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HAMADA EQUATION Situational Software Co. (SSC) is trying to establish its optima

ID: 2797635 • Letter: H

Question

HAMADA EQUATION Situational Software Co. (SSC) is trying to establish its optimal capital structure. Its current capital structure consists of 30% debt and 70% equity; however, the CEO believes that the firm should use more debt. The risk-free rate, rRF, is 6%; the market risk premium, RPM, is 7%; and the firm's tax rate is 40%. Currently, SSC's cost of equity is 15%, which is determined by the CAPM. What would be SSC's estimated cost of equity if it changed its capital structure to 50% debt and 50% equity? Round your answer to two decimal places. Do not round intermediate steps. %

Explanation / Answer

beta=(15%-6%)/7%

=1.29

unlevered beta=1.29/(1+(1-40%)*(30%/70%))=1.03

now Beta at 50% debt

1.03=x/(1+(1-40%)*(50%/50%))

x=1.03*(1+(1-40%)*(50%/50%))=1.65

cost of equity=6%+1.65*7%=17.55%

the above is the answer