A firm's sustainable growth rate represents the: percentage change in sales times the profit margin.
possible growth without jeopardizing net working capital.
highest growth rate without decreasing the dividend.
highest growth rate without increasing financial leverage.
What is the sustainable growth rate for a firm with net income of $2.90 million, cash dividends of $1.90 million, and return on equity of 16%? (Do not round intermediate calculations.)
a. 9.12%
b. 1.32%
c. 5.52%
d. 3.72%

1. A firm's sustainable growth rate represents the:

highest growth rate without increasing financial leverage.

2. The sustainable growth rate of a firm with net income of $2.90 million, cash dividends of $1.90 million, and return on equity of 16% is:

= c. 5.52%

Explanation:

a) Data and Calculations:

Sustainable growth rate = Return on equity * Retention rate

Net income =  $2.90 million

Cash dividends 1.90 million

Retained earnings = $1.0 million

Retention rate = $1.0/$2.90 * 100 = 34.48%

Return on equity = 16%

Therefore, the sustainable growth rate = 16% * 34.48%

= 5.5168%

= 5.52%

b) Sustainable growth rate is the rate of revenue growth, which an entity can attain without increasing its financial leverage (debts).  The sustainable growth rate answers the question of how much a company can grow without additional equity or debt financing.  It is a ratio that investment analysts and investors widely seek.  There are four main ways of increasing an entity's sustainable growth rate, including sale of debt, issue of equity, increased profitability through efficient sales revenue, and reduced dividends payout to increase retained earnings.