Answered step by step
Verified Expert Solution
Link Copied!

Question

1 Approved Answer

I need help with this multiple choice question: In2018, Mastercard Incorporated had a market capitalization of $200 billion, debt of $6.5 billion, cash of $8.2

I need help with this multiple choice question:

In2018, Mastercard Incorporated had a market capitalization of $200 billion, debt of $6.5 billion, cash of $8.2 billion, and EBIT of nearly $7 billion. If Mastercard were to increase its debt by $1 billion and use the cash for a sharerepurchase, which market imperfections would be most relevant for understanding the consequence forMastercard's value?Why?

A. Mastercard's debt is a tiny fraction of its total value.Indeed, Mastercard has more cash thandebt, so its net debt is negative. Mastercard is also veryprofitable; at an interest rate of 6%, interest onMastercard's debt is only $390million peryear, which is around 5.57% of its EBIT.

B. The risk that Mastercard will default on its debt is extremely small. This risk will remain extremely small even if Mastercard borrows an additional$1 billion.Thus, adding debt will not really change the likelihood of financial distress for Mastercard(which is nearlyzero), and thus will also not lead to agency conflicts.

C. The most important financial friction for such a debt increase is the tax savings Mastercard would receive from the interest tax shield. A secondary issue may be the signaling impact of thetransaction-borrowing to share repurchase is usually interpreted as a positive signal that management may view the shares to be underpriced.

D. All of the above.

Step by Step Solution

There are 3 Steps involved in it

Step: 1

blur-text-image

Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored 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

Fundamentals Of Investing

Authors: Scott B. Smart, Lawrence J. Gitman, Michael D. Joehnk

13th Edition

978-0134083308, 013408330X

More Books

Students also viewed these Finance questions

Question

In Problems, solve each system of equations. 4 2 6 + 3 3 9

Answered: 1 week ago