FIN660 Advanced Financial Strategies
Week 1 Discussion
DQ1 In the assigned article, “Making Mergers Succeed,” what do dealmakers identify as the key to making M&A succeed?
DQ2 The executives interviewed in the assigned article, “Making Mergers Succeed,” were generally positive with respect to the success of M&A activity. In contrast, much of the evidence cited in Chapter 1 of the textbook is critical of M&A activity and its ability to generate gains for stakeholders. How do you reconcile these divergent views? Can they be reconciled? What is your opinion? 
 
FIN660 Advanced Financial Strategies
Week 2 Discussion
DQ1 Go to the Schedule 13D on the “13D Monitor” website. Examine a sample report. What is the most important information contained in that report? Provide a rationale for your answer.
DQ2 Identify and discuss the four overarching questions that must be addressed in developing a viable business plan.
 
FIN660 Advanced Financial Strategies
Week 3 Discussion
DQ1 Using the assigned article, “The Elusive Art of Postmerger Leadership,” identify and define five challenges for CEOs and senior managers as they relate to post merger leadership. Which one of those challenges is most crucial?
DQ2 Review the assigned article, “Keeping the Sale of Your Private Company on Track.” What are the common preparation mistakes sellers make in preparing to sell their company? Which one of those mistakes is most likely to be fatal? Explain your answer.
 
FIN660 Advanced Financial Strategies
Week 4 Discussion
DQ1 Compare and contrast scenario analysis and sensitivity analysis. Provide an example to help explain your response.
DQ2 What are the tax consequences of acquisitions regarding: (a) most-favorable tax way for the selling shareholder and (b) the most-favorable tax way for the acquirer?
 
FIN660 Advanced Financial Strategies
Week 5 Discussion
DQ1 What are discount rates and capitalization rates? Explain.
DQ2 What factors might cause business specific risk to go down?
 
FIN660 Advanced Financial Strategies
Week 6 Discussion
DQ1 Compare and contrast Shareholder Value at Risk (SVAR) with premium risk.
DQ2 Review the table titled “What Is an Acquirer’s Risk in an All-Cash Deal?” in the Harvard Business Review article, “Stock or Cash?: The Trade-Offs for Buyers and Sellers in Mergers and Acquisitions.” Assume that the acquirer is smaller than the target. What does the table indicate given this assumption?
 
FIN660 Advanced Financial Strategies
Week 7 Discussion
DQ1 Which two issues do you consider as being the most difficult to resolve in a joint venture alliance? Frame your answer to include anticipated key points of differences from both participants and the most likely resolution.
DQ2 Find and discuss three articles that address how corporate culture impacts strategic alliances.
 
FIN660 Advanced Financial Strategies
Week 8 Discussion
DQ1 Describe and differentiate between what the terms spin-offs, carve-outs, split-ups, and split-offs mean. Provide examples to illustrate your descriptions.
DQ2 Compare and contrast tracking, targeted, and letter stocks. Provide specific examples to illustrate their similarities and differences.