In addition to the information on peer firm, Exhibits 4 and 5 contain the latest income statement and balance sheet MCI. This information could be used to estimate the expected Changes in earnings per share and the tax benefits that wold occur with a debt - financed stock repurchase. Mizuno knew that both issue wold be of great interest to MCI's senior management.
As Mizuno prepared to tackle the analysis, he was concerned that his approach might not capture all the complexities of the decision. While shareholders' required returns typically increase as a firm uses more debt financing, he knew that the theoretical predictions if the cost of equity were only approximations. Mizuno had prepared a "to - do " list from " his readings on capital costs ( Exhibit 6 ) and thought these might help guide him through the analysis. To be sure no issue had been ignored, he would pursue a three - pronged approach : (1) examine the affects of debt on the firm's future coverage ratios under both expected and downside cash - flow projections, (2) check with Lance on the reactions gathered from potential carditis ( I.e., would severe covenants be required? , and (3) review the company's need for future flexibility and consider how this financial strategy might affect business decision.
It would be a long night ahead. However, before he pursued these additional issue, Mizuno decided to stat with the guidance theory offered.