Question

Central Systems desires a weighted average cost of capital of 12.7 percent. The firm has an aftertax cost of debt of 4.8 percent and a cost of equity of 15.4 percent. What debt-equity ratio is needed for the firm to achieve its targeted weighted average cost of capital?

a. 0.37
b. 0.44
c. 0.42
d. 0.56
e. 0.34

Answer 1

Answer:

e. 0.34

Explanation:

Let debt be $D

Equity be $E

Total=(D+E)

WACC = Respective cost * Respective weight

12.7 = {(D*4.8)/(D+E)} + {(15.4*E)/(D+E)}

12.7*(D+E)=4.8D+15.4E

12.7D+12.7E=4.8D+15.4E

D=(15.4-12.7)E /(12.7-4.8)

D = 2.7E / 7.9

D = 0.0341772

D = 0.34 E

Hence, debt-equity ratio=debt/equity  

=0.34