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Non-Hedging Strategies
Acquisition of additional information: Test marketing, consumer surveys, and market research can reduce the risk of making poor decisions
At a specified price At a specified time
The party agreeing to buy the asset holds a “long” position
The party agreeing to sell the asset holds a “short” position
Fearful that the price of wheat will decline by November, Earthgrains constructs a short hedge by taking a short position in November wheat futures
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4
Risk Management Benefits
Management of risk at the firm level reduces the probability of financial distress and the loss of value from forced liquidation
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More on Futures Contracts
Futures contracts require:
Daily settlement between buyers and sellers (marking to market)