Harvard Case - Saizeriya and the Use of Foreign Currency Coupon Swaps: Was This for Hedging or Speculation?
"Saizeriya and the Use of Foreign Currency Coupon Swaps: Was This for Hedging or Speculation?" Harvard business case study is written by Mitsuru Misawa. It deals with the challenges in the field of General Management. The case study is 38 page(s) long and it was first published on : Mar 26, 2014
At Fern Fort University, we recommend that Saizeriya adopt a more transparent and ethical approach to foreign currency coupon swaps, prioritizing risk management and hedging over speculative gains. This involves implementing a comprehensive risk assessment framework, establishing clear guidelines for swap usage, and enhancing internal controls to ensure compliance with ethical and legal standards.
2. Background
Saizeriya, a popular Italian casual dining chain in Japan, faced scrutiny for its use of foreign currency coupon swaps. The company's strategy involved purchasing coupons denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the US dollar, and then using them to pay suppliers. This strategy was intended to capitalize on fluctuations in exchange rates, potentially generating profits. However, the practice raised concerns about its transparency and potential for speculative behavior.
The main protagonists in this case are Saizeriya's management, who implemented the foreign currency coupon swap strategy, and the investors and regulators who questioned the company's motives and the potential risks associated with this approach.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
This case study can be analyzed through the lens of financial management, risk management, and corporate governance.
Financial Management: Saizeriya's strategy aimed to leverage the potential for profit from currency fluctuations. This approach is not inherently wrong, but it requires careful consideration of risk and potential downsides. The company's use of foreign currency coupons could be seen as a form of speculation, as it involved taking on significant exposure to currency fluctuations.
Risk Management: Saizeriya's lack of transparency regarding its foreign currency coupon swap strategy raised concerns about its risk management practices. The company's failure to adequately disclose the potential risks associated with this strategy could have negatively impacted investor confidence and potentially exposed the company to legal and regulatory scrutiny.
Corporate Governance: The case highlights the importance of transparency and ethical behavior in corporate governance. Saizeriya's decision to engage in foreign currency coupon swaps without clearly communicating its strategy to investors and stakeholders raised questions about its commitment to good corporate governance.
4. Recommendations
To address the concerns raised by Saizeriya's foreign currency coupon swap strategy, the company should implement the following recommendations:
- Establish a comprehensive risk assessment framework: Saizeriya should develop a robust framework for assessing and managing the risks associated with foreign currency transactions. This framework should include identifying potential risks, evaluating their likelihood and impact, and developing mitigation strategies.
- Develop clear guidelines for swap usage: The company should establish clear guidelines for using foreign currency coupon swaps, defining the specific circumstances under which they are appropriate. These guidelines should prioritize hedging against currency risks and discourage speculative behavior.
- Enhance internal controls: Saizeriya should strengthen its internal controls to ensure compliance with ethical and legal standards related to foreign currency transactions. This includes implementing robust monitoring systems, establishing clear reporting processes, and ensuring that all transactions are properly documented.
- Increase transparency and disclosure: The company should proactively disclose its foreign currency swap strategy to investors and stakeholders, providing clear and concise information about the potential risks and benefits. This transparency will help build trust and confidence in the company's financial practices.
5. Basis of Recommendations
These recommendations are based on the following considerations:
- Core competencies and consistency with mission: Saizeriya's core competency lies in providing affordable and delicious Italian cuisine. The foreign currency coupon swap strategy, while potentially profitable, does not directly contribute to this core competency.
- External customers and internal clients: Saizeriya's customers are primarily price-conscious consumers seeking affordable Italian dining. The company's focus should be on delivering value to these customers, not on engaging in complex financial transactions that may not be understood or appreciated.
- Competitors: Saizeriya operates in a competitive market, and its focus should be on differentiating itself through its product offerings, service quality, and customer experience. Engaging in complex financial strategies may distract from these core priorities.
- Attractiveness - quantitative measures: The potential for profit from foreign currency coupon swaps is uncertain and subject to market volatility. The risks associated with this strategy may outweigh the potential rewards, particularly considering the potential damage to the company's reputation and investor confidence.
6. Conclusion
Saizeriya's use of foreign currency coupon swaps raised concerns about its transparency, risk management practices, and adherence to ethical standards. The company should prioritize a more transparent and ethical approach to foreign currency transactions, focusing on hedging against currency risks rather than engaging in speculative behavior. By implementing a comprehensive risk assessment framework, establishing clear guidelines, and enhancing internal controls, Saizeriya can restore investor confidence and ensure its long-term sustainability.
7. Discussion
Alternative approaches to managing foreign currency exposure include:
- Forward contracts: These contracts lock in a future exchange rate, providing certainty and reducing risk.
- Currency options: These contracts give the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a currency at a specific price, providing flexibility and downside protection.
The key risks associated with the recommended approach include:
- Implementation challenges: Implementing a comprehensive risk assessment framework and enhancing internal controls require significant resources and effort.
- Loss of potential profits: Moving away from speculative currency strategies could result in lost opportunities for profit.
8. Next Steps
Saizeriya should take the following steps to implement the recommended changes:
- Within 3 months: Form a task force to develop a comprehensive risk assessment framework and guidelines for foreign currency transactions.
- Within 6 months: Implement enhanced internal controls and reporting processes for foreign currency transactions.
- Within 12 months: Publicly disclose the company's revised approach to foreign currency management and its commitment to transparency and ethical practices.
By taking these steps, Saizeriya can demonstrate its commitment to responsible financial management and build trust with investors and stakeholders.
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Case Description
Ever since Yasuhiko Shogaki took over Saizeriya Co., Ltd. (Saizeriya) in 1968, the restaurant had aimed to provide healthy and tasty Italian meals at affordable prices for everyone. On 9 December 2008, Shogaki made a stunning public announcement - that the company had incurred a loss of ¥15 billion caused by the use of foreign currency coupon swaps. He further announced that because of such transactions (such as trading in derivatives to hedge against foreign exchange risks), the Italian-restaurant chain operator might fall into the red in terms of group net earnings for that fiscal year through August 2009. Shogaki revealed that Saizeriya had signed derivatives deals with BNP Paribas Securities (Japan) Ltd. in October 2007 to procure Australian dollars (A$) that the restaurant needed to import food from that country. Following the disclosure, Saizeriya's stock price went limit-down on 10 December 2008 as investors rushed to dump the stock. Some directors and shareholders questioned this disclosure. Shogaki then had to decide whether the company should continue hedging (such as with swaps), despite the fact that Saizeriya had just suffered huge losses from similar transactions. If Saizeriya did not arrange any hedging, the company could enjoy yen appreciation merits for the payments in A$.
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