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This case introduces the topic of convertible securities. A branded-foods CFO must decide whether to issue $50 million as convertible subordinated debentures rather than straight debt or equity faces. In evaluating the proposed terms of the convertibles offering, students must value the securities by valuing the call option (using option pricing theory) and the bond component. Figuring importantly in the decision is the company's strategy of growth by acquisition.

Acting as management, students determine the effects of different degrees of leverage and review this company's current leverage in light of inherent industry risks and company goals.

This note discusses the relative strengths and weaknesses of three primary methods of valuing a firm: (1) accounting approaches (e.g., book value); (2) multiples of earnings (e.g., p/e); and (3) discounted cash flow and related models.

This case calls for the valuation of a small, closely held U.S. firm for potential sale to a French firm.

Spreadsheet for case UV2118

Spreadsheet for case UV0241

Spreadsheet for case UV0070

Describes the Dayton Hudson CEO evaluation process, one of the most intensive in corporate America today. The board of directors' role in the evaluation is examined, as is the question of whether the Dayton Hudson CEO evaluation process should serve as a model for other corporations.

Describes the competition between Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola. Provides a summary of the history of the soft drink industry prior to World War II, and over the period 1950-1990 in greater detail. Major strategic competitive moves and countermoves are described. Also profiles industry developments, including the Pepsi Challenge, the reformulation of Coca-Cola, and the consolidation of the bottler network. Provides a teaching vehicle for analysis of competitors and strategic rivalry. An updated and revised version of an earlier case.

This case introduces the valuation and comparison of capital investments as students evaluate eight projects' cash flows and rank them in terms of economic attractiveness using net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), return on investment (ROI), profitability index, and payback.

Acting as chief financial officer (CFO), students try to determine how Coleco can fend off creditors. Coleco is in default on its loans and is in a negative equity position.

Examines the General Mills Board of Directors' role in the General Mills joint venture with Nestle S.A. to sell cereals outside of North America. It raises the more general question of the appropriate role for the board of directors in strategy formulation.

Marks and Spencer is a highly regarded retailer in the United Kingdom. This case examines the history of the firm, its organizational capabilities, and its long standing relationships with employees, customers, and suppliers. Also discusses the firm's expansion into Europe and Canada. May be used with Marks and Spencer Ltd. (B).

Describes the firm's 1988 expansion into the United States through the acquisition of Brooks Brothers, a specialty up-market men's clothing chain and Kings Super Markets, a high quality New Jersey grocer.

Describes Philip Morris' acquisitions of General Foods in 1985 and Kraft, Inc. in 1989, focusing on the integration of Kraft and General Foods that forms a $30 billion food subsidiary. Details the steps required to merge these two large companies, emphasizing the managerial, organizational, administrative, and strategic issues engendered by the integration of Kraft and General Foods.

Describes a series of advertising research studies conducted by Chevron to monitor the effectiveness of its corporate advertising. Specific research approaches covered include the McCollum-Spielman and Communications Techniques. The Vals Typology developed by Stanford Research Institute is used in specifying target markets.