Avicorp has a $$$$11\mathrm{.}7$ million debt issue$$ outstanding, with a $5\mathrm{.}8\%$ coupon rate. The debt has$$ semi$-$annual coupons, the next coupon is due in six$$ months, and the debt matures in five years. It is currently priced at $95\mathrm{.}89\%$ of par value.

a$.$ What is Avicorp$\text{'}$s pretax cost of$$ debt?

b$.$ If Avicorp faces a $40\%$ tax$$ rate, what is its$$ after$-$tax cost of$$ debt? Note$$: Assume that the firm will always be able to utilize its full interest tax shield.