what is the broadest definition of derivatives 665351

The Hewlett Packard/Compaq Proxy Fight When Carly Fiorini, the CEO of Hewlett Packard, proposed a merger with Compaq Computer, Walter Hewlett, son of the company’s founder and member of the HP board of directors, dissented. The merger had to be approved by shareholders, and Hewlett engaged in a proxy fight to block the deal. One estimate is that HP spent $150 million to lobby shareholders to support the merger; even small shareholders of HP reported receiving 20 or more phone calls from the company in support of the deal.1 the merger ultimately was approved in an uncharacteristically close vote. No surprise that less than 1% of public companies face proxy contests in any particular year.

The real takeover threat is from other firms. If one firm observes another underperforming, it can acquire the underperforming business and replace management with its own team. The stock price should rise to reflect the prospects of improved performance, which provides incentive for firms to engage in such takeover activity.

Quotations

Q: What is the broadest definition of derivatives?

Q: What are the most common forms of derivatives?

Q: In business, what are they used for?

Q: How do over the counter derivatives generally originate?

Q: Why are derivatives potentially dangerous?

Q: If they are so dangerous, why are so many businesses using derivatives?