Review “Mini Case: Planning for Growth at S&S Air” in your textbook on page 129, also found at the end of Chapter 4 in your textbook. Then, answer the following questions:
- Calculate the internal growth rate and sustainable growth rate for S&S Air. What do these numbers mean? How do you know?
- S&S Air is planning for a growth rate of 12% next year. Calculate the EFN for the company assuming the company is operating at full capacity. Can the company’s sales increase at this growth rate? Explain your reasoning.
- Most assets can be increased as a percentage of sales. For instance, cash can be increased by any amount. However, fixed assets must be increased in specific amounts because it is impossible, as a practical matter, to buy part of a new plant or machine. In this case, a company has a “staircase” or “lumpy” fixed cost structure. Assume S&S Air is currently producing at 100% capacity. As a result, to increase production, the company must set up an entirely new line at a cost of $5,000,000. Calculate the new EFN with this assumption. What does this imply about capacity utilization for the company next year?