Assume That the Risk-Free Interest Rate in the U

question 10

Multiple Choice

Assume that the risk-free interest rate in the U.S. is the same as that in Country M. Assume that the government of Country M is more likely to rescue local firms that experience financial problems. Other things being equal, Country M's firms are likely to use a ____ degree of financial leverage than U.S. firms. If a firm based in Country M had the same degree of financial leverage and the same operating characteristics as a U.S. firm, its cost of capital would be ____ than that of the U.S. firm.

• A) higher; higher
• B) higher; lower
• C) lower; lower
• D) lower; higher

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Definitions:

Interest Rates

The cost of borrowing money, typically expressed as a percentage of the principal, paid by borrowers for the use of funds.

Market Value

The price at which an asset would trade in a competitive auction setting, reflecting its value to buyers and sellers.

Accounting Gain

A financial benefit that results from selling an asset at a price higher than its book value, recognized in the financial statements of a company.

Book Value

The value of an asset according to its balance sheet account balance, taking into account the cost of the asset less any depreciation, amortization, or impairment costs.