Question: The Wall Street Journal (October 5, 2009) reported that analysts are worried about companies borrowing money to pay dividends and to repurchase outstanding shares of

The Wall Street Journal (October 5, 2009) reported that analysts are worried about companies borrowing money to pay dividends and to repurchase outstanding shares of stock. Aircraft parts manufacturer TransDigm Group borrowed $360 million to pay dividends, while Inter Corporation borrowed $1.5 billion to buy back shares of stock. These concerns of analysts are not new; in March 2007 the Wall Street Journal reported two instances of borrowings-for-dividends (Rexnord Corporation and Scotts Miracle-Gro) that sparked concerns. Companies have defended the actions, often citing historically low borrowing costs.
REQUIRED:
Discuss how the above transactions affect the basic accounting equation for the companies involved. What risks are posed when a company pursues such a strategy? What are the benefits of such a decision?

Step by Step Solution

3.51 Rating (185 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock

Borrowing money to pay dividends affects the right side of the accounting equation Liabilit... View full answer

blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Document Format (1 attachment)

Word file Icon

61-B-A-F-S (547).docx

120 KBs Word File

Students Have Also Explored These Related Accounting Questions!