Which of the two targets would provide the largest increase in EPS? If the two targets are currently fairly valued in an efficient market, which of the two transactions would have the greatest impact on Hammerworks’ enterprise value? “Either transaction is an opportunity for Hammerworks to turn cash into increased EPS, which will boost the market value of its shares. By bringing either target under its management, it unlocks substantial value for shareholders concerned about the leveraged capital structure of the targets. Also, since investors pay a premium for effective corporate governance and Hammerworks is widely deemed to have better control systems than either target, their P/E ratios should rise to match its own.”  Explain what is wrong with this statement. In the absence of synergies, could either transaction be profitable for Hammerworks?  Explain why or why not.

Essentials Of Investments
11th Edition
ISBN:9781260013924
Author:Bodie, Zvi, Kane, Alex, MARCUS, Alan J.
Publisher:Bodie, Zvi, Kane, Alex, MARCUS, Alan J.
Chapter1: Investments: Background And Issues
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1PS
icon
Related questions
Question

Although its own operations have shown no growth over the past decade, Hammerworks Inc. has built up a significant cash balance ($2.9 billion) in anticipation of a collapse in equity prices which it believes will create opportunities for valuable acquisitions.  Following just such a correction, two potential targets are now being considered:  Metallion has a current market capitalization of $1.1 billion, $550 million in 6% debt (YTM also 6%), and generates EBIT of $175 million annually with no growth (a 7.1% profit margin on annual sales of $1.4 billion).  Goblikon has an enterprise value of $1.3 billion, a market valued D/E of 1.1, and has been growing its profits at 4% for the past several years (it currently has a P/E ratio of 10).  In either case, Hammerworks would be expected to pay off the target’s bond holders in full as there is a change of control clause in their bond indentures.  Since either acquisition would be paid for with cash, the firm expects that either acquisition would increase EPS. 

 

All three firms face a tax rate of 30%, and Hammerworks’ cost of equity is 8%.  Assume there are no synergies from either acquisition but that a 10% premium would have to be paid above the market value of their shares.

*Number of shares won’t change with either, so the one with the biggest EPS is the most important.

  1. Which of the two targets would provide the largest increase in EPS?
  2. If the two targets are currently fairly valued in an efficient market, which of the two transactions would have the greatest impact on Hammerworks’ enterprise value?
  3. “Either transaction is an opportunity for Hammerworks to turn cash into increased EPS, which will boost the market value of its shares. By bringing either target under its management, it unlocks substantial value for shareholders concerned about the leveraged capital structure of the targets. Also, since investors pay a premium for effective corporate governance and Hammerworks is widely deemed to have better control systems than either target, their P/E ratios should rise to match its own.”  Explain what is wrong with this statement.
  4. In the absence of synergies, could either transaction be profitable for Hammerworks?  Explain why or why not. 
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Income Statement Analysis
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, finance and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Essentials Of Investments
Essentials Of Investments
Finance
ISBN:
9781260013924
Author:
Bodie, Zvi, Kane, Alex, MARCUS, Alan J.
Publisher:
Mcgraw-hill Education,
FUNDAMENTALS OF CORPORATE FINANCE
FUNDAMENTALS OF CORPORATE FINANCE
Finance
ISBN:
9781260013962
Author:
BREALEY
Publisher:
RENT MCG
Financial Management: Theory & Practice
Financial Management: Theory & Practice
Finance
ISBN:
9781337909730
Author:
Brigham
Publisher:
Cengage
Foundations Of Finance
Foundations Of Finance
Finance
ISBN:
9780134897264
Author:
KEOWN, Arthur J., Martin, John D., PETTY, J. William
Publisher:
Pearson,
Fundamentals of Financial Management (MindTap Cou…
Fundamentals of Financial Management (MindTap Cou…
Finance
ISBN:
9781337395250
Author:
Eugene F. Brigham, Joel F. Houston
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Corporate Finance (The Mcgraw-hill/Irwin Series i…
Corporate Finance (The Mcgraw-hill/Irwin Series i…
Finance
ISBN:
9780077861759
Author:
Stephen A. Ross Franco Modigliani Professor of Financial Economics Professor, Randolph W Westerfield Robert R. Dockson Deans Chair in Bus. Admin., Jeffrey Jaffe, Bradford D Jordan Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education