LOS g: Calculate and interpret the cost of noncallable, nonconvertible preferred stock.
Justin Lopez, CFA, is the Chief Financial Officer of Waterbury Corporation. Lopez has just been informed that the U.S. Internal Revenue Code may be revised such that the maximum marginal corporate tax rate will be increased. Since Waterbury’s taxable income is routinely in the highest marginal tax bracket, Lopez is concerned about the potential impact of the proposed change. Assuming that Waterbury maintains its target capital structure, which of the following is least likely to be affected by the proposed tax change?
A) |
Waterbury’s return on equity (ROE). | |
B) |
Waterbury’s after-tax cost of noncallable, nonconvertible preferred stock. | |
C) |
Waterbury’s after-tax cost of corporate debt. | |
Corporate taxes do not affect the cost of preferred stock to the issuing firm. Waterbury’s after-tax cost of debt, and consequently, its weighted average cost of capital will decrease because the tax savings on interest will increase. Also, since taxes impact net income, Waterbury’s ROE will be affected by the change. |