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The Hach subsidiary of global science and technology leader Danaher Corporation was about to introduce an innovative handheld water quality testing device: the SL1000 Portable Parallel Analyzer. There were, however, some critical decisions left regarding how best to bring it to market. Olaf Boettger, the Business Unit Director of Hach's Laboratory Solutions division, needed to decide on the exact timing of the launch and how the PPA would be priced and promoted. Boettger's decisions would impact a wide range of stakeholders inside and outside of the company, and he must carefully weigh a series of tradeoffs and concerns. Danaher's Business System, a culture emphasizing continuous improvement as well as a set of tools or structures that drive performance, provides him with the structure to frame these decisions. This case was used successfully as an introductory case at the start of the Darden Business School MBA program and would be useful in any class to emphasize the need for an "enterprise perspective."

A small chain of retail stores selling outdoors equipment, Blue Ridge Bike and Hike (Blue Ridge) was expanding rapidly. The finance manager had to develop a financial plan for accommodating this growth and the investment it required. Clearly, the business was growing faster than could be financed from internal sources--it had been increasing a long-term loan and had just ended the year with a higher-than-usual balance on its bank line of credit.

A small manufacturer of camping gear is considering a new product that would expand its market. The product is a portable "hoophouse" that would allow people to begin planting gardens earlier in the season by trapping heat and keeping frost at bay. It would use existing technology but would be a very different product line. The required analyses are simple net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR) calculations. However, through the lens of managers in the business, this case can generate a rich discussion of the role of NPV analysis, the differences between NPV and IRR decision rules, and the economic meaning of analysis. The case is intentionally simplified to focus student attention on the basic methods of calculating cash flow and the essential meaning of an NPV. It can also be easily expanded to include other topics. For example, by providing information on a potential salvage value, one can explore salvage value impacts.

This exercise leads students through the essential logic linking capital structure and firm value. It begins with a nontax benchmark, then proceeds through valuations with tax deductibility based on (1) a discount rate with tax effects built in (discount free cash flow at the WACC), (2) the valuation of specific claims (value equity cash flows and debt cash flows separately), and (3) the valuation of types of cash flow (value assets and interest tax shields separately). These concepts are linked to stock price effects around recapitalizations, and financial risk (leverage effects on CAPM betas) is also introduced and illustrated.

Spreadsheet Supplement for UV5630

Spreadsheet for case UV5147

Spreadsheet Supplement for case UV5654.

Susan Johnson, founder and CEO of Medfield Pharmaceuticals, is faced with conflicting recommendations for extending the patent life of the company's flagship product, Fleximat, scheduled to go off patent in two years. With only three other products in Medfield's lineup of medications, one of which has only just received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval, strategic management of the company's product pipeline is of paramount importance. But a recent $750 million offer to purchase the company has entirely shifted her focus. With this offer, Johnson has the opportunity to exit the business on a high note. Before making her recommendation, Johnson has to determine the value of the company, with a careful review of its existing and potential future products. But this is more than simply a financial decision, since Johnson-and Medfield employees in general-believe that the company is engaged in critically important work. This case is meant for undergraduate, MBA, executive education, and MBA exec audiences. It is taught as a core course, "Financial Management and Policies," at the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration.

Spreadsheet supplement to case UV5632.

Spreadsheet Supplement for case UV2559.

The founder of a U.S. provider of geographic information system services focused on sustainability must decide whether to open a Canadian facility. The facility would be in operation for five years and enough information is provided for a detailed cross-border capital budgeting analysis. In addition to introducing foreign currency issues, the case provides exposure to subscription-based revenue streams and discussion of relevant costs.

At the start of 2010, major global iron ore producer Vale must choose which of three currencies in which to issue new bonds. While generally a good time for firms to issue debt, market conditions varied across countries and currencies. Students must calculate a hedged cost of funds for each currency and must explore the conditions that give rise to differences in those costs.

Given recent changes in market conditions and ongoing market uncertainty, an internal financial analyst at Heinz must estimate the company's weighted average cost of capital (WACC). Data for both Heinz and comparable firms are provided. The case provides opportunities for students to learn or practice a WACC calculation while exploring the economic meaning of inputs to the calculation.

Spreadsheet Supplement for UV0740 and UV4711.

Spreadsheet Supplement for Product #UV2565

A small start-up company must make additional investments to maximize its firm value. But the company owner will not make this investment unless she can renegotiate outstanding debt claims. Solving this "debt overhang" problem through negotiation is the focus of the case. In this context, students are exposed to a variety of issues: the nature of financial claims, bargaining and negotiation fundamentals, and agency costs of debt.

This note presents a series of questions that leads students through the essential logic linking capital structure and firm value. It begins with a nontax benchmark, then proceeds through valuations with tax deductibility based on (1) a discount rate with tax effects built in (discount free cash flow at the WACC), (2) the valuation of specific claims (value equity cash flows and debt cash flows separately), and (3) the valuation of types of cash flow (value assets and interest tax shields separately). The note concludes by linking these concepts to stock price effects around recapitalizations. Financial risk (leverage effects on CAPM betas) is also introduced and illustrated.

Spreadsheet Supplement for UV5144.

A growing folding carton company is contemplating the replacement of an old machine with a new one. The case challenge is to develop a cash flow forecast and determine the proper discount rate for the machine replacement. In addition to increased capacity and reduced waste, the new machine offers strategic advantages to the firm in its chosen market niche. Issues related to operations are central to appreciating the importance and implications of this captial investment: Operating excellence is a key competitive advantage for this firm. A teaching note and student and instructor Excel spreadsheets are available to accompany the case.