Debt Policy at UST Case Questions Group members: Wei-Ting Liao; Cong Ren; Gerald Nyiti; Beidan Wang 1- ) Give a brief summary of the company background UST Inc. is a smokeless tobacco company which enjoyed a long tradition and a recognizable brand name. It is the leading producer of moist smokeless tobacco products and widely known for its conservative debt policy and uninterrupted cash dividend payout since 1912. The company is the major player in U.S. smokeless tobacco market. For example,
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Debt Policy at UST, Inc. Introduction In 1998 the U.S smokeless tobacco industry generated $2 billion of retail revenue with approximately 5 million consumers of moist tobacco and 7 million consumers of chewing tobacco including loose leaf, twist, plug and dry. Moist smokeless tobacco consumption approximated 50% of the total. The factors contributing to the continuous growth of the moist smokeless tobacco was the increased prevalence of smoking bans which had led customers to switch to smokeless
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Debt Policy at UST Inc. Executive Summary In the 1990’s, UST was a dominant producer of moist smokeless tobacco, controlling 77% of the market. Smokeless tobacco products consist of snuff (dry and moist) and chewing tobacco (loose leaf, plug and twist/roll) categories. UST was a market leader of the snuff product category, innovating with new product forms and flavors over the years. UST has also been a profitable company, boosting its shareholders’ earnings by undertaking measures such
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UST Inc. is considering a debt-for-equity recapitalization. In the deal, UST will issue $1 billion debt to buy back stocks. In class we argue that an important determinant of a firm’s debt policy is the tradeoff between the tax benefits of debt and the costs of financial distress and bankruptcy. Mature firms generating positive and stable operating income are more likely to take advantage of the debt tax shields and less likely to verge on bankruptcy, and thus may consider using more debt in their
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the next few years. UST is the largest smokeless tobacco producer controlling approximately 77% of the market. Historically, UST has been very aggressive with its price increases. This has resulted in a solid boost in the company’s earnings, and large payouts of dividends. UST is widely known for its conservative debt policy, and high dividend payout. This gives the company considerable attention on Wall Street. Despite a recent “neutral” outlook from Wall Street, UST has decided to borrow
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Debt Policy at UST Inc. Executive Summary In the 1990’s, UST was a dominant producer of moist smokeless tobacco, controlling 77% of the market. Smokeless tobacco products consist of snuff (dry and moist) and chewing tobacco (loose leaf, plug and twist/roll) categories. UST was a market leader of the snuff product category, innovating with new product forms and flavors over the years. UST has also been a profitable company, boosting its shareholders’ earnings by undertaking measures such
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Case Study: Debt Policy at UST Inc. UST Inc. is the leading producer of moist smokeless tobacco products which manage by using the conservative debt policy and high dividend payout. Since the firm has faced the decline of the growth from year 1993, the company decided to make the recapitalization by borrowing $1 billion to repurchase their stock in order to maximize the company’s value. By borrowing, interest charged on loan is tax-deductible which the firm can benefit from tax
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What are the primary business risks associated with UST inc.? What are the attributes of UST Inc.? Evaluate from the viewpoint of a bondholder. . UST Inc. is a long standing market leader in producing moist smokeless tobacco products. They were a key innovator in the market and have a long standing trusted and recognised brand name. They are known for their conservative debt policy and high dividend payouts. UST has maintained an A-1 credit rating, the highest rating for commercial papers
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projected income statement for 1996 and a pro forma balance sheet as of December 31, 1996.) b. As Mr. Clarkson’s financial adviser, would you urge him to go ahead with, or to reconsider, his anticipated expansion and plans for additional debt financing? c. As the banker, would you approve Mr. Clarkson’s loan request; and if so, what conditions would you put on the loan? Thursday, January 26: SureCut Shears, Inc. a. Evaluate SureCut’s financial performance using
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Debt Policy at UST Inc.1. What are the primary business risks associated with USTInc.? What are the attributes of UST Inc.? Evaluate from theviewpoint of the bondholder. Over the years, UST has been a dominant producer in the tobaccoindustry, specifically the moist tobacco industry. Even though the paststrategy with UST has entailed raising the prices of its products on aregular basis, the company still shows signs of positive growth.Additionally, there have been recent issues with smokeless tobaccoproducts
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