Avicorp has a $$11\mathrm{.}7$ million debt issue outstanding, with a $5\mathrm{.}9\%$ coupon rate. The debt has semi$-$annual coupons, the next coupon is due in six months, and the debt matures in five years. It is currently priced at $94\mathrm{.}59\%$ of par value.

a$.$ What is Avicorp's pretax cost of debt?

b$.$ If Avicorp faces a $40\%$ tax rate, what is its after$-$tax cost of debt? Note: Assume that the firm will always be able to utilize its full interest tax shield.

a$.$ The cost of debt is $\%$ per year. $($Round to two decimal places.$)$

b$.$ If Avicorp faces a $40\%$ tax rate, the after$-$tax cost of debt is $\%.($Round to two decimal places.$)$