One possible shortcoming of both forward and money market hedges is that these
methods completely eliminate exchange exposure. Consequently, the firm has to forgo
the opportunity to benefit from favorable exchange rate changes. To elaborate on this
point, let us assume that the spot exchange rate turns out to be $1.60 per pound on the
maturity date of the forward contract. In this instance, forward hedging would cost the
firm $1.4 million in terms of forgone dollar receipts . If Boeing had
indeed entered into a forward contract, it would regret its decision to do so. With its
pound receivable, Boeing ideally would like to protect itself only if the pound weakens,
while retaining the opportunity to benefit if the pound strengthens. Currency
options provide such a flexible “optional” hedge against exchange exposure. Generally
speaking, the firm may buy a foreign currency call (put) option to hedge its foreign
currency payables (receivables).
To show how the options hedge works, suppose that in the over-the-counter market
Boeing purchased a put option on 10 million British pounds with an exercise price of
$1.46 and a one-year expiration. Assume that the option premium (price) was $0.02
per pound. Boeing thus paid $200,000 ( $0.02 10 million) for the option. This
transaction provides Boeing with the right, but not the obligation, to sell up to £10 million
for $l.46/£, regardless of the future spot rate.
One possible shortcoming of both forward and money market hedges is that thesemethods completely eliminate exchange exposure. Consequently, the firm has to forgothe opportunity to benefit from favorable exchange rate changes. To elaborate on thispoint, let us assume that the spot exchange rate turns out to be $1.60 per pound on thematurity date of the forward contract. In this instance, forward hedging would cost thefirm $1.4 million in terms of forgone dollar receipts . If Boeing hadindeed entered into a forward contract, it would regret its decision to do so. With itspound receivable, Boeing ideally would like to protect itself only if the pound weakens,while retaining the opportunity to benefit if the pound strengthens. Currencyoptions provide such a flexible “optional” hedge against exchange exposure. Generallyspeaking, the firm may buy a foreign currency call (put) option to hedge its foreigncurrency payables (receivables).To show how the options hedge works, suppose that in the over-the-counter marketBoeing purchased a put option on 10 million British pounds with an exercise price of$1.46 and a one-year expiration. Assume that the option premium (price) was $0.02per pound. Boeing thus paid $200,000 ( $0.02 10 million) for the option. Thistransaction provides Boeing with the right, but not the obligation, to sell up to £10 millionfor $l.46/£, regardless of the future spot rate.
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