7. Factors that affect the cost of capital equation Each of the following factors affects the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) equation. Which of the following factors are outside a firm's control? Check all that apply. Interest rates in the economy The performance of index funds, such as the S&P 500 The firm's dividend payout ratio Wellington Industries has two divisions, Land H. Division is the company's low-risk division and would have a weighted average cost of capital of 8% if it was operated as an independent company. Division His the company's high-risk division and would have a weighted average cost of capital of 14% if it was operated as an independent company. Because the two divisions are the same size, the company has a composite weighted average cost of capital of 11%. Division Lis considering a project with an expected return of 9.5%. Should Wellington Industries accept or reject the project? Accept the project Reject the project On what grounds do you base your accept-reject decision? Division L's project should be accepted, because its return is less than the risk based cost of capital for the division. Division L's project should be accepted, since its return is greater than the risk-based cost of capital for the division