Question

Because Toyota's investment eventually increases the level of R&D spending for his given level of sales revenue what would the effect on Toyota's return on invested capital (ROIC)?

Answer 1

Available Options Are:

a. Increasing ROIC by increasing return on sales

b. Decreasing ROIC by increasing return on sales

c. Decreasing ROIC by decreasing return on sales

d. Increasing ROIC by decreasing return on sales

Answer:

Option C. Decreasing ROIC by decreasing return on sales

Explanation:

The return on sales would be reduced as the research expenses have increased substantially. The implications of increased research expenses on the ROIC can be understood by analyzing the ROIC formula which is given as under:

ROCI  =  Operating Income (1 - Tax Rate) / Book Value of Invested Capital

As revenue expenditure (Research and Development expenses) of the company has increased, this would decrease the operating income of the company which means that the numerator would be decreased and as a result the ROIC would decrease.