Question: Simon Software Co. is trying to estimate its optimal capital structure. Right now, Simon has a capital structure that consists of 20 percent debt and

Simon Software Co. is trying to estimate its optimal capital structure. Right now, Simon has a capital structure that consists of 20 percent debt and 80 percent equity, based on market values. The risk-free rate is 6 percent and the market risk premium, rM rRF, is 5 percent. Currently the companys cost of equity, which is based on the CAPM, is 12 percent, and its tax rate is 35 percent. What would be Simons estimated cost of equity if it were to change its capital structure to 42 percent debt? (Hints: solve for beta using CAPM, then use Hamada equation to solve for unlevered beta, then use that equation again to find the new levered beta, then use CAPM to find new cost of equity. Whew!)

Step by Step Solution

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Students Have Also Explored These Related Finance Questions!