Two Firms, Wickedly Efficient Widgets (WEW) and Wildly Nepotistic Widgets

question 21

Multiple Choice

Two firms, Wickedly Efficient Widgets (WEW) and Wildly Nepotistic Widgets (WNW) , both produce widgets with the same production function , where K is the input of capital and L is the input of labor. Each company can hire labor at $1 per unit and capital at $1 per unit. WEW produces 10 widgets per week, choosing its input combination so as to produce these 10 widgets in the cheapest way possible. WNW also produces 10 widgets per week, but its dotty CEO requires it to use twice as much labor as WEW uses. Given that it must use twice as many laborers as WEW does and must produce the same output, how much larger are WNW's total costs than WEW's?

• A) $10 per week
• B) $20 per week
• C) $15 per week
• D) $5 per week
• E) $2 per week

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Definitions:

Gordon Model

A mathematical model for valuing stock based on an assumed constant growth rate into the indefinite future.

Cost Of Retained Earnings

The opportunity cost for shareholders of having a company retain and reinvest earnings rather than distributing them as dividends, often approximated by the expected return on equity.

Dividend

A portion of a company's earnings that is paid to shareholders, typically on a quarterly basis, as decided by the board of directors.

Cost Of Capital

The necessary yield a business needs to achieve on investment endeavors to preserve its market capitalization and secure capital.