Use the Following Information to Answer the Question(s) Below

question 108

Multiple Choice

Use the following information to answer the question(s) below.
If managed effectively, Rearden Metal will have assets with a market value of $200 million, $300 million, or $400 million next year, with each outcome being equally likely. Managers, however, may decided to engage in wasteful empire building, which will reduce Rearden's market value by $20 million in all cases. Managers may also increase the risk of the firm, changing the probability of each outcome to 50%, 5%, and 45% respectively.
-Suppose that the managers at Rearden Metal will engage in empire building unless that behavior increases the likelihood of bankruptcy.If Rearden has $180 million in debt due in one year,then the expected value of Rearden's assets are closest to:

• A) $265 million
• B) $280 million
• C) $295 million
• D) $300 million

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Definitions:

Decentralization

The distribution of decision-making powers from a central authority to lower levels in an organization or across various geographic locations.

Quality Managers

Professionals responsible for monitoring and maintaining the quality of products and services in a company to meet specified standards.

Responsibility Accounting

A system of accounting in which different sections of an organization are evaluated on the basis of their financial performance and managers are held accountable for operational results.

Lower-Level Managers

Managers who are at the first or second layer of the management hierarchy, typically responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and reporting to higher-level managers.