Answer the following questions in 100 to 1000 words:

1. Why does a conservative approach to operating leverage inhibit a firms profitability? Be sure to directly and succinctly answer the question. Your answer should, at a minimum, explain the concept of operating leverage and mention the roles of contribution margin and break-even point.
2. What types of firms or what industry sectors might it be prudent to limit operating leverage? Why?
3. Why would a firm ever issue stock or find external sources of equity if it has the opportunity to leverage with debt (i.e. use financial leverage)?
4. Explore leverage as it related to the financial crisis of 2008/2009 and share what you learned.