A differentiator is least likely to be threatened by increases in input prices due to powerful suppliers when the A) differentiator is able to create a significant difference between perceived value and current market prices.
B) differentiator is able to significantly reduce the value gap.
C) source of a competitor's differential appeal is tangible rather than intangible. D) new product features added raise costs but not the perceived value in the minds of consumers.

Robert black, regional manager for ford in texas and oklahoma, faced a dilemma. the ford f-150 pickup truck was the best-selling pickup ever, yet ford's headquarters in detroit had decided to introduce a completely redesigned f-150. how could mr. black sell both trucks at the same time? he still had "old" f-150s in stock. in his advertising, mr. black referred to the new f-150s as follows: "not a better f-150. just the only truck good enough to be the next f-150." this statement represents ford's of the new f-150.

Anew 2-lane road is needed in a part of town that is growing. at some point the road will need 4 lanes to handle the anticipated traffic. if the city's optimistic estimate of growth is used, the expansion will be needed in 4 years and has a probability of happening of 40%. for the most likely and pessimistic estimates, the expansion will be needed in 8 and 15 years respectively. the probability of the pessimistic estimate happening is 20%. the expansion will cost $ 4.2 million and the interest rate is 8%. what is the expected pw the expansion will cost?

Mikkelson corporation's stock had a required return of 12.50% last year, when the risk-free rate was 3% and the market risk premium was 4.75%. then an increase in investor risk aversion caused the market risk premium to rise by 2%. the risk-free rate and the firm's beta remain unchanged. what is the company's new required rate of return? (hint: first calculate the beta, then find the required return.) do not round your intermediate calculations.