A firm has a target capital structure that calls for 40 percent debt, 10 percent preferred stock, and 50 percent common equity. The firm's current after tax cost of debt is 6 percent, and it can sell as much debt as it wishes at this rate. The firm's preferred stock currently sells for $90 per share and pays a dividend of $10 per share; however, the firm will net only $80 per share from the sale of new preferred stock. Lauren's common stock currently sells for $40 per share. The firm recently paid a dividend of $2 per share on its common stock, and investors expect the dividend to grow indefinitely at a constant rate of 10 percent per year. What is the firm's cost of common equity from retained earnings?

Select one:

A. 10.0%

B. 12.5%

C. 15.5%

D. 16.5%

E. 18.0%