For questions 1 and 2 below, computations should be made for the following three companies; Proctor & Gamble Co. (PG), PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP), and Kraft Foods Inc. (KFT).
1. For the three companies mentioned above discuss what you believe has been the decision making that was involved with dividends on common stock. Provide financial metrics that support your answer.
Also with regard to dividends, read the article that is found in the following link.
http://www.thestreet.com/story/11468155/1/18-dividend-stocks-that-will-outlive-the-hype.html?cm_ven_int=morej
What conclusions would you draw from this article?
2. For the same three companies discuss the investing and financing decisions that relate to working capital management. Provide financial metrics that relate to working capital management to support your discussion.
3. Suppose that you work for Carnival Cruise Lines and you have been charged with presenting to the board of directors a proposal for a new ship. Discuss this proposal in connection with the following concepts; capital budgeting, the weighted average cost of capital, the optimal capital structure, and the optimal capital budget. No calculations are necessary.