For a company whose target capital structure calls for 50% debt and 50% common equity, which of the following statements is CORRECT?

a. The WACC is calculated on a before-tax basis.

b. The cost of equity is always equal to or greater than the cost of debt.

c. The WACC exceeds the cost of equity.

d. The interest rate used to calculate the WACC is the average after-tax cost of all the company's outstanding debt as shown on its balance sheet.

e. The cost of retained earnings typically exceeds the cost of new common stock.