The Tech Hardware Company is trying to estimate its optimal capital structure. Techs current capital structure consists of 20% debt and 80% equity; however, management believes the firm should use more debt. The risk-free rate is 1.3%, the market risk premium is 6%, and the firms tax rate is 35%. Currently, Techs cost of equity is 16%, which is determined on the basis of the CAPM.

a Determine Techs current beta.

b What would be Techs unlevered beta?

c If Tech were to change its capital structure from its current one so to have its assets and operations finance with 45% debt, determine its beta under this new capital structure.

d Determine Techs new cost of equity under the new capital structure with 45% debt.

e If the cost of debt were 6%, what would be Techs weighted average cost of capital under the new capital structure with 45% debt?

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