Question

Levered, Inc., and Unlevered, Inc., are identical in every way except their capital structures. Each company expects to earn $18 million before interest per year in perpetuity, with each company distributing all its earnings as dividends. Levered’s perpetual debt has a market value of $65 million and costs 8 percent per year. Levered has 1.9 million shares of stock outstanding that sell for $98 per share. Unlevered has no debt and 3.8 million shares outstanding, currently worth $71 per share. Neither firm pays taxes. Suppose you were considering purchasing stock in one of these companies.
Required:
Which firm's equity shares represent a better value? Equity shares in the unlevered firm are the better buy?

Answer 1

Answer:

Levered, Inc. and Unlevered, Inc.

Equity shares in the Levered, Inc. represents a better value.

Explanation:

a) Data and Calculations:

                                          Levered, Inc.      Unlevered, Inc.

Debts at 8%                        65 million          $0

Outstanding shares           1.9 million          3.8 million

Market price per share     $98                    $71

Equity value                       $186.2 million    $269.8 million

Expected EBIT                   $18 million          $18 million

Interest ($65 million * 8%) $5.2 million       $0

Net income                        $12.8 million      $18 million

Earnings per share           $6.74                  $4.74

Dividends per share         $6.74                  $4.74

b) The value of the equity shares in the Levered Inc. would have increased more if both firms pay taxes because of the tax advantage gained by deducting interest expense from the earnings before taxes.  This shows that financial leverage increases the value of equity shares.