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. (Its D/S ratio is 0.25.) 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 40 percent.

What would be Simons estimated cost of equity if it were to change its capital structure to 50 percent debt and 50 percent equity? Find the firms new cost of equity given its new beta and the CAPM.

14.35%

14.72%

15.60%

18.64%

30.00%