Answer:
a) as there is no taxes, under MM proposition the value of the firm remains the same at 472.2 millions
b) as there is income taxes, the value of the firm increases if levered As the interest expense provides a tax shield:
18,500,000 x 21% = 3,885,000
47,200,000 + 3,885,000 = <em>51,085,000</em>
Explanation:
The reasoning behind is that while dividends (reutrn on equity) are not considered expenses interest (debt "return") do. Thus, financing with debt generates a positive tax shield as we decrease our fiscal obligations
