Homework: Corporate Governance, Joint Ventures, Strategic Alliances, Valuation & Tax Assignment 1. Why is a systematic valuation process important in the merger and acquisition process? 2. Define and describe two of the methods of valuation that are commonly used. 3. What is the discount rate and why is it important in the valuation process? 4. When is it more appropriate to use a hurdle rate rather than a discount rate? 5. How does a change in interest rates affect an acquisition price? 6. What role does cash flow play in acquisition? 7. How are P/E multiples used in valuation? 8. What determines if an acquisition is taxable or tax-free? 9. List and discuss at least three of the tax consequences of a stock-for-stock exchange. 10. How do tax consequences influence the merger decision?