Chapter 1, Problem 22QA

Sola sa is a British company specialized in water supplies. It has a big activity, and wishes to reduce its risks. It operates in a challenging environment, and subject to fluctuations in prices on financial markets. It imports some raw materials from China, and sells to France and other European countries. Its Financial manager gives you the followings : Loans borrowed : GBP 100,000 at 5% Loans to employees : GBP 75,000 at 3% Money at bank: GBP 450,000 at 2% Calculate the net interest margin for Sola? What are the major risks facing the company? Could you identify the related examples?

Financial Risk Havering Ltd is involved in the manufacture of high technology computer chips and is based in Stockton-on-Tees. It is considered to be one of the UK’s premier high-tech companies and have proved to be exceptionally profitable in the past. You have ascertained the following information about Havering Ltd's activities. It imports most of its raw materials from Japan. Its Japanese supplier insists on prompt payments, in Yen. All other costs are incurred locally and paid for in sterling. The major customers of Havering Ltd are spread throughout the world, although 45% of their revenue originates in Western Europe, where local companies insist on being billed in Euro’s and require 90- day credit terms. A major customer based in Iceland has fallen behind in payment of the amounts it owes to Havering Ltd. Havering Ltd have invested heavily in modern plant, most of which was financed by loans in sterling. Loans are primarily a mixture of floating rate instruments, although there…

Discuss two general functions involved in international cash management and explain how the MNC’s optimization of cash flow can distort the profits of a subsidiary that is based in North America.