Question
A large pharmaceutical company is analysing its debt capacity. The company has a market value of equity of $25 billion, market value of debt of
A large pharmaceutical company is analysing its debt capacity. The company has a market value of equity of $25 billion, market value of debt of $3 billion, and a credit rating of AAA. The beta of the company's stock is 1.47, and the tax rate for the company is 40%. The treasury bond rate is 6.5% and AAA bonds trade at a spread of 0.3% over the Treasury rate.
a) Estimate the current cost of capital for the company.
b) If the company moves to a 30% debt ratio, the credit rating will decline to BBB and the bonds will trade at a spread of 2% over the Treasury rate. Estimate the cost of capital of the company if this change in debt ratio occurs.
c) Considering that the company's value increases at a constant rate of 6%, what is the change in the firm value due to the change in the debt ratio in part (b)? What will be the effect on the stock price?
d) Given the company has substantial Research and Development (R&D) expenses, do you think this additional debt is suitable for the company?
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