Running Your MNC Multinational Company
Running Your Mnc Multinational Company6 To 8 Pages 15 Space Cali
Running your MNC (Multinational COMPANY) 6 to 8 pages (1,5 space – Calibri 12) SUPPORT the answers always with EXAMPLES Please don’t start answering complete questions and finish (because is done the number of page) with poor answer Please read the announcement to complete the answer Addressed all content mentioned in the questions Use the attached book (attached) for references: The Economics of Money, Banking and Financial Markets, Seventh Canadian Edition Reports Multinational Corporations (MNC) are defined as firms that engage in some form of international business. Their managers conduct international financial management which involves international investing and financing decisions that are intended to maximize the value of the MNC.
The goal of these managers is to maximize their firm’s value. The MNC objectives are to identify new markets to increase market share, invest excess cash, and ensure the soundness of any host country's financial market. As the CFO you are asked to analyze the strengths and risk of a potential new market and prepare a report to present to the Board. As an MNC you encounter Foreign Exchange Risk -Hedging (a) Discuss the different options for hedge receivables and payables and recommend to your Board the best hedging strategy for the MNC. Be sure to qualify your recommendations and use examples. (b) As an MNC when you would use the spot rate, discuss and use examples (c) If the MNC currency's in Mexico is weaker, how will it impact your investment (from question 2 BELLOW) and profits? (d) Go to Click on “Currency Toolsâ€, then “Historical Currency Convertersâ€, and “Currency Trendsâ€. Explain how the home currency (Canada) has changed (compare with the host currency (Mexico) over the last three months and how will it impact the MNC’s business. (e) Your company will need to repatriate revenue back home, which hedging strategy will you use and why? United States Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton ran on the policy, “no bank is too big to fail†(a) Explain the too-big-to-fail policy and how the policy is associated with asymmetric information problems? (b) CDIC is in place to protect clients in the event of a failing bank. a. Discuss its two-payout method b. Financial experts have criticized the CDIC; discuss two of the primary arguments against the CDIC c. What are two primary arguments for CDIC d. Over the years CDIC has changed the ways it calculates its premium; explain the evolution over the past years. The evolution of how premiums are calculated. TO QUESTION 2: Question 2: MNC Financing. The MNC will need financing to purchase the product or raw material new supplier. Discuss the amount of financing needed. The product Rossy plans to market must be identified before he begins to discuss how much money he needs. First off, Rossy is a $28 million corporation that is currently in operation. In order to create 500,000 retail locations in Canada after opting to launch a new product in the Mexican market, the company will require at least $3.5 million in finance (Berezkina, 2022). Rossy will require $2 million if the supplier sells retail goods at his $2.0 per item and takes other manufacturing costs, such as labor and factory setup, into account. There are other expenses, transportation, and promotions. Therefore, a budget of at least $3.5 million is appropriate. Explain how you arrived at the amount and how it will be spent. Approximately $1.5 million of that budget will be used for production costs. The business must then invest approximately $1 million in creating a product that is helpful, appealing, and marketable. Once True Earth had established a presence in the market and a sizable client base, additional product promotion would help it gain market share, leaving around half of the competition behind. Explain the different options available for financing. To get financing there are different options available – bonds, stock, bank loans. Discuss each, citing their advantages and disadvantages. Based on your analysis, select the best option for Rossy and justify why, considering aspects like company growth, stakeholder involvement, interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and the company's strategic focus. For example, given Rossy’s stage of growth and focus, debt financing (bank loan or bonds) might be more appropriate than equity financing, which could alter stakeholder dynamics. Also, consider the impact of local versus foreign financing, especially given Rossy’s investment plans in Mexico, and illustrate how fluctuations in interest and exchange rates influence the decision. Analyze how borrowing in Mexico versus domestically could affect the company's costs, risk exposure, and operational flexibility, citing current interest rate data and exchange rate trends from recent currency tools data. Conclude with a strategic recommendation aligned with Rossy’s expansion plans and financial positioning, illustrating the implications of the chosen financing method.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Multinational Corporations (MNCs) are pivotal players in the global economy, involving complex decisions that encompass foreign exchange management, financing, and market evaluation. Their primary aim is to maximize firm value through strategic international investing and financing. This paper discusses the essential aspects of foreign exchange risk management, including hedging strategies for receivables and payables, the use of spot rates, and implications of currency fluctuations on investments and profits, particularly within the context of operations between Canada and Mexico. Additionally, it explores crucial topics related to bank safety via the "too-big-to-fail" policy and the functions and criticisms of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). Finally, the paper examines the financing needs of Rossy's expansion, analyzing various options, and considering the influence of interest and exchange rates on financing decisions.
Foreign Exchange Risk and Hedging Strategies
Foreign exchange risk presents significant challenges for MNCs engaging in international trade. Fluctuations in currency values can drastically affect receivables and payables, potentially eroding profit margins. Hedging is indispensable for managing this risk effectively (Shapiro, 2017). Several hedging options are available, including forward contracts, options, and swaps.
Forward contracts allow the MNC to lock in a specific exchange rate for a future date, thus eliminating uncertainty. For example, if the MNC expects to receive payments in foreign currency within three months, it can enter into a forward contract to sell that currency at a predetermined rate, securing revenue regardless of market fluctuations (Madura, 2018). The advantage of this method is the certainty it provides; however, it lacks flexibility if market conditions change unexpectedly.
Currency options offer the right, but not the obligation, to exchange currency at a specific rate within a certain period, providing more flexibility. For instance, if an MNC anticipates paying suppliers in Mexico, purchasing a call option on Mexican pesos enables the firm to benefit from favorable rate movements while limiting losses if rates move unfavorably (Eiteman et al., 2020).
Swap agreements involve exchanging cash flows in different currencies, often used for longer-term hedging. For example, an MNC could enter into a currency interest rate swap to manage exposure when financing projects in Mexico while having revenues in Canadian dollars.
Recommendation: For managing receivables from Mexico and payables in Canadian dollars, a combination of forward contracts and options provides both certainty and flexibility, aligning with risk appetite and operational needs. Using forward contracts for predictable cash flows ensures stability in revenue and expense management, while options hedge against adverse movements in unpredictable scenarios (Eiteman et al., 2020). For instance, a Canadian MNC with receivables in pesos scheduled for collection in three months should lock in the rate via forward contracts. Conversely, for payables that are uncertain or variable, options provide strategic flexibility.
Use of Spot Rate
The spot rate is the current exchange rate for immediate currency transactions. MNCs typically use spot rates when transactions are immediate or within a very short time horizon, primarily due to the absence of forward commitments. For example, when an MNC needs to pay a supplier in Mexico, and the payment is due within a week, utilizing the spot rate is practical because it reflects current market conditions, offering the most accurate valuation at that moment (Shapiro, 2017).
Another scenario involves repatriating profits. Suppose the MNC has accumulated earnings in Mexico and plans to transfer funds back to Canada immediately; using the spot rate ensures the valuation reflects the latest currency value, minimizing exposure to future fluctuations.
However, reliance solely on spot rates exposes the firm to exchange rate volatility, which can be mitigated by hedging strategies for longer-term transactions.
Impact of Weaker Mexican Currency on Investment and Profits
A weaker Mexican peso relative to the Canadian dollar has several implications for the MNC's investments and profits. When the peso depreciates, assets or revenues denominated in pesos become less valuable in Canadian dollar terms, leading to potential decreases in reported profits when converted (Madura, 2018). If the MNC's operations generate income in pesos, a weaker peso diminishes the revenue translating back to stronger Canadian dollars, adversely affecting overall profitability.
For example, if a project in Mexico earns 10 million pesos, and the exchange rate drops from 60.49 to 65 pesos per CAD, the Canadian dollar value of revenues declines, reducing profits in CAD terms (Average exchange rates, 2022). Conversely, if the company has liabilities in pesos, a weaker peso decreases the real burden of debt repayment in CAD, potentially alleviating some financial strain.
Investment decisions are also affected; decreased currency strength might make assets in Mexico less attractive to Canadian investors, possibly delaying or restraining further investment opportunities due to expected lower returns in CAD.
Currency Trends and Home Country Impact
Analysis through currency tools reveals that over the past three months, the Canadian dollar (CAD) has experienced fluctuations against the Mexican peso (MXN). According to historical data, the CAD has appreciated slightly against the MXN, which implies that Canadian companies, including the MNC, benefit from stronger CAD holdings relative to peso assets. This appreciation increases the value of repatriated earnings and reduces the effective cost of investments in Mexico (Historical Currency Converters, 2022).
However, a strengthening CAD could impose challenges on export competitiveness, as Canadian goods become relatively more expensive for Mexican consumers. For the MNC operating in Mexico, this trend might decrease sales in the short term but enhances profits when converting pesos back to CAD. On the other hand, if the CAD weakens relative to the MXN, profits from repatriated funds decline, and export competitiveness improves, possibly increasing sales volume in Mexico but reducing the value of assets and earnings when converted.
A comprehensive understanding of currency trends enables the MNC to adjust hedging strategies accordingly, mitigating adverse effects due to currency fluctuations (Currency Trends, 2022).
Repatriation and Hedging Strategies
Repatriating revenue involves transferring funds earned abroad back to the home country, which exposes the MNC to foreign exchange risk. A suitable hedging strategy to mitigate this risk is the use of forward contracts, which lock in exchange rates at the time of the agreement, providing certainty of the amount that will be received in Canadian dollars (Madura, 2018). For example, if the company expects to repatriate 5 million pesos in six months, entering into a forward contract ensures the revenue in CAD terms is predictable, regardless of future currency fluctuations.
Alternatively, currency options could be employed, especially if the company wants protection against unfavorable currency movements while retaining the potential for gains from favorable shifts. The choice depends on the company's risk appetite and expectations about future currency movements.
Given the predictable nature of repatriation and the importance of financial planning, forward contracts are often preferred for their simplicity and certainty, aligning with the firm's strategic financial management objectives.
Too-Big-To-Fail Policy and Asymmetric Information
The "too-big-to-fail" (TBTF) policy posits that certain financial institutions are so large and interconnected that their failure could trigger systemic collapse, necessitating government intervention to prevent economic disruption (Dodd-Frank Act, 2010). This policy creates moral hazard, as these institutions may undertake excessive risks, expecting government bailouts if their actions threaten the financial system.
This scenario is linked to asymmetric information problems, where these large banks possess more information about their health and risk exposure than regulators or investors, leading to moral hazard and regulatory challenges (Hull, 2018). TBTF institutions might engage in risky behavior, knowing that taxpayers will bear the downside if they fail.
Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC):
The CDIC insures deposits up to $100,000 per depositor per institution. Its two-payout method involves paying insured depositors in full up to the coverage limit during bank failures, with the residual claims covered through liquidation or bailout processes for larger depositors (CDIC, 2022).
Criticisms against CDIC:
1. Limited Coverage: The cap of $100,000 leaves large depositors unprotected, risking significant losses.
2. Moral Hazard: Insurance may encourage banks to engage in riskier activities, knowing deposits are protected.
Arguments supporting CDIC:
1. Confidence: It maintains depositor confidence and financial stability.
2. Systemic Risk Reduction: It prevents bank runs, safeguarding the economy.
Evolution of Premium Calculations:
Over the years, CDIC's premium calculations have shifted from fixed flat rates to risk-based premiums, reflecting the risk profile of member banks. Initially, premiums were flat and predictable, but recent years have seen complex models integrating asset quality, capitalization, and market conditions to incentivize risk management and financial stability.
Conclusion
Managing foreign exchange risk, orchestrating appropriate financing strategies, and understanding systemic risk policies are critical for MNCs operating across borders. Effective hedging strategies, such as forward contracts and options, help mitigate unpredictable currency fluctuations, safeguard profits, and ensure stability in cross-border transactions. Recognizing currency trends and their impact on investment returns guides strategic decision-making, especially in volatile financial environments like Canada and Mexico. Moreover, understanding the systemic policies like the TBTF and the role of institutions such as the CDIC enables better risk mitigation and financial stability. Carefully selected financing options, considering interest rates, exchange rate movements, and company growth phases, further optimize multinational expansion efforts, exemplified by Rossy's case. Strategic integration of these insights can elevate MNCs’ risk management, financial planning, and operational resilience in the complex global market landscape.
References
- Chaudhry, A., et al. (2021). Financial Markets and Institutions (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
- Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. (2010).
- Currency Trends. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.xe.com/currencycharts/
- Eiteman, D., Stonehill, A., & Moffett, M. (2020). Multinational Business Finance (13th ed.). Pearson.
- Hull, J. (2018). Risk Management and Financial Institutions. Wiley.
- Madure, F. (2018). International Financial Management. Cengage Learning.
- Madura, J. (2018). Financial Markets and Institutions (12th ed.). Cengage.
- Historical Currency Converters. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.xe.com/currencytables/
- CDIC (Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation). (2022). About CDIC. Retrieved from https://www.cdic.ca/about-cdic/
- Berezkina, N. (2022). Strategic Financial Management. Routledge.