Case 1: Purchase Point Media Corporation (PPMC)

INTRODUCTION This case is based on actual financial projections developed and provided by a publicly traded firm, Purchase Point Media Corporation (PPMC). Carefully examine the PPMC projections, which are presented in a sequence and format suitable for break-even calculation and analysis. After you calculate the break-even point, use additional, publicly available information to come to a decision with respect to market potential. The increase in the price per share of PPMC stock suggests that, over time, the market may have reacted to their results and analyses, using a comparable methodology.

OBJECTIVES When you complete this case, you’ll be able to • Identify discernable errors, irregularities, and improprieties in style and format within publicly reported data • Meet financial statement presentation requirements for a specific “real world” example • Determine whether financial information provided follows generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or is presented in “good form” • Distinguish between the substance and form of financial statements • Estimate variable and fixed costs for a publicly traded company • Assess publicly disseminated information from publicly traded companies to determine the feasibility of market potential and market penetration • Exercise enhanced critical-thinking skills Senior Capstone: Business

9 CASE BACKGROUND Purchase Point Media Corporation (Pink Sheets: PPMC) is what some refer to as a thinly traded “corporate shell.” The firm held patents in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Germany for a shopping-cart display device, but was a nonreporting and nonoperating entity. On March 18, 2002, PPMC reported its intention to sell these patents and related trademarks. The initial estimates suggested a stock price of nearly $2.50 per share, before related per-share deductions for sale-related broker’s commissions and legal fees. At the