1) In the previous problem, suppose Ferguson has announced it is going to repurchase $15,600 worth of stock. What effect will this transaction have on the equity of the firm? How many shares will be outstanding? What will the price per share be after the repurchase? Ignoring tax effects, show how the share repurchase is effectively the same as a cash dividend.

1. Equity reduces to $372,300

2. 11,517 shares

3. $32.33

Explanation:

1. Effect on Equity

The company will use $15,600 cash to buy the equivalent amount of shares.

Cash Balance will reduce by;

= 52,900 - 15,600

= $37,300

Equity will reduce by the amount of stock repurchased;

= 387,900 - 15,600

= $372,300

2. Shares Outstanding

Current Stock Price =

= 387,900/12,000

= $32.33

Number of shares repurchased =  15,600/32.33

= 483 shares

New Shares Outstanding = 12,000 shares - 483 shares

= 11,517 shares

3. Price per share after repurchase

=

= 372,300 / 11,517

= $32.33

4. Dividends declared reduces the equity value.

= 32.33 - 1.30

= $31.03

The share repurchase is the same as the cash dividend because the stock price after the repurchase is the same as the stock price if dividends are declared less the cash dividends.

cash flow statement possibly

d. low interest rates