The Use of High Levels of Debt in Acquisitions Has

question 58

Multiple Choice

The use of high levels of debt in acquisitions has contributed to:

• A) the increase in above-average returns earned by acquiring firms.
• B) an increased risk of bankruptcy for acquiring firms.
• C) the confidence of the stock market in firms issuing junk bonds.
• D) an increase in investments that have long-term payoffs.

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Definitions:

Outstanding Debt

The total amount of debt that a company or individual owes that has not yet been paid.

Nondiversifiable Risk

A type of risk inherent to the entire market or market segment that cannot be eliminated through diversification.

Beta

A financial metric that measures the volatility, or systemic risk, of a stock or portfolio compared to the market as a whole.

Company Cost

The total expenditure incurred by a company in the process of producing or selling goods and services.