1. answer question 7 and 8 only(underlined question)!!!

Business Analysis and Valuation

FINA 305-15B HAM

FINA 305-15B TGA

Group Assignment

Estimating Hugo Bosss Equity Value

Hugo Boss AG is a German designer, manufacturer and distributor of mens and womens clothing, operating in the higher end of the clothing retail industry. During the period 20012008, the company consistently earned returns on equity in excess of 18 percent, grew its book value of equity (before special dividends) by 5.5 percent per year, on average, and paid out 6570 percent of its net profit as dividends. In 2008, the company paid out a special dividend of 345.1 million. Consequently, the companys book value of equity decreased from 546.8 million in 2007 to 199.0 million in 2008.

On April 1, 2009, one month before the publication of the first-quarter results, when Hugo Bosss 70.4 million common shares trade at about 11 per share, an analyst produces the following forecasts for Hugo Boss.

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Assume that Hugo Bosss cost of equity equals 12 percent. Consider the following issues in your assignment:

1. Calculate free cash flows to equity, abnormal earnings, and abnormal earnings growth for the years 20092011.

2. Assume that in 2012 Hugo Boss AG liquidates all its assets at their book values, uses the proceeds to pay off debt and pays out the remainder to its equity holders. What does this assumption imply about the companys:

a. Free cash flow to equity holders in 2012 and beyond?

b. Abnormal earnings in 2012 and beyond?

c. Abnormal earnings growth in 2012 and beyond?

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3. Estimate the value of Hugo Bosss equity on April 1, 2009, using the above forecasts and assumptions. Check that the discounted cash flow model, the abnormal earnings model, and the abnormal earnings growth model yield the same outcome.

4. The analyst estimates a target price of 20 per share. What is the expected value of Hugo Bosss equity at the end of 2011 that is implicit in the analysts forecasts and target price?

5. Under the assumption that the historical trends in the companys ROE (i.e., approximately 18 percent), payout ratio (70 percent) and book value growth (5.5 percent) continue in the future, what would be your estimate of Hugo Bosss equity value-to-book ratio before the company paid out its special dividend? How does the special dividend payment change your estimate of the equity value-to-book ratio?

6. The analyst following Hugo Boss estimates a target price of 20 per share. Under the assumption that the companys profit margins, asset turnover, and capital structure remain constant after 2011, what is the terminal growth rate that is implicit in the analysts forecasts and target price?

7. Using the analysts forecasts, estimate Hugo Bosss equity value under the following three scenarios:

a. Hugo Boss enters into a competitive equilibrium in 2012.

b. After 2011, Hugo Bosss competitive advantage can only be maintained on the nominal sales level achieved in 2011.

c. After 2011, Hugo Bosss competitive advantage can be maintained on a sales base that remains constant in real terms.

8. Using the analysts forecasts, estimate Hugo Bosss equity value under the assumption that the companys profitability gradually reverts to its required level (i.e., AEt = 0.75 AEt-1) after the terminal year.( u only need to answer these two question)

Notes for the assignment:

1. Please do not submit Excel workouts only. Word documents with excel results pasted in the body of text or attached in the Appendix are welcomed. Showing the procedure by which you achieve each item will help to maximise your mark.

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2. An essay-style analysis report is recommended. This means there are different sections in your report, which contribute to a complete, cohesive, and coherent story about equity value of Hugo Boss. All the questions should be addressed in your report. Your report should at least include an introduction, a body of analysis and results, and a conclusion. You can show the procedure and the models through which you obtain answers for each question in your section of analysis and results. Please do not simply answer the questions one by one in your report.

3. Please refer to the paper outline about policy of assignment group.

4. Late submission of any assessments will not be accepted and will not be marked unless there are grounds for special consideration which normally means health or bereavement.

remain: U needn't to answer all of the questions,only answer question 7 and 8