- 20 Marks
SCS – Mar2025 – L3 – Q4 – Financial Management
AML evaluates money market and forward contract hedges to mitigate USD/GHS exchange rate risk on USD 10M gold export revenue, with calculations and internal hedging strategies.
Question
Akosa Minerals Limited (AML) exports a significant portion of its gold production, making its revenue highly sensitive to global gold prices and exchange rate fluctuations. Recently, gold prices have surged to a six-month high of USD 2,904.4 per troy ounce, creating an opportunity for AML to maximize export earnings. However, the company also faces foreign exchange risk, as the Ghanaian cedi (GHS) may depreciate before AML receives its USD payments.
To mitigate this risk, AML’s finance team is considering two hedging strategies: money market hedge and forward contracts. The company must determine which approach provides the best protection against exchange rate fluctuations while optimising its financial position.
AML expects to receive USD 10 million from gold exports in three months. The company is concerned that the USD/GHS exchange rate may depreciate and is evaluating both a money market hedge and a forward contract. The following information is available:
- Current spot exchange rate: 1 USD = 12.50 GHS
- Three-month forward rate: 1 USD = 12.20 GHS
Three-month interest rates: - USD borrowing rate: 4% per annum
- USD deposit rate: 3% per annum
- GHS borrowing rate: 23% per annum
- GHS deposit rate: 18% per annum
Required:
a) Explain the concept of both the money market hedge and forward contract hedge, and how AML can use each to mitigate its exchange rate risk.
(6 marks)
b) Calculate the amount AML needs to borrow or invest today in both USD and GHS under the money market hedge to fully hedge the future receipt of USD 10 million.
(4 marks)
c) Calculate the GHS amount AML would receive if it chooses the forward contract hedge instead.
(2 marks)
d) Compare the GHS amounts received under the money market hedge and forward contract hedge. Recommend the better option for AML based on the calculations.
(2 marks)
e) Discuss THREE internal hedging techniques AML can employ to mitigate the depreciation of the Ghana Cedi against the US Dollar.
(6 marks)
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