6. You will need to use the Standard & Poor's Market Insight website (www.mhhe.com/edumarketinsight) for this problem.

a. For fiscal year 2004, what is the largest single asset on Boeing Company's balance sheet, on Oracle Corp's. balance sheet?

b. Calculate the ratio of cash and equivalents to total assets for Boeing and Oracle for fiscal year 2004.

c. In general terms, how does Oracle's huge investment in cash affect its return on equity and its sustainable growth rate?

d. As an Oracle shareholder, would you endorse Oracle's investment in cash? As an Oracle senior executive, how would you defend the policy?