Fruit Transgenics Engineering is contemplating the purchase of its rival. One of FTE’s genetics engineers is interested in the financing strategy of the buyout. He learned of two plans. Plan A requires 50% equity funds from FTE retained earnings that currently earn 9% per year, with the balance borrowed externally at 6%, based on the company’s excellent stock rating. Plan B requires only 20% equity funds with the balance borrowed at a higher rate of 8% per year.a. Which plan has the lower average cost of capital?b. If the current corporate WACC of 8.2% will not be exceeded, what is the maximum cost of debt capital allowed for each plan? Are these rates higher or lower than the current estimates?

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Author:Bodie, Zvi, Kane, Alex, MARCUS, Alan J.
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Fruit Transgenics Engineering is contemplating the purchase of its rival. One of FTE’s genetics engineers is interested in the financing strategy of the buyout. He learned of two plans. Plan A requires 50% equity funds from FTE retained earnings that currently earn 9% per year, with the balance borrowed externally at 6%, based on the company’s excellent stock rating. Plan B requires only 20% equity funds with the balance borrowed at a higher rate of 8% per year.
a. Which plan has the lower average cost of capital?
b. If the current corporate WACC of 8.2% will not be exceeded, what is the maximum cost of debt capital allowed for each plan? Are these rates higher or lower than the current estimates?

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