M3D1: Fuling Plastics: A Fork in the Road

Instructions

When preparing for your discussion post on this case, it is recommended that you read through it several times. Read through it the first time to familiarize yourself with the case. On the second reading, consider your assigned role in the situation, and let that guide your perspective. Look deeper at the details: facts, problems, organizational goals, objectives, policies, strategies. 

Next, consider the concepts, theories, tools and research you need to use to address the issues presented.

Then, complete any research, analysis, calculations, or graphing to support your decisions and make recommendations.

Background Information

This discussion addresses the following Module Outcomes:

Evaluate a firm’s use of leverage using financial statement analysis. (CO1, CO2)

Evaluate trends in the firm’s pattern of operations using financial statement analysis. (CO2, CO3, CO4)

Evaluate the financial position of the firm using time and trend or peer-group analysis. (CO2, CO4)

Fuling Plastics USA is a subsidiary of Fuling Global, Inc 

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(Nasdaq ticker symbol FORK). Fuling manufactures environmentally-friendly plastic food-service disposable products (‘disposables’). Their historic strength has been in the production of disposable cutlery, the quality and value of which has satisfied the exacting requirements of large, sophisticated, multinational purchasers that have decades of experience sourcing foodservice disposables. Fuling has built on that strength to deliver drinking straws, cutlery and serviceware, such as cups and plates, to customers around the world (Fuling Plastics USA, 2015). However, their largest customer base is in the United States, which accounts for more than 90% of their revenues. Fuling has been in discussion with Bunzl Distribution USA, which owns and operates more than 100 warehouses that serve all 50 states and Puerto Rico, as well as Canada, the Caribbean and parts of Mexico. Bunzl Distribution controls more than 4,000 employees and 400,000-plus items in stock at any time (Bunzl Distribution, 2016).

Discussion Prompt

For purposes of this discussion, assume that you are the finance manager for Fuling Plastics, USA. In speaking with other managers, the firm's chief executive officer (CEO) has determined that substantial opportunities for growth exist. You have been invited to discuss Fuling Plastics, USA's financial ability to take advantage of these opportunities. You are aware that acquisition of Bunzl’ssupply chain abilities and existing assets are seen as an important strategy in managing Fuling Plastics’ growth rate. Assume that current sales are $1,000. Fuling Plastics USA growth may exceed 50% in the upcoming year, and the Bunzl partnership may help alleviate the need for an expansion in fixed assets through other means. Using a percentage of sales methodology, assume that Fuling’s net fixed assets are a fixed percentage (180 percent) of its sales, while costs are a fixed 80% of sales, so the firm’s profit margin is constant. The company hopes to achieve at least a 25% growth in sales in the coming year. At the current level of sales, with Bunzl additions, capacity utilization will stand at 80%. Assume that Fuling maintains a fixed dividend ratio of 33.3%. Assume thatcurrent liabilities do not vary spontaneously with sales; we will disregard the effects of depreciation.

50% increase in sales

Table 1. Fuling Data

Tasks

Compute and evaluate Fuling’s external financing needed (EFN) in the event that sales grow 25% in the upcoming year, and explain each factor which the company must consider in planning for this level of growth. Specifically, consider capacity utilization and external financing needed.

Compute and evaluate Fuling’s options in the event that sales subsequently grow an additional 50% and the firm wishes to maintain current assets at 20% of sales, explaining which components of its financial policy the company must consider in planning for this level of growth. Specifically, consider profit margin, dividend policy, financial policy, and total asset turnover.

Responses should comprise 200–600 words.

References

Bunzl Distribution. (2016). Your source for food packaging, cleaning products, plastic packaging and more.

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Fuling Plastics USA. (2015). Home.

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Post two additional replies to classmates, offering critical analyses and comments relating to their determinations and evaluations ofFuling’s options. Please cite sources of additional research, and examine areas where you do and do not believe that your classmates’ statements make optimal use of assigned readings, or could otherwise include additional considerations.

Consult the Discussion Posting Guide for information about writing your discussion posts. It is recommended that your write your post in a document first. Check your work and correct any spelling or grammatical errors. When you are ready to make your initial post, click on the "Reply". Then copy/paste the text into the message field, and click "Post Reply." 

To respond to a peer, click “Reply” beneath her or his post and continue as with an initial post.

Evaluation

This discussion will be graded using the discussion board rubric. Please review this rubric, located on the Rubrics page within the Start Here module of the course, prior to beginning your work to ensure your participation meets the criteria in place for this discussion. All discussions combined are worth 20% of your final course grade.