Chapter 16: Financial Planning and Forecasting
United States – BUSPROG.FOFM.BRIG.17.03 – BUSPROG: Analytic
United States – OH – DISC.FOFM.BRIG.17.05 – DISC: Financial analysis and cash flows
28. Which of the following statements is CORRECT?
The sustainable growth rate is the maximum achievable growth rate without the firm having to raise external
funds. In other words, it is the growth rate at which the firm’s AFN equals zero.
If a firm’s assets are growing at a positive rate, but its retained earnings are not increasing, then it would be
impossible for the firm’s AFN to be negative.
If a firm increases its dividend payout ratio in anticipation of higher earnings, but sales and earnings actually
decrease, then the firm’s actual AFN must, mathematically, exceed the previously calculated AFN.
Higher sales usually require higher asset levels, and this leads to what we call AFN. However, the AFN will be
zero if the firm chooses to retain all of its profits, i.e., to have a zero dividend payout ratio.
Dividend policy does not affect the requirement for external funds based on the AFN equation.
FOFM.BRIG.17.16.03 – The AFN Equation
United States – BUSPROG.FOFM.BRIG.17.03 – BUSPROG: Analytic
United States – OH – DISC.FOFM.BRIG.17.05 – DISC: Financial analysis and cash flows
29. Which of the following statements is CORRECT?
When we use the AFN equation, we assume that the ratios of assets and liabilities to sales (A0*/S0 and L0*/S0)
vary from year to year in a stable, predictable manner.
When fixed assets are added in large, discrete units as a company grows, the assumption of constant ratios is
more appropriate than if assets are relatively small and can be added in small increments as sales grow.
Firms whose fixed assets are “lumpy” frequently have excess capacity, and this should be accounted for in the
financial forecasting process.
For a firm that uses lumpy assets, it is impossible to have small increases in sales without expanding fixed
assets.
Regression techniques cannot be used in situations where excess capacity or economies of scale exist.
FOFM.BRIG.17.16.05 – Using Regression to Improve Forecasts
United States – BUSPROG.FOFM.BRIG.17.03 – BUSPROG: Analytic