Question

Simon Software Co. is trying to estimate its optimal capital structure. Right now, Simon has a capital structure that consists of 20% debt and 80% equity, based on market values. (Its D/S ratio is 0.25.) The risk-free rate is 6% and the market risk premium, rM – rRF, is 5%. Currently the company’s cost of equity, which is based on the CAPM, is 12% and its tax rate is 40%. What would be Simon’s estimated cost of equity if it were to change its capital structure to 50% debt and 50% equity?

Answer 1

Answer:

14.35%

Explanation:

Simon Software Co

rs= 12%

D/E = 0.25

rRF= 6%

RPM= 5%

Tax rate = 40%.

We are going to find the firm’s current levered beta by using the CAPM formula which is :

rs = rRF+ RPM

12%= 6% + 5%

= 1.2

We are going to find the firm’s unlevered beta by using the Hamada equation:

=bU[1 + (1 −T)(D/E)]

Let plug in the formula

1.2= bU[1 + (0.6)(0.25)]

1.2=(1+0.15)

1.2= 1.15bU

1.2÷1.15

1.0435= bU

We are going to find the new levered beta not the new capital structure using the Hamada equation:

b= bU[1 + (1 −T)(D/E)]

Let plug in the formula

= 1.0435[1 + (0.6)(1)]

=1.0435(1+0.6)

=1.0435(1.6)

= 1.6696

Lastly we are going to find the firm’s new cost of equity given its new beta and the CAPM:

rs= rRF+ RPM(b)

Let plug in the formula

= 6% + 5%(1.6696)

= 14.35%