Question 1: You are planning to invest $10,000 in ABC's bonds. Right now the stated rate of the bonds is seven percent, and the market rate is eight percent. The Federal Reserve System (FRS) is considering lowering the interest rate by two percent to help stimulate the economy sometime next year, but the final decision has not been made (or at least publicly announced).
Should you invest in the bonds now or wait until the FRS makes its announcement? What is your reasoning behind your decision? What affect will this have on ABC's financial statements? How long should you hold the bonds if you choose to invest?
Question 2: Morrison Company has created SPE. None of the executives of Morrison Company is associated with the SPE as it has its own new president and chief executive officer (CEO). The SPE will hold the bonds issued by Morrison Company in return for shares of Morrison Company stock of equal amount, including the present value of the interest payments, and will pay off the debt when it comes due.
In your opinion, are the actions of Morrison Company and the SPE ethical? Why or why not? Should Morrison Company report the debt on the balance sheet? Why or why not?