Which of the following statements is true of the impact of tax on the cost of capital of a firm?

Select one:

a. All else being equal, an increase in the corporate tax rate results in a decrease in the weighted average cost of capital.

b. The before-tax cost of debt is the cheapest component of the cost of capital since the tax paid is a deductible expense.

c. The before-tax cost of debt is always less than the after-tax cost of debt of a firm.

d. The tax paid on dividends of preferred stock reduces the amount of funds that the firm can use for financing capital budgeting projects.

e. All else being equal, an increase in the equity capital that a firm raises by retaining earnings results in in the increase in the tax rate applicable to the firm.