CIMA F3 Question Answer
The table below shows the forecast for a company's next financial year:
The forecast incorporates the following assumptions:
• 25% of operating costs are variable
• Debt finance comprises a $400 million fixed rate loan at 5%
• Corporate income tax is paid at 25%
The company plans to do the following next year from the forecast earnings on the assumption that earnings will be equivalent to free cash flow:
• Pay a total dividend of $20 million
• Invest $40 million in new projects
What is the maximum % reduction in operating activity that could occur next year before the company's dividend and investment plans are affected?
Give your answer to the nearest 0.1%.