9. Factors that affect the cost of capital equation Each of the following factors affects the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) equation. Which are factors that a firm can control? Check all that apply. The general level of stock prices The firm's capital budgeting decision rules Tax rates The firm's capital structure The impact of a firm's cost of capital on managerial decisions Consider the following case: Marston Manufacturing Company has two divisions, L and H. Division L 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 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 L is considering a project with an expected return of 9.5%. Should Marston Manufacturing Company 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