As a firm grows, it must support increases in revenue with new investments in assets. The sustainable, or self-supporting, growth model helps a firm assess how rapidly it can grow, while maintaining a balance between its cash outflows (increase in noncash assets) and inflows (funds resulting from increases in liabilities or equity).
Consider this case:
Green Caterpillar Garden Supplies Inc. has no debt in its capital structure and has $150 million in assets. Its sales revenues last year were $60 million with a net income of $5 million. The company distributed $1.60 million as dividends to its shareholders last year.
What is the firm’s sustainable growth rate?
A. 1.65%
B. 4.60%
C. 1.08%
D. 2.32%
Which of the following are assumptions of the sustainable (self-supporting) growth model? Check all that apply.
A. The firm’s total asset turnover ratio remains constant.
B. The firm pays no dividends.
C. This firm will not issue any new common stock next year.
D. The firm’s liabilities and equity must increase at the same rate.