1. The Simon Company (SIMON) currently has $300,000 market value (and book value) of perpetual debt outstanding carrying a coupon rate of 6%. Its earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) are $150,000, and it is a zero growth company. SIMON's current cost of equity is 8.8%, and its tax rate is 40%. The firm has 10,000 shares of common stock outstanding selling at a price per share of $90.00.The firm is considering moving to a capital structure that is comprised of 40% debt and 60% equity, based on market values. The new funds would be used to replace the old debt and to repurchase stock. It is estimated that the increase in risk resulting from the additional leverage would cause the required rate of return on debt to rise to 7%, while the required rate of return on equity would rise to 9.5%. If this plan were carried out, what would be SIMON's new WACC and total value?

2. Margetis Enterprises follows a moderate current asset investment policy, but it is now considering a change, perhaps to a restricted or maybe to a relaxed policy. The firms annual sales are $600,000; its fixed assets are $150,000; its target capital structure calls for 50% debt and 50% equity; its EBIT is $52,500; the interest rate on its debt is 10%; and its tax rate is 40%. With a restricted policy, current assets will be 15% of sales, while under a relaxed policy they will be 25% of sales. What is the difference in the projected ROEs between the restricted and relaxed policies?