The year 2000 was not a particularly pleasant year for the managers of Xerox Corporation, or its shareholders. The company’s stock price had already fallen in the previous year from $60 per share to $30. Just when it seemed things couldn't get worse, Xerox’s stock fell to $4 per share. The data below were taken from the December 31, 2000, statement of cash flows of Xerox. All dollars are in millions.

Cash used in operating activities $ (663)

Cash used in investing activities (644)

Financing activities Dividends paid $ (587)

Net cash received from issuing debt 3,498 Cash provided by financing activities 2,911 Instructions Analyze the information above, and then answer the following questions.

(a) If you were a creditor of Xerox, what reaction might you have to the above information?

(b) If you were an investor in Xerox, what reaction might you have to the above information?

(c) If you were evaluating the company as either a creditor or a stockholder, what other information would you be interested in seeing?

(d) Xerox decided to pay a cash dividend in 2000. This dividend was approximately equal to the amount paid in 1999. Discuss the issues that were probably considered in making this decision.

FINANCIAL ANALYSIS ON THE WEB