Economics of Corporate Finance

Assignment Brief

Unit Title: Economics of Corporate Finance

Unit Learning Outcomes Assessed

1. demonstrate basic quantitative skills applicable to business problems
2. evaluate financial information in an international setting
3. prepare reports and presentations of a type that are likely to be encountered in many corporate job situations

Assignment Details and Instructions.

The assignment details are provided in the assignment excel file on Moodle. All the data that you need to complete the tasks is provided for you in this file. You have been allocated two companies to analyse (see the final worksheet on the Excel file). Failure to analyse the specific companies you have been allocated will result in a mark of 0 being awarded for question 1.

There are two topics to cover:

1. Advising on investing in a FTSE-100 company
2. Project Appraisal of high speed rail between London and Manchester.

Both topics should be answered in the form of a report; make sure that you include a brief introduction and conclusion in your reports.

Each report has a word limit of 2000 words; this is not a target and you may find that you can cover the tasks with significantly fewer words – short assignments will not be marked down simply because they are short

Sample Answer

Economics of Corporate Finance Report

Introduction

The purpose of this report is to provide a financial and economic analysis of two important areas within corporate finance. The first part focuses on advising whether it is suitable to invest in a selected FTSE-100 company. For this section, two companies from different sectors of the index are considered: Tesco PLC, a leading retail firm, and BP PLC, a global energy company. The analysis will involve reviewing their financial position, profitability, risks, and wider international setting in order to offer clear investment guidance.

The second part of the report considers a major project appraisal: the development of the proposed high-speed rail link between London and Manchester. This is one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the UK, and its financial, economic, and social impacts require detailed evaluation. Project appraisal tools such as Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and payback period will be explained and applied to the case, while also considering the broader costs, benefits, and risks for the economy and society.

The report concludes by drawing together the key findings from both parts, offering final recommendations for investors, policymakers, and stakeholders.

Section 1: Investment Advice on FTSE-100 Companies

Company Backgrounds

Tesco PLC is one of the UK’s largest retail companies, operating supermarkets, convenience stores, and online shopping services. It serves millions of customers daily and has a strong market share in the highly competitive grocery industry.

BP PLC is a multinational oil and gas company engaged in exploration, production, refining, and renewable energy investment. It is a global brand and one of the world’s “supermajor” energy firms, making it highly sensitive to changes in global oil prices, political conditions, and environmental regulations.

Financial Analysis

When advising on investment, it is important to consider profitability, efficiency, liquidity, and risk.

• Tesco PLC has shown stable revenue growth in recent years, supported by strong domestic sales and expansion in online services. Its operating profit margins are relatively low due to the competitive nature of retail, but consistent cost control has helped maintain stability. Liquidity ratios indicate that Tesco can meet its short-term obligations, while long-term debt levels have been reduced compared to the past, making the company more financially resilient.

• BP PLC, in contrast, is exposed to more volatility. Oil price fluctuations directly impact its revenue and profits. Although BP reported strong profits during periods of high oil prices, it has also faced large losses during downturns. The company is currently investing in renewable energy to transition towards a lower-carbon future, but this strategy requires high capital spending. Its dividend payments remain attractive to investors, although debt levels and environmental liabilities present risks.

International Setting

Tesco’s operations are primarily UK-focused, but it also runs businesses in Ireland, Central Europe, and Asia. International expansion has been challenging, with mixed results in past ventures. However, the company’s resilience in the domestic market provides stability for investors.

BP, as a global company, is heavily influenced by international conditions, including geopolitical risks, regulatory changes, and shifts in global energy demand. The transition towards renewable energy presents both risks and opportunities. Investors must consider not only the financial returns but also reputational and environmental responsibilities.

Continued...