Which of the following statements regarding LBOs is incorrect?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks which statement about LBOs is incorrect, but the provided data is missing the list of answer options to evaluate. What we do have is a single proposed statement: "Private equity groups generally search for LBO targets in young and fast-growing industries, focusing more specifically on firms that have limited capital to grow and highly innovative ideas." To analyze its correctness, we can examine the typical characteristics of LBO targets and contrast them with what this statement says.

First, consider how most LBOs (leveraged buyouts) are actually aimed at: mature, cash-generative, established companies with stable, predictable cash flows. These firms often have significant assets and a proven business model, which supports taking on substantial debt used to finance the buyout. The debt provides a financial gearing that amplifies returns if the business continues to perform well, while the pre-existing cash flows help service the debt and cover interest payments.

Now, evaluate the claim that LBO targets are in young and fast-growing industries. This is typically inaccurate for several reasons:
- Young, fast-growing industries tend to be volatile and less predictable in cash flow, making it harder to service heavy debt loads that LBO structures rely on.
- The high risk associated with early-stage or rapidly evolving sectors makes lenders cautious, reducing the feasibility of large leveraged financings that characterize classic LBOs.
- Private equity firms often prefer mature businesses with stable margins, established customer bases, predictable demand, and opportunities for cost optimization or strategic add-ons, rather than unproven, high-growth ventures.

Next, the part about focusing on firms that have limited capital to grow and highly innovative ideas is counterintuitive to the typical LBO model:
- LBOs are financed through debt to acquire control of a target; if a company already has limited capital to fund growth, it may lack the cash flow or collateral bedrock needed to support the heavy leverage required in an LBO.
- Highly innovative ideas, while valuable, may introduce business and execution risks that could jeopardize debt service coverage under leverage-heavy structures. PE firms usually target already-established operations where growth can be achieved through cost improvements, financial engineering, and add-on acquisitions, rather than relying on unproven innovations.

In summary, the statement described in the provided option contradicts common LBO practice: LBO targets are more often mature, cash-flow-rich companies, not young, fast-growing firms with limited capital and a focus on innovation. Without the other answer choices to compare, we cannot label each alternative as correct or incorrect, but the stated option itself conflicts with standard LBO characteristics.

Note: The input also lacks the answer_options field, which would normally contain all possible statements to judge. If you provide the full list of options, I can walk through each one in turn and indicate which are correct or incorrect with detailed reasoning.

COMM_V 370 101-108 2025W1 COMM 370 2025W1 - Practice Final

Which of the following statements regarding LBOs is incorrect?

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