Question

Laserscope Inc. is trying to determine the best combination of short-term and long-term debt to employ in financing its assets. Laserscope will have $16 million in current assets and $20 million in fixed assets next year and expects operating income (EBIT) to be $4,1 million. The company's tax rate is 40% and its debt ratio is 50%. The firm's debt will be financed by an conservative policy using $6 million of short-term debt. The short-term interest rate is 7.0% and the long-term interest rate is 10.3%. What is the return on shareholders' equity (ROE) under this policy

Answer 1

Answer:

Laserscope Inc.

Return on Equity (ROE):

= $1,466,400/$18,000,000 * 100

= 8.15%

Explanation:

a) Laserscope's Return on Equity (ROE) is a financial performance measure, calculated by dividing the net income or Earnings After Tax (EAT) by its total shareholders' equity.  It is usually expressed as a percentage.  So the above calculation is further multiplied by 100.

b) Data and Calculations:

Current assets = $16

Fixed assets = $20

Total assets = $36

Debt ratio = 50%  of $36 million = $18 million

Therefore, Stockholders' equity = 50% (1 - 50%) or $18 million

EBIT = $4.1 million

Short-term debt = $6 million

Long-term debt = $12 million

Interest on short-term debt = $420,000 (7% * $6 million)

Interest on long-term debt = $1,236,000 (10.3% * $12 million)

Total interest expense = $1,656,000

Earnings before interest and taxes = $4,100,000

Interest expense                                   1,656,000

Earnings before taxes                          2,444,000

Company tax (40%)                                (977,600)

Earnings after taxes (EAT)                 $1,466,400