Barnes Baskets, Inc. (BB) currently has zero debt. Its earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) are $100,000, and it is a zero growth company. BB’s current cost of equity is 13% and its tax rate is 40%. The firm has 20,000 shares of common stock outstanding selling at a price per share of $23.08.
Part I:
BB is considering moving to a capital structure that is comprised of 20% debt and 80% equity, based on market values. The debt would have an interest rate of 7%. The new funds would be used to repurchase stock. It is estimated that the increase in risk resulting from the additional leverage would cause the required rate of return on equity to rise to 14%. If this plan were carried out, what would BB's new value of operations be?
Part II:
Now assume that BB is considering changing from its original capital structure to a new capital structure with 45% debt and 55% equity. This results in a weighted average cost of capital equal to 10.4% and a new value of operations of $576,923. Assume BB raises $259,615 in new debt and purchases T-bills to hold until it makes the stock repurchase. What is the stock price per share immediately after issuing the debt but prior to the repurchase?