Blackstone Corp is considering a change in its capital structure. Currently, it is an all-equity firm with 25,300 shares of stock outstanding and a total market value of $373,000. Based on its current capital structure, the firm is expected to have earnings before interest and taxes of $36,500 if the economy is normal, $22,400 if the economy is in a recession, and $50,600 if the economy booms. Ignore taxes. The management is considering issuing $94,300 of debt with an interest rate of 7 percent. If the firm issues the debt, the proceeds will be used to repurchase stock. What will the earnings per share be if the debt is issued and the economy booms? Multiple Choice $2.03 $2.69 $2.33 $1.58 $2.52