The Bouchard Company's EPS was $$6\mathrm{.}80$ in $2021,$ up from $$3\mathrm{.}34$ in $2016.$ The company pays out $50\%$ of its earnings as dividends, and its common stock sells for $$30\mathrm{.}00.$

A$.$ Calculate the past growth rate in earnings. $($Hint: This is a $5-$year growth period.$)$ Round your answer to two decimal places.

$\%$

B$.$ The last dividend was D$0=0\mathrm{.}50($$$6\mathrm{.}80)=$ $$3\mathrm{.}40.$ Calculate the next expected dividend, D$1,$ assuming that the past growth rate continues. Do not round intermediate calculations. Round your answer to the nearest cent.

$

C$.$ What is Bouchard's cost of retained earnings, rs$?$ Do not round intermediate calculations. Round your answer to two decimal places.

$\%$