The case covers events leading to the hostile bid for AkzoNobel by PPG in 2017, the market response that it prompted, and Akzo's takeover defenses including the divestment of a division and large cash payout. Various scenarios (as a standalone; after an asset sale) are considered for the valuation of AkzoNobel, as is the rationale behind the various takeover bids by PPG. The role of activists in triggering the takeover process is highlighted. Alternative payout mechanisms (capital repayment, dividend payment, share buyback) are discussed.
Female Health Company produces the female condom which is distributed by non-profit organisations in Africa to prevent HIV/AIDS. In February 2009 the company has to decide whether to buy back stock. This provides an opportunity to check whether the firm is fairly valued and whether it should reconsider its capital structure and payout policy.
Corporate social responsibility remains a deeply controversial issue. Vermaelen proposes a creative way to finance CSR initiatives: through equity spin-offs that create separate alternative businesses funded by shareholders who opt in, knowing they may see lower returns but enthusiastic about the cause.
Arcelor believes its shares are undervalued and has to decide whether to buy back stock via a repurchase tender offer or via an open market repurchase. Before doing so, it has to value the company to get an estimate of the fair value of the company. It has also to decide whether it can afford the buyback: is the increase in leverage a move to a better capital structure?
The case describes the hostile bid of Mittal for Arcelor in the first half of 2006. It documents stock price behaviour around the crucial events surrounding the acquisition. It also provides estimates of synergy benefits as well as a spreadsheet that allows students to calculate directly the implications of synergies for shareholder value.
This case discusses the potential benefits and costs of issuing floating-priced convertibles, also referred to as ""death spirals"". These are convertibles where the conversion price is a discount from the market price in a look-back period. The management of Log on America is blaming investment banks and convertible investors for the stock price collapse after the convertible was issued.