Answered step by step
Verified Expert Solution
Link Copied!

Question

1 Approved Answer

B.F. Pierce & Company is considering changing its capital structure. The company currently has no debt and no preferred stock, but it would like to

B.F. Pierce & Company is considering changing its capital structure. The company currently has no debt and no preferred stock, but it would like to add some debt to take advantage of low interest rates and the tax shield. Its investment banker has indicated that the pre-tax cost of debt under various possible capital structures would be as follows:

Market Debt-to-Value Ratio Market Equity-to-Value Ratio Market Debt-to-Equity Ratio Before-Tax Cost of Debt
(wD) (wE) (D/E) (rD)
0.00 1.00 0.00 5.00%
0.20 0.80 0.25 6.00%
0.40 0.60 0.67 7.00%
0.60 0.40 1.50 8.00%
0.80 0.20 4.00 9.00%

The company uses the CAPM to estimate its cost of common equity. Currently the risk-free rate is 4%, the market risk premium is 6%, and the companys tax rate is 25%. The company estimates that its beta now (which is unlevered because it currently has no debt) is 0.8. Based on this information, what is the firms weighted average cost of capital at its optimal capital structure?

8.66%
9.21%
8.83%
9.07%

Step by Step Solution

There are 3 Steps involved in it

Step: 1

blur-text-image

Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions

See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success

Step: 2

blur-text-image

Step: 3

blur-text-image

Ace Your Homework with AI

Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance

Get Started

Recommended Textbook for

Fundamentals Of Financial Management

Authors: James C Van Horne

3rd Edition

0133393410, 978-0133393415

More Books

Students also viewed these Finance questions

Question

What is conservative approach ?

Answered: 1 week ago

Question

What are the basic financial decisions ?

Answered: 1 week ago

Question

=+ Is the information documented and verifiable?

Answered: 1 week ago

Question

=+ Is the information presented in an objective manner?

Answered: 1 week ago