• Week10DiscussionBoard
• 1. Week10e-activity:UsetheInternettoresearchtheeconomicactivityofBrazilandSwitzerland.Bepreparedtodiscuss.
• From the e-Activity, determine key reasons why a multinational corporation might decide to borrow in a country such as Brazil, where interest rates are high, rather than in a country like Switzerland, where interest rates are low. Provide support for your rationale.
• 2. See attached Scenario. From the scenario, select two (2) potential international markets in which TFC may wish to do business. Compare the currency markets of the two (2) countries you have chosen with that of the U.S. dollar. Based on currency considerations only, recommend whether or not TFC should expand to the international markets that you have chosen.

FIN534 Week 10 Scenario Script: International monetary system and exchange rate policies. Slide Scene/Interaction Narration # Slide 1 Intro Scene Create input for student to type their name in. Slide 2 Scene 2 FIN534_10_2_Don-1: Good day, everyone. This is a big day for the company; we will find out if we will be expanding out west or not! Joe is meeting with the Board of Directors about the expansion project. He is reviewing all of the information that you have thoroughly analyzed. FIN534_10_2_Don-2: When you think about it, you have done several analyses in such a small time window. We really pushed you and the results have been impeccable! We are presenting a good case for expansion but the Board is cash conscious so I am not sure how they are going to vote. I like to think that the \"C\" in TFC is for \"Cash\" and not \"Center\". FIN534_10_2_Linda-1: Don, we have really learned a lot about TFC over this time as well. One thing for sure is there is a lot of analysis that goes into a project no matter the size. I can't even imagine what it would be like if we decided to expand internationally? FIN534_10_2_Don-3: That is interesting that you should mention international expansion as TFC has that in its long term planning. So, as we wait for a decision to be made on the west coast expansion project, we would like you to look at one more area of consideration. This area includes the international monetary system including exchange rates. This is only in the discussion phase, so don't worry about completing another full analysis like we did with the expansion project. This is only for information gathering. I bet you are happy to hear that! Slide 3 Scene 3 Linda in conference room Cash Budget on Screen Go to next slide FIN534_10_3_Linda-1: Thanks, Don. I remember my international finance course at Strayer University. We learned about the factors that influence trade and capital flows and the economic variables that influence exchange rate movements. FIN534_10_3_Linda-2: Money is considered a medium of exchange and every nation has some form of monetary system in place. We use the dollar as our means of exchange. In many countries in Europe the Euro is used. And in Japan there is the Yen. Whereas Hong Kong has the Hong Kong dollar. It is important for one to know the exchange rates and how each country's monetary system works, as that may contribute to additional risk by a company when dealing internationally. FIN534_10_3_Linda-3: Let's get back to the United States. In the U.S., the Federal Reserve is the monetary authority. Its prime responsibility is to try to have the economy grow while keeping inflation in check. But when it comes to trading between nations with different currencies, the international monetary system is used in determining how companies in different nations can exchange with another. Let's look at some exchange rate systems over time. Slide 4 Scene 4 Exchange Rates Linda speaking FIN534_10_4_Linda-1: The first system was called the Fixed Exchange Rate System. With this system, non U.S. currencies were tied to the U.S. dollar. The U.S. dollar was tied to gold at thirty five dollars an ounce. During this time, the United States would try to ensure that the price of gold would stay at thirty five dollars an ounce, hence keeping it fixed, while other countries used these monetary policies to keep their exchange rates within reason of the United States. It is also used to control inflation. FIN534_10_4_Linda-2: This might sound like a good system but there were flaws. Mainly the reasons for spikes or drops in the economy were not being addressed. For example, if the demand for the Hong Kong dollar was high, steps would be taken by Hong Kong to put more Hong Kong dollars into the economy. FIN534_10_4_Linda-3: With this system, countries would basically fabricate the supply and demand system instead of looking at the real reasons behind the rise or fall in currency prices. As you probably guessed, a system like this one didn't last too long. Slide 5 Exchange Rate systems FIN534_10_5_Linda-1: Another system is called the Floating Exchange Rates; it is also called the fluctuating exchange rate. With this system, the prices of currency for countries are based on supply and demand in regard to international trade and investing. So, the exchange rates float as supply and demand varies. FIN534_10_5_Linda-2: With the Floating Exchange Rate system, domestic currency can appreciate or depreciate against foreign currency. This fluctuation produces an exchange rate risk. FIN534_10_5_Linda-3: Another system is the Managed Floating Rate system. With this system, there is a lot of government involvement in controlling a country's exchange rate by managing the supply and demand for the country. FIN534_10_5_Linda-4: And a fourth system is a Pegged Exchange Rate system. Under this system, a country's currency exchange rate follows the currency of another country or a conglomerate of country currencies. However, if the exchange rate for a country starts to vary too much from what the pegged country's established, the country's government may become highly involved to ensure the currency exchange rate is back on track. Slide 6 Scene 6 CYU Matching Drag and Drop Match the description to the correct Exchange Rate System. Exchange Rate System Fixed Floating Managed Pegged Description Is tied to the Gold rate International Trade and investing helps set rate Has a lot of government intervention Has a target fixed rate with another currency If they get it right - Great job. There are different types of Exchange Rates and countries should choose the one that best helps their economy. If they get it wrong - Nice try but Fixed Exchange Rates used gold as a standard, while Floating has more fluctuation. With Managed Exchanged Rates the particular country's government intervenes. And Pegged Exchange Rates tend to follow other currencies. Slide 7 Scene 7 FIN534_10_7_Don-1: Great job! Don speaking Excuse me a second, Joe just texted me, Exchange Rate picture He said he is still in the board meeting and would like us to continue with our international analysis and focus on the exchange rate risks. He also is hoping for a decision by the board soon regarding the expansion proposal. FIN534_10_7_Linda-1: While I was hoping for a quick decision, the good news is they are still discussing the expansion. Let us take a look at Exchange Rate Risk. As we all know, not every country uses the same currency. Due to this, there can be fluctuations in prices paid or received through exports and imports. Companies need to consider this when dealing with other currencies. What they paid for an item the first time it may not be the same the second time if the exchange rate differs. Let's look at an example. Slide 8 Scene 8 - Exchange Rate Example FIN534_10_8_Linda-1: Let's assume you are dealing with a company that has the Euro Slide 9 Equation: 1 US Dollar/.7414 Euros = X U.S. Dollars/10,000 Euros Next slide Scene 9 - Linda Exchange Rate Risk as its currency. Note the Euro is the basic unit of currency among participating European Union countries. The rate today is that one U.S. Dollar can buy point seven-four-one-four Euros. So, if TFC was going to buy something that cost ten thousand Euros, it would cost TFC, in U.S. dollars, thirteen thousand four hundred eighty seven dollars. That is because each U.S. Dollar can only be exchanged for point seven-four-one-four Euros. FIN534_10_8_Linda-2: Looking at it mathematically, we can set up the rate of the two currencies. Look at the formula on the board and notice that we are looking for U.S. Dollars. We can do the same if we were exchanging for Euros instead of U.S. dollars. FIN534_10_9_Linda-1: With the example you can see what is needed under each country's currency. But where is the risk? That comes from the currency rates. The rate from our example was one U.S. Dollar can buy point seven-four-onefour Euros. What if the exchange rate was one U.S. Dollar can buy point six-five-two-four Euros? Assuming the same ten thousand Euros, it would cost TFC, in U.S. dollars, fifteen thousand three hundred twenty eight. That is because each U.S. Dollar can only be exchanged for point six-five-two-four Euros. That is where the risk is. If we waited for a better rate with the international country and it never happened, as in our case it got worse, the money paid out would be greater. That is why timing is important when dealing with foreign currencies. FIN534_10_9_Linda-2: Let us go even further. What if the rate was one U.S. Dollar can buy point eight six seven three Euros? Assuming the same ten thousand Euros, it would cost TFC, in U.S. dollars, eleven thousand five hundred thirty. That is because each U.S. Dollar can be exchanged for a better rate of point eight six seven three Euros. FIN534_10_9_Linda-3: With the above in mind, can you look at a few more exchange rates while I check on the progress of the board meeting? Slide 10 Scene 10 1. CYU 2. Linda would like you to calculate the exchange rates as follows: TFC is considering doing business with an international company that uses the Japanese Yen as its currency. Please calculate the US Dollar or Japanese Yen as indicated below: The exchange rate is 1 US Dollar = 98.7641 Yen. Round each to whole number (no decimals). 1) How much would it be in U.S. dollars to purchase something that costs 1500 Yen? Answer: $15 If get wrong, remember the rate: 1 US Dollar/98.7641Yen = X U.S. Dollars/1,500 Yen 2) How much would it be in U.S. dollars to purchase something that costs 25,000 Yen? Answer: $253 If get wrong, nice try but remember: 1 US Dollar/98.7641Yen = X U.S. Dollars/25,000 Yen 3) How much would it be in Japanese Yen to purchase something that costs 500 US? Dollars? Answer: 49,382 Yen If get wrong, nice try but remember: 1 US Dollar/98.7641Yen = 500 U.S. Dollars/X Yen 3) How much would it be in Japanese Yen to purchase something that costs 20,000 US? Dollars? Answer: 1,975,282 Yen If get wrong, nice try but remember: 1 US Dollar/98.7641Yen = 20,000 U.S. Dollars/X Yen Next screen Slide 11 Scene 11 Review Next Slide FIN534_10_11_Linda-1: Great work. When companies are looking at doing business internationally exchange rate risk is one area that needs to be considered. Your analysis will provide a strong basis as TFC explores this area further. We also learned that international expansion comes with risk and timing can save or cost a company a lot of money. We also learned that there are different types of exchange rate systems and companies need to understand what each country is following when doing business. FIN534_10_11_Linda-2: Linda speaking. Hi! Okay, Don. Thanks. We will stay right here and wait for you to join us with Joe. See you in a little bit. Slide 12 Scene 12 Don , Joe, Linda in conference room Strayer banner Have students name appear using the input text function from beginning of scenario. FIN534_10_11_Linda-3: That was Don on the phone. He said the Board reached a decision and he wanted to break the news to us in person. I wonder what they decided? FIN534_10_12_Don-1: Thanks for meeting with Joe and myself on short notice. As you know, Joe has been meeting with the board and presenting them all of your analyses regarding the expansion. It is great that we have such a dedicated board. They really have taken an interest in this expansion project as the scope is unprecedented for TFC's standards. FIN534_10_12_Joe-1: I am sorry, Don, but I can't wait to tell everyone the news. The Board APPROVED the expansion project!!! They were very pleased with all of your hard work and said it was due to your detailed analyses that they decided to approve the project. Congratulations and great job everyone! I am so proud of the work that you all did on the project. It was a total team effort. FIN534_10_12_Joe-2: There is even more good news! The Board has decided to offer Linda a position as the Director of Overall Operations which is a promotion to Vice-President in TFC's structure. Our Board also wants us to commend Strayer University for providing us with a top MBA student. And in doing so, the board doesn't want to lose you. At this time, TFC would like to extend you an offer to join our management team as the Manager of the \"New\" West Coast Operations, where you will be reporting to Linda. With Linda's new role, she will need someone with your expertise to manage this expansion venture and help make this project successful. We sure hope you will accept! FIN534_10_12_Joe-3: job well done Congratulations on a FIN534_10_12_Don-2: Great work. You were the deciding factor on moving forward with the project. Slide 13 Scene 13 Linda Summary slide Next Slide FIN534_10_13_Linda-1: You did it! Great job. You did so much analyzing, calculating, and decision making in such a short amount of time. And in each instance your work was top notch. During our time together, you analyzed financial statements, performed ratio analysis and time value of money situations, valued bonds, stock prices, and the costs of capital at TFC. You also looked at capital budgeting, cash flow, financial planning and agency conflicts. Furthermore, you analyzed TFC's dividend policy and exchange rate risks. I would say that is a complete agenda for anyone. FIN534_10_13_Linda-2: Again, congratulations on performing at the highest level and being the main reason we are moving forward with this expansion project. Without you, this expansion probably would not have happened. To keep the TFC tradition going, I think a workout is in order to celebrate your accomplishments. I'll see you at the gym in a few minutes! (ha ha) Slide 14 Scene 14 Closing slide Closing slide Answer 1: Brazil is the largest and strongest South American economy. The country has huge natural resources such as minerals, forests, livestock, agricultural fields, etc. Both primary and manufacturing sectors of the country contribute towards the gross domestic product (GDP). As per the GDP data of 2015, Brazil is the tenth largest economy of the world. The GDP of Brazil stood at $1774.725 billion during the year 2015. The prevalent interest rates in Brazil are high and are near 14.25%. The country exports and imports a variety of goods and services with other countries of the world. But the country has political and economic instability. Since it is an unstable economy its currency is not stable and fluctuates with economic and global events. During the financial crisis of 2008 the currency of Brazil declined and high fluctuations were observed. Contrary to it Switzerland is among one of the world's most stable economies. It is economically as well as political stable and has much dependency on tertiary sector, such as banking, tourism and insurance. In terms of GDP Switzerland stood at 19th position with a GDP of $664.738 billion during the year 2015. The prevalent interest rates in Switzerland are around 3.50%. The currency of the country is Euro which is stable and relatively stronger as compared to Brazil. Making borrowings from Brazil is costlier as they are having high interest rates as compared to Switzerland where the interest rates are quite low. Then also it will be better to borrow from Brazil because the fluctuations in the currency of Brazil will reduce the profits that will be transferred to the parent company. The currency of Switzerland is fairly stable so there will be least impact on transfer of profits. The business in Brazil if also exposed to various political and economic risks. In such as case the Brazilian government can also close foreign companies or take over foreign companies. Under such circumstances the Brazilian banks can appeal against the decision of government as they will lose the money after shut down of foreign company. It can be a good hedging strategy for countries with higher risk. Answer 2: The two international markets that are potential for TFC are Japan and Germany. As given in the scenario the exchange rate of US dollar to Euro is 0.7417 euros. It means that the sales of TFC will be in Euro and will increase and as a result of it the profits will also increase when converted into US dollars. On the other hand there will be an increase in cost of operations as the expenses and the purchase of materials will also be in Euro. The company is having affluence in Germany which will lead to increase in its sales. The Germans have a good history of body building, thus the business will feel homely in Germany. As given in scenario the Japanese Yen is trading at 98.7641 for each dollar. Japan is also a good market for bodybuilding. Japanese had been good body builders among Asian countries. The value of Yen is lower than the US dollar, here TFC can take advantage of low operating cost as compared to Germany, but contrary to it the revenue will also be low. For example, if the company spends $100 in Germany it will be equal to 74.17 Euros only which shows the company will have to make higher payments for sourcing goods and services. On the other hand if the company spends $100 in Japan it will be equal to 9,876 Yen and the company will have to incur lower for availing goods and services. If TFC operates in Germany it will have advantage of high revenue on the other hand in Japan the company will have the advantage of low cost of operations. It will be a good idea to expand its business in Germany if earnings of the company are higher than cost. Expanding the business in Japan will provide an opportunity of low operating cost, but will be dependent on the revenues it will arise. Answer 1: Brazil is the largest and strongest South American economy. The country has huge natural resources such as minerals, forests, livestock, agricultural fields, etc. Both primary and manufacturing sectors of the country contribute towards the gross domestic product (GDP). As per the GDP data of 2015, Brazil is the tenth largest economy of the world. The GDP of Brazil stood at $1774.725 billion during the year 2015. The prevalent interest rates in Brazil are high and are near 14.25%. The country exports and imports a variety of goods and services with other countries of the world. But the country has political and economic instability. Since it is an unstable economy its currency is not stable and fluctuates with economic and global events. During the financial crisis of 2008 the currency of Brazil declined and high fluctuations were observed. Contrary to it Switzerland is among one of the world's most stable economies. It is economically as well as political stable and has much dependency on tertiary sector, such as banking, tourism and insurance. In terms of GDP Switzerland stood at 19th position with a GDP of $664.738 billion during the year 2015. The prevalent interest rates in Switzerland are around 3.50%. The currency of the country is Euro which is stable and relatively stronger as compared to Brazil. Making borrowings from Brazil is costlier as they are having high interest rates as compared to Switzerland where the interest rates are quite low. Then also it will be better to borrow from Brazil because the fluctuations in the currency of Brazil will reduce the profits that will be transferred to the parent company. The currency of Switzerland is fairly stable so there will be least impact on transfer of profits. The business in Brazil if also exposed to various political and economic risks. In such as case the Brazilian government can also close foreign companies or take over foreign companies. Under such circumstances the Brazilian banks can appeal against the decision of government as they will lose the money after shut down of foreign company. It can be a good hedging strategy for countries with higher risk. Answer 2: The two international markets that are potential for TFC are Japan and Germany. As given in the scenario the exchange rate of US dollar to Euro is 0.7417 euros. It means that the sales of TFC will be in Euro and will increase and as a result of it the profits will also increase when converted into US dollars. On the other hand there will be an increase in cost of operations as the expenses and the purchase of materials will also be in Euro. The company is having affluence in Germany which will lead to increase in its sales. The Germans have a good history of body building, thus the business will feel homely in Germany. As given in scenario the Japanese Yen is trading at 98.7641 for each dollar. Japan is also a good market for bodybuilding. Japanese had been good body builders among Asian countries. The value of Yen is lower than the US dollar, here TFC can take advantage of low operating cost as compared to Germany, but contrary to it the revenue will also be low. For example, if the company spends $100 in Germany it will be equal to 74.17 Euros only which shows the company will have to make higher payments for sourcing goods and services. On the other hand if the company spends $100 in Japan it will be equal to 9,876 Yen and the company will have to incur lower for availing goods and services. If TFC operates in Germany it will have advantage of high revenue on the other hand in Japan the company will have the advantage of low cost of operations. It will be a good idea to expand its business in Germany if earnings of the company are higher than cost. Expanding the business in Japan will provide an opportunity of low operating cost, but will be dependent on the revenues it will arise