Identify and briefly compare the two leading stock exchanges in the United States today. Select one company for each exchange and discuss how the company’s stock has performed in the

Case Study 8.1

Answer the following questions in a paper of eight to ten pages with at least five cited sources. All sources must be properly cited and referenced. Assignment must be APA compliance.

1. Identify and briefly compare the two leading stock exchanges in the United States today. Select one company for each exchange and discuss how the company's stock has performed in the last 12 months. Would you consider investing in this company? Why or why not?
2. What is free cash flow? Why is it the most important measure of cash flow?
3. If you were starting a business, what tax considerations might cause you to prefer to set it up as a proprietorship or a partnership rather than as a corporation?
4. A sinking fund can be set up in one of two ways. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure from the viewpoint of both the firm and its bondholders.
5. In theory, market risk should be the only "relevant" risk. However, companies focus as much on stand-alone risk as on market risk. What are the reasons for the focus on stand-alone risk?
6. Name and describe five key factors that affect a firm's external financing requirements.

Writing Requirements

• 8-10 pages in length  (excluding cover page, abstract, and reference list)