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Financial Impact of Leverage on Firm's Cost Structure Quiz

#1

Which of the following best describes leverage in finance?

The amount of debt a firm has relative to its equity
Explanation

Leverage in finance refers to the use of borrowed funds to increase the potential return on investment.

#2

Which of the following best describes financial risk?

The risk of default on debt obligations
Explanation

Financial risk refers to the possibility of a company failing to meet its debt obligations.

#3

What is the relationship between financial leverage and return on equity (ROE)?

They have a positive correlation
Explanation

Financial leverage tends to increase a company's return on equity (ROE), assuming the return on assets (ROA) exceeds the cost of debt.

#4

What is the impact of high financial leverage on a firm's earnings per share (EPS) during favorable economic conditions?

It increases EPS
Explanation

High financial leverage tends to amplify a company's earnings per share (EPS) during favorable economic conditions.

#5

What is the primary advantage of using operating leverage in a firm's cost structure?

Increased potential returns to shareholders
Explanation

Operating leverage can enhance returns to shareholders by increasing the profitability of a company's operations.

#6

What is the primary advantage of using financial leverage in a firm's capital structure?

Increased potential returns to shareholders
Explanation

Financial leverage can amplify returns to shareholders by magnifying the effects of successful investments.

#7

Which of the following statements is true regarding operating leverage?

It measures the sensitivity of a firm's profits to changes in sales
Explanation

Operating leverage measures how sensitive a company's profits are to changes in sales volume.

#8

What is the formula to calculate the degree of financial leverage?

EBIT / Interest expense
Explanation

The degree of financial leverage is calculated by dividing a company's earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) by its interest expense.

#9

How does operating leverage affect a firm's risk?

It increases the variability of profits
Explanation

Operating leverage magnifies the effect of changes in sales on a company's profits, increasing profit variability.

#10

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using high financial leverage?

Increased risk of bankruptcy
Explanation

High financial leverage raises the risk of bankruptcy due to the higher debt burden.

#11

What effect does financial leverage have on a firm's weighted average cost of capital (WACC)?

It increases WACC
Explanation

Financial leverage raises a company's weighted average cost of capital (WACC) due to the higher cost of debt.

#12

How does financial leverage impact a firm's cost structure?

It increases the proportion of debt in the capital structure
Explanation

Financial leverage increases the use of debt financing relative to equity financing in a company's capital structure.

#13

What is the breakeven point in terms of operating leverage?

The point at which a firm's contribution margin equals its fixed costs
Explanation

The breakeven point in terms of operating leverage is where a company's revenue covers all its fixed costs.

#14

What is the significance of the breakeven point in financial analysis?

It shows the level of sales required to cover all costs
Explanation

The breakeven point indicates the sales volume needed for a company to cover all its costs and achieve a zero profit.

#15

How does a high degree of operating leverage affect a firm's sensitivity to changes in sales?

It increases sensitivity to changes in sales
Explanation

High operating leverage makes a company more sensitive to changes in sales volume, leading to greater swings in profits.

#16

In which scenario would operating leverage be highest?

A firm with high fixed costs and low variable costs
Explanation

Operating leverage is highest in companies with high fixed costs and low variable costs.

#17

What is the concept of financial distress?

A firm's inability to meet its short-term financial obligations
Explanation

Financial distress occurs when a company cannot meet its short-term financial obligations, potentially leading to bankruptcy.

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