Chapter 13

Direct Foreign Investment Lecture Outline

Motives for Direct Foreign Investment (FDI)
Revenue-Related Motives Cost-Related Motives Comparing Benefits of FDI Among Countries Comparing Benefits of FDI Over Time

Benefits of International Diversification

Diversification Analysis of International Projects Diversification Among Countries

Decisions Subsequent to FDI Host Government Views of FDI

Incentives to Encourage FDI Barriers to FDI Government-Imposed Conditions to Engage in FDI

Impact of the Direct Foreign Investment Decision on an MNCs Value

Chapter Theme
The main purpose of this chapter is to illustrate why MNCs often use FDI and to suggest the various factors involved in the FDI decision. The specifics involved in quantifying costs and benefits of FDI are discussed in the following chapter. Thus, this chapter should be covered in general terms as to the costs and benefits of FDI. The chapter implicitly suggests that each firm may benefit from FDI by capitalizing on some unique perceived advantages of the foreign market. Yet, all FDI decisions relate to the MNCs overall risk and return objectives.

Topics to Stimulate Class Discussions

1. Why would a large advanced MNC consider FDI in some less developed country? 2. Assume that you produce plastic computer pieces for computer companies. The pieces require very little technology. Where would you like to establish FDI? (The point of this question is to force consideration of various characteristics that are incorporated in a FDI decision.) 3. What factors would be considered when deciding whether a subsidiary should reinvest earnings or remit them to the parent? 4. The FDI decision is related to marketing, finance, and management. What is the role of each area in the FDI decision? (This question is not explicitly covered in the text but allows students to consider the differences in disciplines as related to the broad corporate function of FDI.) 5. Do you think FDI is primarily intended to reduce production costs or increase sales? Discuss.

Critical debate Should MNCs Avoid FDI in Countries with Liberal Child Labour Laws?
Proposition Yes. An MNC should maintain its hiring standards, regardless of what country it is in. Even if a foreign country allows children to work, an MNC should not lower its standards. Although the MNC forgoes the use of low-cost labor, it maintains its global credibility. Opposing view No. An MNC will not only benefit its shareholders, but will create employment for some children who need support. The MNC can provide reasonable working conditions and perhaps may even offer educational programs for its employees. With whom do you agree? Review sites such as http://www.corporatewatch.org and contrast http://www.cleanclothes.org/companies/adidas00-05-05.htm with http://www.adidasgroup.com/en/overview/corporate_governance/sea/default.asp also see http://cbae.nmsu.edu/~dboje/AA/academics_reebok.html for a more sympathetic view of MNCs see http://www.fdimagazine.com/ (keywords being Corporatewatch, Adidas, Cleanclothes , Standards of Engagement, academics studying and FDI) But remember that these sites and others are not impartial and often present a distorted picture. You must take care to think of both sides of the argument.

ANSWER: The issue is whether standards should be absolute (proposer) or relative (opposing view). Perhaps there should be minimum standards to be observed in all areas and then only relative standards. As well as thinking about the effect in the developing country, consider the effect in the developed country. If goods have to be set at prices that do not include payment of taxes and social

security payments, how are developed countries going to fund pensions etc. Or should developed countries be specialixing in more advanced products and services.

Answers to End of Chapter Questions

1. Motives for FDI. Describe some potential benefits to an MNC as a result of direct foreign investment (FDI). Elaborate on each type of benefit. Which motives for FDI do you think encouraged Nike to expand its footwear production in Latin America? ANSWER: See the text exhibit in this chapter for a complete summary of the potential benefits. Regarding Nikes motives, Latin America offers additional sources of demand, as Latin American consumers have shown an interest in Nike footwear (this is partially due to increased marketing targeted to Latin American markets). Second, Nike may be able to produce their athletic footwear at relatively low costs in some Latin American countries, as the production is labor-intensive and wages are low. Third, Nike may benefit from economies of scale by producing a large amount and exporting the additional shoes for sale to nearby countries. Fourth, the expansion into Latin America allows Nike to further diversify its business internationally. 2. Impact of a Weak Currency on Feasibility of FDI. Tilda AB, a Swedish producer of computer disks, plans to establish a subsidiary in the Ukraine in order to penetrate the Middle Eastern market. Tildas executives believe that the Ukrainian Hryvnias value is relatively strong and will weaken against the Swedish Krone over time. If their expectations about the Hryvnias value are correct, how will this affect the feasibility of the project? Explain. ANSWER: If the Hryvnias value is relatively strong now, Tilda will incur high costs of establishing a Mexican subsidiary. In addition, if the Hryvnia weakens, future remitted earnings by the subsidiary to the parent will be converted to fewer Krone. Tilda will be adversely affected by the exchange rate movements (although the project may still be feasible). 3. FDI to Achieve Economies of Scale. Max AG. and Marie AG are German automobile manufacturers that desire to benefit from economies of scale. Max has decided to establish distributorship subsidiaries in various countries, while Marie has decided to establish manufacturing subsidiaries in various countries. Which firm is more likely to benefit from economies of scale? ANSWER: Max is likely to benefit because it is maintaining all of its manufacturing in one area. If Marie spreads its production facilities, it will incur higher fixed costs of machinery. 4. FDI to Reduce Cash Flow Volatility. Rideau Chemical SA and Robert Sarl (both French companies) have similar intentions to reduce the volatility of their cash flows. Rideau implemented a long-range plan to establish 40 percent of its business in Canada. Robert implemented a long-range plan to establish 30 percent of its business in Europe and Asia, scattered among 12 different countries. Which company will more effectively reduce cash flow volatility once the plans are achieved? ANSWER: Robert would likely be more effective because its international business is spread across several major countries, while Rideau Chemical Company is concentrated in only one foreign country whose business cycles are possibly more related to Europe.

5. Impact of Import Restrictions. If the United Kingdom imposed long-term restrictions on imports, would the amount of FDI by non-UK MNCs in the United Kingdom increase, decrease, or be unchanged? Explain. ANSWER: It would likely increase because the foreign firms would need to replace their exporting business with FDI in order to maintain their business in the UK. This is in effect what the EU has done in setting local content requirements to avoid tariffs. 6. Capitalizing on Low-Cost Labor. Some MNCs establish a manufacturing facility where there is a relatively low cost of labor. Yet, they sometimes close the facility later because the cost advantage dissipates. Why do you think the relative cost advantage of these countries is reduced over time? (Ignore possible exchange rate effects.) ANSWER: As MNCs capitalize on low cost labor, they may create a strong demand for labor, which can cause labor shortages and increased wage rates, thereby reducing any cost advantage. 7. Opportunities in Less Developed Countries. Offer your opinion on why economies of some less developed countries with strict restrictions on international trade and FDI are somewhat independent from economies of other countries. Why would MNCs desire to enter such countries? If these countries relaxed their restrictions, would their economies continue to be independent of other economies? Explain. ANSWER: Countries that are unrelated to other economies are desirable because business in these countries would not be subject to existing business cycles in other countries. Consequently, an MNCs overall cash flow may be more stable. However, a typical reason why these countries economies are independent of other economies is government restrictions on international trade and FDI. Thus, their economies are insulated from other countries. Yet, this means that while these countries may be desirable to MNCs, they may also be off limits to MNCs. If the governments of these countries loosen restrictions, the MNCs could enter these countries, but the economies of these countries could no longer be as insulated from the rest of the world. 8. Consider the effects on FDI of a major political incident involving the host country of the MNC making the investment. ANSWER: Real investment abroad may be put at risk as the MNC could be seen as a potential terrorist target. There may be expenses associated with security to ensure the safety of the employees. The cost of insuring the plant would also be higher. 9. FDI Strategy. Luigi SpA (an Italian company) has decided to establish a subsidiary in Taiwan that will produce stereos and sell them there. It expects that its cost of producing these stereos will be one-third the cost of producing them in the Italy. Assuming that its production cost estimates are accurate, is Luigis strategy sensible? Explain. ANSWER: No. Luigi recognized an advantage of producing stereos in Taiwan versus the euro zone. Yet, this is only an advantage if Luigi sells the stereos produced in Taiwan to the euro zone market. All of Luigis competition in the Taiwan market will have the same production costs as Luigis Taiwan subsidiary, so Luigi would not have an advantage in the Taiwan market. 10. Risk Resulting from International Business. This chapter concentrates on possible benefits to a firm that increases its international business.

a. What are some risks of international business that may not exist for local business? b. What does this chapter reveal about the relationship between an MNCs degree of international business and its risk?

ANSWER: a. Some of the more common risks of FDI are a government takeover and changing tax laws. There are additional risks (discussed in other chapters) such as currency restrictions, high probability of war, and declining economic conditions.

b. Firms with more international business can reduce risk with diversification. Thus, firms could
reduce their risk by increasing their degree of international business. However, there are some exceptions. A firm that pursues substantial international business in one country may increase its risk, especially if it does not fully understand the consumers and government laws in that country. In general, a firm becomes exposed to some types of risk that may not have existed before it pursued international business, but the diversification benefits may offset these types of risk. 11. Motives for FDI. Starter ltd (UK) produces sportswear that is licensed by professional sports teams. It recently decided to expand in Europe. What are the potential benefits for this firm from using FDI? ANSWER: The primary reason would be to attract new sources of demand. This type of sportswear is much more popular in the UK, but the UK market is possibly saturated. The European market offers new sources of demand because European people have not been exposed to this type of sportswear. 12. Disneys FDI Motives. What potential benefits do you think were most important in the decision of the Walt Disney Co. to build a theme park in France? ANSWER: There is no simple answer to this question, but the question usually leads to an interesting discussion. Some of the more likely motives as related to those discussed in this chapter are: a. New sources of demandanother theme park in the U.S. would have less potential, since U.S. tourists are willing to travel to California or Florida to see the theme parks. b. Economies of scale should result from the new theme park, because much of the costs associated with planning a theme park have already been incurred. Also, the sales of Disney toys will increase, allowing for additional economies of scale in production. c. French labor may not necessarily be less costly than U.S. labor, but there may be a cost advantage to the land in France (due to land subsidies provided by the French government). d. Exploit monopolistic advantagesthere are other theme parks in Europe. Yet, some tourists may feel that no other theme park is an adequate substitute for Disney. Thus, Disney can now attract tourists who are unwilling to travel to the U.S. e. Diversificationthe Disney theme parks in the U.S. have experienced reduced sales when the dollar is strong because foreign tourism in the U.S. declines. A theme park in France may appeal to tourists who decide not to travel to the U.S. when the dollar is strong (euro is weak). In fact, it may even attract more tourists from the U.S. when the dollar is strong.

13. FDI Strategy. Once an MNC establishes a subsidiary, FDI remains an ongoing decision. What does this statement mean? ANSWER: The subsidiary established due to FDI will generate earnings that are to be either reinvested in the host country or remitted to the parent. This reflects a continuous FDI decision of whether to expand in the host country. 14. Host Government Incentives for FDI. Why would foreign governments provide MNCs with incentives to undertake FDI there? ANSWER: Foreign governments sometimes expect that FDI will provide needed employment or technology for a country. For these reasons, they may provide incentives to encourage FDI.

Advanced Questions
15. FDI Strategy. J.C. Penney has recognized numerous opportunities to expand in foreign countries and has assessed many foreign markets, including Brazil, Greece, Mexico, Portugal, Singapore, and Thailand. It has opened new stores in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. In each case, the firm was aware that it did not have sufficient understanding of the culture of each country that it had targeted. Consequently, it engaged in joint ventures with local partners who knew the preference of the local customers. a. What comparative advantage does J.C. Penney have when establishing a store in a foreign country, relative to an independent variety store? b. Why might the overall risk of J.C. Penney decrease or increase as a result of its recent global expansion? c. J.C. Penney has been more cautious about entering China. Explain the potential obstacles associated with entering China.

a. J.C. Penney has name recognition, which could result in customer trust, and therefore a
stronger demand for its products. It also has marketing expertise that it applies to each store. It also has economies of scale, because it could buy its products in bulk and distribute the products to the stores that need those products. b. Its risk may decrease because it has a strategy that allows it to utilize its expertise, while relying on foreign expertise for part of the business that requires knowledge about foreign cultures. Also, it has created more international diversification by spreading its store throughout more foreign markets, so that its overall performance is not as heavily influenced by U.S. economic conditions. Its risk could have increased if it selected local partners in the foreign countries that do not properly apply their knowledge of the local culture when making decisions about the types of products that the store should carry.

c. Obstacles include high inflation in China, difficulties in converting foreign currency,

difficulties in efficiently distributing products across stores, and the lack of disposable income for many China residents.

16. FDI Location Decision. Pimlico ltd is a UK firm with a Chinese subsidiary that produces cell phones in China and sells them in Japan. This subsidiary pays its wages and its rent in Chinese yuan, which is presently tied to the dollar. The cell phones sold to Japan are denominated in Japanese yen. Assume that Pimlico ltd expects that the Chinese yuan will continue to stay fixed against the dollar. The subsidiarys main goal is to generate profits for itself and reinvest the profits. It does not plan to remit any funds to the UK parent. a. Assume that the Japanese yen strengthens against the US dollar over time. How would this be expected to affect the profits earned by the Chinese subsidiary? b. If Pimlico ltd had established its subsidiary in Tokyo, Japan instead of China, would its subsidiarys profits be more exposed or less exposed to exchange rate risk? c. Why do you think that Pimlico ltd established the subsidiary in China instead of Japan? Assume no major country risk barriers. d. If the Chinese subsidiary needs to borrow money to finance its expansion and wants to reduce its exchange rate risk, should it borrow US dollars, Chinese yuan, or Japanese yen?

ANSWER: a. If the yen appreciates against the dollar, it appreciates against the yuan, which results in higher yuan cash flows to the Chinese subsidiary. b. If the subsidiary was established in Tokyo, Japan, it would be less exposed to exchange rate risk. c. Pimlico may have established the subsidiary in order to take advantage of the low-cost labor in China. d. If the subsidiary needs to borrow money, it should borrow Japanese yen, because its revenue are also denominated in yen.

Blades plc Case Study

Consideration of Foreign Direct Investment For the last year, Blades plc has been exporting to Thailand in order to supplement its declining US sales. Under the existing arrangement, Blades sells 180,000 pairs of roller blades annually to Entertainment Products, a Thai retailer, for a fixed price denominated in Thai baht. The agreement will last for another two years. Furthermore, to diversify internationally and to take advantage of an attractive offer by Jogs Inc a US retailer, Blades has recently begun exporting to the United States. Under the resulting agreement, Jogs will purchase 200,000 pairs of Speedos, Blades primary product, annually at a fixed price of $80 per pair. Blades suppliers of the needed components for its roller blade production are located primarily in the United Kingdom, where Blades incurs the majority of its cost of goods sold. Although prices for inputs needed to manufacture roller blades vary, recent costs have run approximately 70 per pair. Blades also imports components from Thailand because of the relatively low price of rubber and plastic components and because of their high quality. These imports are denominated in Thai baht, and the exact price (in baht) depends on prevailing market prices for these components in Thailand. Currently, inputs sufficient to manufacture a pair of roller blades cost approximately 3,000 Thai baht per pair of roller blades. Although Thailand had been among the worlds fastest growing economies, recent events in Thailand have increased the level of economic uncertainty. Specifically, the Thai baht, which had been pegged to the dollar, is now a freely floating currency and has depreciated substantially in recent months. Furthermore, recent levels of inflation in Thailand have been very high. Hence, future economic conditions in Thailand are highly uncertain. Ben Holt, Blades financial director, is seriously considering FDI in Thailand. He believes that this is a perfect time to either establish a subsidiary or acquire an existing business in Thailand because the uncertain economic conditions and the depreciation of the baht have substantially lowered the initial costs required for FDI. Holt believes the growth potential in Asia will be extremely high once the Thai economy stabilizes. Although Holt has also considered FDI in the United States, he would prefer that Blades invest in Thailand as opposed to the United States. Forecasts indicate that the demand for roller blades in the United States is similar to that in the United Kingdom; since Blades UK sales have recently declined because of the high prices it charges, Holt expects that FDI in the United States will yield similar results. Furthermore, both domestic and foreign roller blade manufacturers are relatively well established in the United States, so the growth potential there is limited. Holt believes the Thai roller blade market offers more growth potential. Blades can sell its products at a lower price but generate higher profit margins in Thailand than it can in the United Kingdom. This is because the Thai customer has committed itself to purchase a fixed number of Blades products annually only if it can purchase Speedos at a substantial discount from the UK price. Nevertheless, since the cost of goods sold incurred in Thailand is substantially below that incurred in the United States, Blades has managed to generate higher profit margins from its Thai exports and imports than in the United Kingdom. As a financial analyst for Blades plc you generally agree with Ben Holts assessment of the situation. However, you are concerned that Thai consumers have not been affected yet by the unfavorable economic conditions. You believe that they may reduce their spending on leisure products within the next year. Therefore, you think it would be beneficial to wait until next year, when the unfavorable economic conditions in Thailand may subside, to make a decision regarding FDI in Thailand. However, if economic conditions in Thailand improve over the next year, FDI may become more expensive both because target firms will be more expensive and because the baht may

appreciate. You are also aware that several of Blades UK competitors are considering expanding into Thailand in the next year. If Blades acquires an existing business in Thailand or establishes a subsidiary there by the end of next year, it would fulfill its agreement with Entertainment Products for the subsequent year. The Thai retailer has expressed an interest in renewing the contractual agreement with Blades at that time if Blades establishes operations in Thailand. However, Holt believes that Blades could charge a higher price for its products if it establishes its own distribution channels. Holt has asked you to answer the following questions: 1. Identify and discuss some of the benefits that Blades plc could obtain from FDI. 2. Do you think Blades should wait until next year to undertake FDI in Thailand? What is the tradeoff if Blades undertakes the FDI now? 3. Do you think Blades should renew its agreement with the Thai retailer for another three years? What is the tradeoff if Blades renews the agreement? 4. Assume a high level of unemployment in Thailand and a unique production process employed by Blades, Inc. How do you think the Thai government would view the establishment of a subsidiary in Thailand by firms such as Blades? Do you think the Thai government would be more or less supportive if firms such as Blades acquired existing businesses in Thailand? Why?

Solution to Continuing Case Problem: Blades

1. Identify and discuss some of the benefits that Blades could obtain from FDI. ANSWER: First, since Blades growth potential in the United Kingdom is limited, it could utilize Thailand in order to attract new sources of demand, especially since the growth potential in future years is high. Second, Blades is able to generate higher profit margins in Thailand than in the UK Third, raw materials are less expensive in Thailand than they are in the UK Fourth, by expanding its operations to Thailand, Blades is more diversified and reduces its exposure to the UK economy. 2. Do you think Blades should wait until next year to undertake FDI in Thailand? What is the tradeoff if Blades undertakes the FDI now? ANSWER: If Blades undertakes the direct foreign investment now, the initial outlay required will be relatively low due to the recent economic conditions in Thailand and due to the depreciation of the baht. However, if economic conditions do not improve within the next year, Blades may not generate the expected return on its Thai investment and may have to sell its Thai operations at a loss. If Blades waits until next year to make its decision, economic conditions may have improved and there may be less uncertainty associated with the investment. However, if economic conditions in Thailand do improve, the initial outlay required to invest in Thailand will have increased. Furthermore, Blades competitors may already be established in Thailand next year, which would make it harder for Blades to gain market share there. 3. Do you think Blades should renew its agreement with the Thai retailer for another three years? What is the tradeoff if Blades renews the agreement? ANSWER: If Blades renews the agreement with the Thai retailer, it will have to maintain the relatively low prices it charges the Thai retailer. It may be able to charge higher prices by establishing its own distribution channels. If economic conditions in Thailand improve, demand for Blades products in Thailand will likely be strong, and Blades would probably generate higher profit margins by using its own distribution channels. However, if economic conditions in

Thailand continue to deteriorate, the agreement would be an advantage for Blades, as it guarantees the sale of a minimum number of products sold each year. 4. Assume a high level of unemployment in Thailand and a unique production process employed by Blades. How do you think the Thai government would view the establishment of a subsidiary in Thailand by firms such as Blades? Do you think the Thai government would be more or less supportive if firms such as Blades acquired existing businesses in Thailand? Why? ANSWER: Given a high level of unemployment in Thailand and a unique production process employed by Blades to manufacture roller blades, the Thai government would be faced with a tradeoff if Blades would like to establish a subsidiary in Thailand. On the one hand, locally owned businesses in Thailand may lose business because of the new competition, which may increase the level of unemployment in Thailand. Conversely, if a firm such as Blades acquires an existing business in Thailand, the level of unemployment in Thailand may be reduced if the firm employs local labor. Furthermore, if the Thai government requires Blades to share its technology, other Thai firms may benefit. Thus, the Thai government would probably be more supportive of firms that acquire existing firms as opposed to those establishing a subsidiary in Thailand, assuming that the acquisition was not intended to downsize the target.

Small Business Dilemma

Foreign Direct Investment Decision by the Sports Exports Company Jim Logans business, the Sports Exports Company (Ireland), continues to grow. His primary product is the basketballs he produces and exports to a distributor in the United Kingdom. However, his recent joint venture with a British firm has also been successful. Under this arrangement, a British firm produces other sporting goods for Jims firm; these goods are then delivered to that distributor. Jim intentionally started his international business by exporting because it was easier and cheaper to export than to establish a place of business in the United Kingdom. However, he is considering establishing a firm in the United Kingdom to produce the basketballs there instead of in Ireland. This firm would also produce the other sporting goods that he now sells, so he would no longer have to rely on another British firm (through the joint venture) to produce those goods. 1. Given the information provided here, what are the advantages to Jim of establishing the firm in the United Kingdom? 2. Given the information provided here, what are the disadvantages to Jim of establishing the firm in the United Kingdom?

Small Business Dilemma

Direct Foreign Investment Decision by the Sports Exports Company
1. Given the information provided here, what are the advantages to Jim of establishing the firm in the United Kingdom? ANSWER: One advantage is that most of the expenses of the firm would be denominated in the same currency (pounds) as the currency that is received when selling the goods. A second advantage is that there would be less delays when transporting the goods from the point of

production to the distributor because the point of production would be in the same country as the distributor. A third possible advantage is that the firm would avoid any potential trade restrictions by producing the goods in the country where they are to be sold. 2. Given the specific information provided here, what are the disadvantages to Jim of establishing the firm in the United Kingdom? ANSWER: One disadvantage is that Jim would incur new expenses associated with establishing a firm in the United Kingdom. He presently uses his garage and a warehouse to produce and store basketballs. The new expense of establishing a firm in the United Kingdom may outweigh all the possible advantages. Another disadvantage is that Jim may not be able to monitor the firms business unless he moves to the United Kingdom.