You are advising NS Shop (NSS), a leading Canadian e-commerce company, on how to estimate its cost of capital at the divisional level. You have collected the following information: The risk-free rate is 1.75%. The market risk premium is 4.50%. You have broken down NSS into two business groups, with debt-to-equity ratio, before-tax cost of debt, and tax rate for each group. Business group Tax rate Distribution Systems Debt-to-equity ratio 0.50 0.10 Before-tax cost of debt 4.75% 2.75% 40% 40% Additionally, you have identified two pure-play firms: Distribution Inc. (which specializes in the transportation and distribution of goods) and Systems Inc. (which specializes in developing e-commerce platforms). Distribution Inc. is a direct competitor of the Distribution business group of NSS, whereas Systems Inc. competes with the Systems business group of NSS. You have collected the following information about the two pure-play firms. Firm Beta D/E Tax rate Distribution Inc. 2 0.35 40% Systems Inc. 1.5 0.25 30% 2 Fall 2021 Assignment #2 a) NSS is considering a new project to build new warehouses and expand its distribution network. Determine the appropriate discount rate (WACC) NSS should use for evaluating this project. (15 marks) b) NSS is considering a new project to update its systems and add new online shopping tools that will enhance customer shopping experience. Determine the appropriate discount rate (WACC) NSS should use for evaluating this project. (15 marks) c) The financial manager proposes using a discount rate of 8% for evaluating both the Distribution and Systems projects. Briefly explain how this will affect the NPV analysis and the acceptance/rejection decision for each project. (12 marks)