Financial Mangement Case
Questions for the Canadian Pacific case
In the case analyses you should take the perspective of an external consultant to the decision maker(s) in the case. The group write-up should consist of a short executive summary that cites the issue involved and outlines the recommended course of action and a brief description of the logic for the conclusion. The bulk of the write-up should consist of a presentation and defense of the logic that leads to the recommendations. Do not forget to cite the pros and cons of your recommendation(s). The write-up should be limited to three pages of text (typed, 1.5 spaced, 12 font with reasonable margins) and no limit to the number of pages of supporting tables, graphs and spreadsheets. For each case, I will provide discussion questions, but these should be used solely to help start your group analysis. The actual write-up should not be in the form of answers to those questions. Also, do not spend time reiterating information given in the case. I am more interested in your analysis and solution to the problem. Assume that I have read the case and adequately understand the issues.One should keep in mind that there is not necessarily “the right” answer to a case; different assumptions may lead to different solutions and decisions. There is, however, always a theoretically correct and sound approach to the problems encountered in cases.
The write-up should be in a form of consulting report, do not use a Q&A format.
1. Why does Canadian Pacific want to acquire Norfolk Southern? Do you believe there is a compelling economic rationale for the merger? (2 pts)
2. Using the financial projections in Exhibit 6, what is the stand-alone value of Norfolk Southern? In your analysis assume a cost of debt of 3.75%. (3 pts)
3. What is the present value of the projected merger benefits in Table A as of December 31, 2015? Using the data in Exhibit 9b, analyze the changes in market values of CP and NS in response to the rumors of a pending offer (11/06/15 – 11/09/15) and the initial CP offer (11/17/15 – 11/18/15). Is the market reaction consistent with your valuation of the projected merger benefits? (2.5 pts)
