Korean Airlines (KAL) has just signed a contract with Boeing to purchase two new 747-400's for a total of $60,000,000, with payment in two equal tranches. The first tranche of $30,000,000 hasjust been paid. The next $30,000,000 is due three months from today. KAL currently has excesscash of 25,000,000,000 won in a Seoul bank, and it is from these funds that KAL plans to make its next payment.
The current spot rate is won 800/$, and permission has been obtained for a forward rate (90days), won 794/$. The 90 day Eurodollar interest rate is 6.000%, while the 90 day Korean wondeposit rate (there is no Euro-won rate) is 5.000%. KAL can borrow in Korea at 6.250%, and can probably borrow in the U. S. dollar market at 9.375%.
A three-month call option on dollars in the over-the-counter market, for a strike price of won 790/$ sells at a premium of 2.9%, payable at the time the option is purchased. A 90 day putoption on dollars, also at a strike price of won 790/$, sells at a premium of 1.9% (assuming a12% volatility). KAL's foreign exchange advisory service forecasts the spot rate in three months to be won 792/$.
Required:
1. How should KAL plan to make the payment to Boeing if KAL's goal is to maximize the amountof won cash left in the bank at the end of the three-month period? Make a recommendation and defend it.