On the basis of this information, what is LeCompte's optimal capital structure, and what is the firm's cost of capital at this

Essentials Of Investments
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ISBN:9781260013924
Author:Bodie, Zvi, Kane, Alex, MARCUS, Alan J.
Publisher:Bodie, Zvi, Kane, Alex, MARCUS, Alan J.
Chapter1: Investments: Background And Issues
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**LeCompte Learning Solutions Capital Structure Analysis**

LeCompte Learning Solutions is evaluating a modification in its capital structure to potentially enhance its value. The current capital structure involves a mix of debt and common stock. To assess the cost of debt, the company has compiled the following data:

| Percent financed with debt (wd) | Percent financed with equity (wc) | Debt-to-equity ratio (D/S) | Bond Rating | Before-tax cost of debt |
|---------------------------------|----------------------------------|---------------------------|-------------|-------------------------|
| 0.10                            | 0.90                             | 0.10/0.90 = 0.11          | AAA         | 7.0%                    |
| 0.20                            | 0.80                             | 0.20/0.80 = 0.25          | AA          | 7.2%                    |
| 0.30                            | 0.70                             | 0.30/0.70 = 0.43          | A           | 8.0%                    |
| 0.40                            | 0.60                             | 0.40/0.60 = 0.67          | BBB         | 8.8%                    |
| 0.50                            | 0.50                             | 0.50/0.50 = 1.00          | BB          | 9.6%                    |

**Analysis Details:**

- The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) is used to determine the cost of common equity, \( r_s \).
- The risk-free rate is 5%.
- The market risk premium is 6%.
- LeCompte’s unlevered beta is estimated at 1.0.
- The corporate tax rate is 40%.

**Key Question:**

Determine LeCompte's optimal capital structure and the associated cost of capital:

a. \( w_c = 0.5 \); \( w_d = 0.5 \); WACC = 10.18%

b. \( w_c = 0.6 \); \( w_d = 0.4 \); WACC = 10.15%

c. \( w_c = 0.8 \); \( w_d = 0.2 \); WACC = 10.96%

d. \( w_c = 0.9 \); \( w_d = 0.1 \); W
Transcribed Image Text:**LeCompte Learning Solutions Capital Structure Analysis** LeCompte Learning Solutions is evaluating a modification in its capital structure to potentially enhance its value. The current capital structure involves a mix of debt and common stock. To assess the cost of debt, the company has compiled the following data: | Percent financed with debt (wd) | Percent financed with equity (wc) | Debt-to-equity ratio (D/S) | Bond Rating | Before-tax cost of debt | |---------------------------------|----------------------------------|---------------------------|-------------|-------------------------| | 0.10 | 0.90 | 0.10/0.90 = 0.11 | AAA | 7.0% | | 0.20 | 0.80 | 0.20/0.80 = 0.25 | AA | 7.2% | | 0.30 | 0.70 | 0.30/0.70 = 0.43 | A | 8.0% | | 0.40 | 0.60 | 0.40/0.60 = 0.67 | BBB | 8.8% | | 0.50 | 0.50 | 0.50/0.50 = 1.00 | BB | 9.6% | **Analysis Details:** - The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) is used to determine the cost of common equity, \( r_s \). - The risk-free rate is 5%. - The market risk premium is 6%. - LeCompte’s unlevered beta is estimated at 1.0. - The corporate tax rate is 40%. **Key Question:** Determine LeCompte's optimal capital structure and the associated cost of capital: a. \( w_c = 0.5 \); \( w_d = 0.5 \); WACC = 10.18% b. \( w_c = 0.6 \); \( w_d = 0.4 \); WACC = 10.15% c. \( w_c = 0.8 \); \( w_d = 0.2 \); WACC = 10.96% d. \( w_c = 0.9 \); \( w_d = 0.1 \); W
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