• Samsung Electronics
  • Ordinary Shares: ₩5,000,000
  • 7% Debentures: ₩1,500,000
• LG Electronics
  • Ordinary Shares: ₩4,500,000
  • 8% Debentures: ₩1,200,000
• Panasonic Corporation
  • Ordinary Shares: ¥4,200,000
  • 9% Debentures: ¥1,000,000
  The return on capital employed was 17% for each firm in 2003, and in 2004 it was 10%. Corporation tax in both years was assumed to be 43%, and debenture interest is an allowable expense against corporation tax.

  (a) Calculate the percentage return on the shareholders' capital for each company for 2003 and 2004. Assume that all profits are distributed. (b) Evaluate the effects of high gearing on the financial performance and risk profile of these companies.