Suppose That Each of the Only Two Firms in an Industry

question 157

Multiple Choice

Suppose that each of the only two firms in an industry has the independent choice of advertising its product or not advertising.If neither advertises, each gets $10 million in profit; if both advertise, their profits will be $5 million each; and if one advertises while the other does not, the advertiser gets profit of $15 million and the other gets profit of $2 million.According to game theory, if the firms could collude to maximize profit:

• A)both may or may not advertise.
• B)one will advertise and the other will not.
• C)both will advertise.
• D)neither will advertise.

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Definitions:

Unrealized Gain

A profit that exists on paper resulting from an investment that has increased in value but has not yet been sold for cash.

Other Comprehensive Income

Revenues, expenses, gains, and losses not included in net income, but affecting shareholders' equity, like foreign currency translation adjustments.

Exposure Draft

A document issued by accounting or regulatory bodies for public comment, outlining proposed changes to accounting standards.

Contractual Cash Flows

The cash flows that are specified within the terms of a contract, especially important in the context of financial instruments.