At the present time, Western Gas & Electric Company (WGC) has 15-year noncallable bonds with a face value of $1,000 that are outstanding. These bonds have a current market price of $1,136.50 per bond, carry a coupon rate of 12%, and distribute annual coupon payments. The company incurs a federal-plus-state tax rate of 25%. If WGC wants to issue new debt, what would be a reasonable estimate for its after-tax cost of debt (rounded to two decimal places)? (Note: Round your YTM rate to two decimal place.)

8.79%

9.17%

7.64%

6.88%