity reserves. This view was suggested by SavvyTech plc management team to the board. The Board is not convinced and seek further explanation.

Required:
Explain TWO (2) benefits to the board of directors on what it means to increase long-term capital using retained profits in SavvyTech plc.

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  • 8 Marks

AFM – Nov 2018 – L3 – Q2b – International investment and financing decisions

Evaluate the impact of profit repatriation restrictions and provide strategies to deal with blocked funds in international investments.

Suppose the South African government changes its policy on profit repatriation and legislates that profit cannot be repatriated until termination or exit.

i) If Rock can invest blocked funds in South Africa for a 12% annual rate of return, by how much would the project’s NPV differ from your results in sub-question (a) above?
(5 marks)

ii) Suggest THREE (3) ways through which Rock can deal with the risk of blocked funds.
(3 marks)

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