Final answer:
Lakin Hydraulics should evaluate hedging options to protect against potential losses from euro exchange rate fluctuations. The decision should balance the cost of hedging against the risk of currency movements impacting profitability.
Step-by-step explanation:
On May 1, Lakin Hydraulics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar (US), sold equipment to Bock Tower Company of the Netherlands, where currency fluctuations resulted in an additional gain of $240,000 from favorable exchange rate movements. However, due to concerns about potential exchange rate reversals, Lakin's director of finance is considering whether to hedge against the euro. The director has four hedging options: hedging in the forward market, hedging in the money market, hedging with foreign currency options, or doing nothing. The possible outcomes were illustrated by the fluctuations of the euro from 1999 to 2017. If Lakin chooses not to hedge and the euro strengthens, this could result in less favorable conversion rates when receiving sales proceeds, while a weaker euro would benefit the company.Exchange rate changes can significantly influence a company's profits, as they impact the value of international sales and costs when converted to the domestic currency.
When deciding on a hedging strategy, Lakin should assess the potential financial impact of exchange rate fluctuations on its profitability and compare the costs associated with each hedging option against the potential risks of currency movements.