Answer:
6.57%
Explanation:
Given that,
D1 = $2.00
Dividend growth rate, g = 4.50%
Stock price, P0 = $47
Before-tax cost of debt = 6.50%
Tax rate = 40%
Target capital structure for Debt = 45%
Target capital structure for Common equity = 55%
Cost of equity:
= (D1 ÷ P0) + g
= ($2.00 ÷ $47) + 4.50%
= 4.25% + 4.50%
= 8.75%
After tax cost of dept:
= Before tax cost of dept × (1 - Tax rate)
= 6.50% × (1 - 0.40)
= 6.50% × 0.60
= 3.9%
Company’s WACC if all the equity used is from retained earnings:
= (Cost of equity × Percent of common equity) + (After tax cost of dept × Percent of debt)
= (8.75% × 55%) + (3.9% × 45%)
= 4.8125% + 1.755%
= 6.57%