Hicks plc is expected to generate earnings before interest and tax of 80 million in perpetuity. It is an all equity financed company. Following discussions with the company's merchant bank a proposal for financial restructuring is under consideration. It has been suggested that the company raise 150 million through an issue of debentures paying an annual interest rate of 8 per cent, and to use the proceeds to buy back shares at the current market price. With a corporate tax rate of 25 per cent the cost of debt is believed to be well below that of equity. The company has 400 million shares outstanding and the share price is currently 1.00. a) Determine the expected EPS for the company before and after the proposed restructuring, and level of earnings before interest and tax at which the EPS would be the same for the alternative capital structures.

b) With reference to the calculations above, explain why earnings per share is higher for the geared scenario but why this does not mean that shareholders wealth will be increased or decreased.

After further deliberation, Hicks Plc decides to abandon the capital restructuring and believes it has identified a profitable investment project that will require 150million of equity to fund the investment. The company decides to raise equity through a rights offering to fund the expansion project. The shares will be sold at a 20 per cent discount to the current market price of 1.00 per share.

c) Devise the terms of the rights offer and calculate the theoretical ex-rights price and the value of a right to purchase one new share.

d) Show that in theory an investor holding 320 shares will be equally well off irrespective of whether they take up their rights, sell the rights, or tail swallow (sell off rights to fund the purchase of the maximum number of additional share with no new investment).