Question

Barette Consulting currently has no debt in its capital structure, has $500 million of total assets, and its basic earning power is 15%. The CFO is contemplating a recapitalization where it will issue debt at a cost of 10% and use the proceeds to buy back shares of the company's common stock, paying book value. If the company proceeds with the recapitalization, its operating income, total assets, and tax rate will remain unchanged. Which of the following is most likely to occur as a result of the recapitalization? a) The ROA would remain unchanged b) The basic earning power ratio would decline c) The basic earning power ratio would increase d) The ROE would increase e) The ROA would increase

Answer 1

Answer:

d) The ROE would increase

Explanation:

Since the company's operating income will remain unchanged, net income will decrease due to interest expense, but the total number of shares outstanding will decrease. This will result in a higher EPS (earnings per share), and a higher ROE (return on equity), but it would also make the company's risk increase and Re (cost of equity) increase.