ZTec, a firm providing Internet services, reported net income of $10 million in the most recent year, while making $25 million in capital expenditures (depreciation was $5 million). The firm had no working capital needs and uses no debt.
a. Can the firm afford to payout dividends right now? Why or why not?
b. Assuming net income grows 40% a year and that net capital expenditures grow 10% a year, when will the firm be in a position to pay dividends?