Capital Crystal, Inc., is a major importer of crystal from the United Kingdom. The crystal is sold to prestigious retail stores throughout the United States. The imports are denominated in British pounds (£). Every quarter, Capital needs £500 million. It is currently attempting to determine whether it should use currency futures or currency options to hedge imports 3 months from now, if it will hedge at all. The spot rate of the pound is $1.60. A 3-month futures contract on the pound is available for $1.59 per unit. A call option on the pound is available with a 3-month expiration date and an exercise price of $1.60. The premium to be paid on the call option is $.01 per unit.

Capital is very confident that the value of the pound will rise to at least $1.62 in 3 months. Its previous forecasts of the pound’s value have been very accurate. The management style of Capital is very risk averse. Managers receive a bonus at the end of the year if they satisfy minimal performance standards. The bonus is fixed, regardless of how high above the minimum level one’s performance is. If performance is below the minimum, there is no bonus, and future advancement within the company is unlikely.

a. As a financial manager of Capital, you have been assigned the task of choosing among three possible strategies: (1) hedge the pound’s position by purchasing futures, (2) hedge the pound’s position by purchasing call options, or (3) do not hedge. Offer your recommendation and justify it.

b. Assume the previous information that was provided, except for this difference: Capital has revised its forecast of the pound to be worth $1.57 3 months from now. Given this revision, recommend whether Capital should (1) hedge the pound’s position by purchasing futures, (2) hedge the pound’s position by purchasing call options, or (3) not hedge.

Justify your recommendation. Is your recommendation consistent with maximizing shareholder wealth?