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How can a multinational firm analyze and manage currency risks that arise from competitive exposures? General Motors has a substantial competitive exposure to the Japanese yen. Although the risks GM faces from the depreciating yen are widely acknowledged, the company's corporate hedging policy does not provide any guidelines on managing such competitive exposures. Eric Feldstein, treasurer and vice-president of finance, has to quantify GM's yen exposure and recommend a way for GM to manage the risks that arise from its competitive exposure. Students must analyze the impact of a yen depreciation on GM sales and profits. A rewritten version of an earlier case.

How should a multinational firm manage foreign exchange exposures? Examines transactional and translational exposures and alternative responses to these exposures by analyzing two specific hedging decisions by General Motors. Describes General Motors' corporate hedging policies, its risk management structure, and how accounting rules impact hedging decisions. Although the overall corporate hedging policy provides a consistent approach to the foreign exchange risks that General Motors must manage, the company also has to consider deviations from prescribed policies. Describes two such situations: a significant exposure to the Canadian dollar with adverse accounting consequences and GM's exposure to the Argentinean currency when devaluation is widely anticipated. Students must evaluate the risks General Motors faces in each situation and consider which hedging strategy--if any--might be appropriate. Additionally, asks students to analyze the financial costs and accounting treatment of alternative derivative transactions for hedging purposes. A rewritten version of an earlier case.

Supplements the (A) case.

Spreadsheet Supplement for case 205061.

Introduces the subscriber model as an alternative valuation framework for firms whose revenues can be traced to repeated transactions with customers.

In response to a perceived undervaluation by the capital markets, Nestle is considering divesting a part of its ophthalmology subsidiary, Alcon, and must decide on a listing location. In the process, students are challenged to wrestle with the valuation of a conglomerate, the tradeoffs involved in listing in the United States versus Europe, and the incentive and tax consequences of that listing decision.

Provides information on the foreign exchange market and exchange rate movements. Describes the different types of foreign exchange transactions, including spot transactions, forwards, swaps, futures, and options. Includes worked examples to help students understand the different instruments and an appendix with additional exercises. A rewritten version of an earlier note.

Solutions to exercises in (9-205-016).

Spreadsheet supplement for case 205016.

This case explores the use of EVA--economic value added--methodology at Asahi Glass. EVA is among the changes initiated by the CEO aimed at transforming Asahi Glass from a traditional Japanese company to a global firm. Other changes included a corporate reorganization into worldwide business groups, the appointment of non-Japanese managers to key positions, and corporate governance reforms. The EVA methodology was introduced to improve resource allocation across Asahi's numerous businesses around the world and to evaluate the managerial performance of top executives. It examines how the company calculated EVA and, in particular, how it calculated the weighted average cost of capital for its different businesses in different countries. Is Asahi Glass gaining benefits from the EVA methodology, and does it contribute to the transformation of Asahi Glass into a truly international firm?

Abstract to follow.

The American Institute for Foreign Studies (AIFS) organizes study abroad programs and cultural exchanges for American students. The firm's revenues are mainly in U.S. dollars, but most of its costs are in eurodollars and British pounds. The company's controllers review the hedging activities of AIFS. AIFS has a hedging policy, but the controllers want to review the percentage of exposure that is covered and the use of forward contracts and options. AIFS sets guaranteed prices for its exchanges and tours a year in advance, before its final sales figures are known. The controllers need to ensure that the company adequately hedges its foreign exchange exposure and achieves an appropriate balance between forward contracts and currency options. To obtain executable spreadsheets (courseware), please contact our customer service department at [email protected].

Spreadsheet to (9-203-005). Download only.

Abstract to follow.