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Jackson Software, Inc. is an all-equity firm with 2 million shares outstanding,

ID: 1170240 • Letter: J

Question

Jackson Software, Inc. is an all-equity firm with 2 million shares outstanding, $6 million in earnings after taxes, and a market value of $100 million. The firm borrows $25 million at an interest rate of 8% and buys back 500,000 shares with the proceeds. The firm's tax rate is 40%. Management does not want the earnings performance to disappoint shareholders and market analysts. What is the maximum interest rate the firm could pay on its new debt so as not to experience a decrease in earnings per share after the stock repurchase?

Select one:

A. 8.00%

B. 10.00%

C. 11.50%

D. 12.60%

E. None of the above

Explanation / Answer

Calculation of EPS before Repurchase:

Earnings after Taxes = 6000,000 i.e. Earnings before Taxes = 10000,000

No of Shares Outstanding 2000,000

EPS = 3

Revised no. Of common shares outstanding = 1500,000

Required EPS = 3

Required Earnings after Tax = 4500,000

Tax Rate = 40%

Required Earnings before Tax = 7500,000

Earned Income = 10000,000

Maximum Interest that can be Paid = 2500,000

Max Interest in % = 2500,000/25000000*100 = 10.00% i.e. B