Spectronix Inc. operates in a world of perfect capital markets, has no debt, and has a required 6. rate of return on equity of 10%. An executive manager has suggested that borrowing money to buy back outstanding stock is a good idea because it would replace equity financing with less expensive debt financing, thus increasing the value of the firm. Assume the firm issues new debt with a required return of of 5% to repurchase 30% of the outstanding stock. What is the cost of equity at the conclusion of this transaction? a. 21.67% b.12.14% c.16.43% d.45.00%.