Answered step by step
Verified Expert Solution
Link Copied!

Question

...
1 Approved Answer

Attention Industries has two divisions. Division 1 makes cleaning products and the net worth of this division ( present value of cash flows ) is

Attention Industries has two divisions. Division 1 makes cleaning products and the net worth of this
division (present value of cash flows) is $3,348. Division 2 makes a chemical product. The net worth of
division 2 is $2,312, absent any potential liability. There is a chance that division 2 could have $1,682
liability for pollution damage. The potential victims have no contractual relationship with the firm. The
probability of such a loss is 0.5
(1+), where s is the amount the firm spends on safety. The firm must
choose the level of s.(Note that the derivative of
(1+) with respect to s is equal to
(1+)2)
i) First, calculate the total value of the firm, including both divisions at the same time, as an
equation of s. Second, take derivative with respect to s to find the s that maximizes the
total value. Third, plug in the value of s you found into total value equation to find the
maximum total value. [5 marks]
ii) Division 1 is riskless and has a stand-alone value of $3,348. Since all the risk comes from
division 2, we must consider the chosen level of safety s of this unit as a stand-alone entity.
First, calculate the stand-alone value of division 2 as an equation of s. Second, take
derivative with respect to s to find the s that maximizes the stand-alone value of division 2.
Third, plug in the value of s you found into the equation of stand-alone value of division 2
to find the maximum stand-alone value of division 2.[5 marks](Hint: the value of division 2
is $2,312 if no liability arises. However, if a loss of $1,682 occurs it cannot pay more than
the original $2,312 stand-alone value due to limited liability.)
iii) What is the maximum value of the firm if we treat division 2 as a separate entity? Note that
we are splitting the two divisions assuming that separated division 2 as a stand-alone firm is
protected by limited liability. (Hint: Add your answer to part ii) to the net worth of division
1.)[2 marks]
iv) Is there a gain from splitting the firm up? Calculate the numerical value of gain/loss.[2
marks](Hint: It is the difference between the maximum total value without split up that you
found in i) and the maximum total value with split up that you found in iii).)

Step by Step Solution

There are 3 Steps involved in it

Step: 1

blur-text-image

Get Instant Access with AI-Powered Solutions

See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success

Step: 2

blur-text-image

Step: 3

blur-text-image

Ace Your Homework with AI

Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance

Get Started

Recommended Textbook for

Intermediate Accounting Volume 1

Authors: Donald E. Kieso, Jerry J. Weygandt, Terry D. Warfield, Irene M. Wiecek, Bruce J. McConomy

12th Canadian edition

978-1119496496