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 capital structure National Petroleum Refiners Corporation (NPR) has two divisions, Land H. Division Lis 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 H is 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 His considering a project with an expected return of 12%. Should National Petroleum Refiners Corporation (NPR) accept or reject the project? Accept the project Reject the project On what grounds do you base your accept-reject decision? Division H's project should be rejected since its return is less than the risk-based cost of capital for the division Division H's project should be accepted, as its return is greater than the risk-based cost of capital for the division