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Exhibit 12.7 illustrates the extremes. On the left is the large relevant range of a semiconductor<br />

company such as Intel or Texas Instruments where output is measured in millions of logic chips and a<br />

change in relevant range might require an investment in the area of $3 billion. On the right might be a<br />

consulting firm where output is measured in billable hours and senior associates are brought on in<br />

increments of 2,000 annual billable hours at a cost much less than that of a chip fabricator. When<br />

doing this type of competitive analysis, one must be aware of the size of the relevant range and be<br />

ready to adjust estimates accordingly.<br />

The statement of cash flows provides a window into this area. By carefully comparing the<br />

depreciation expense for the period to the corresponding investment in plant, property, and equipment,<br />

one can monitor movement within and outside the relevant range. As demonstrated in the left-hand<br />

side of Exhibit 12.7, changes in relevant range are chunky. Texas Instruments investing in a new<br />

fabrication plant would be evidenced by an investment in plant, property, and equipment account<br />

much larger than the depreciation charge for the period.<br />

Exhibit 12.8 shows the relevant portion of the statement of cash flows for Company X. Over the<br />

past three years, total investment in plant infrastructure of $128 million ($53.17 + $38.32 + $36.75)<br />

reflects the depreciation charges $130 million ($40.68 + $45.58 + $44.41), which indicates that this<br />

would be an ideal time period for this type of analysis—assuming all other factors constant. If there<br />

were a significant plant investment, then a new analysis would have to be compiled once there was<br />

adequate data to establish the impact of the changed cost structure. During the interim time period, the<br />

only way to estimate the new cost structure would be conjecture given what information could be<br />

found on the investment. At a minimum, three to four quarters of data would be needed.<br />

Exhibit 12.7 Relevant Range Extremes.<br />

Exhibit 12.8 Company X—Cash Flow Data.

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