Discussion 1&2 - Assume that you are the CFO of a company

300 words each discussions

Discussion 1: Assume that you are the CFO of a company contemplating a stock repurchase next quarter. You know that there are several methods of reducing the current quarterly earnings, which may cause the stock price to fall prior to the announcement of the proposed stock repurchase. What course of action would you recommend to your CEO? If your CEO came to you first and recommended reducing the current quarter's earnings, what would be your response?  

Discussion 2: Is there a conflict between maximizing shareholder wealth and never paying bribes when doing business abroad? If so, how might you explain the firm's position to shareholders asking why the company does not pay bribes when its foreign competitors in various nations clearly do so? Please explain how Saint Leo's core value of responsible stewardship is reflected in your answer.