Step 1: Determine the after-tax cost of debt:
The after-tax cost of debt [kd (1 – t)] is used to compute the weighted average cost of capital. It is the interest rate on new debt (kd) less the tax savings due to the deductibility of interest (kdt).
Here, we are given the inputs needed to calculate kd: N = 15 × 2 = 30; PMT = (1,000 × 0.07) / 2 = 35; FV = 1,000; PV = -1,047.46; CPT → I = 3.25, multiply by 2 = 6.50%.
Thus, kd (1 – t) = 6.50% × (1 – 0.35) = 4.22%
Step 2: Determine the cost of preferred stock:
Preferred stock is a perpetuity that pays a fixed dividend (Dps) forever. The cost of preferred stock (kps) = Dps / P
where: |
Dps = preferred dividends. |
|
P = price |
Here, kps = Dps / P = $2.80 / $35 = 0.08, or 8.0%.
Step 3: Determine the cost of common equity:
kce = (D1 / P0) + g
where: |
D1 = Dividend in next year |
|
P0 = Current stock price |
|
g = Dividend growth rate |
Here, D1 = D0 × (1 + g) = $3.00 × (1 + 0.06) = $3.18.
kce = (3.18 / 40) + 0.06 = 0.1395 or 13.95%.
Step 4: Calculate WACC:
WACC = (wd)(kd) + (wps)(kps) + (wce)(kce)
where wd, wps, and wce are the weights used for debt, preferred stock, and common equity.
Here, WACC = (0.30 × 4.22%) + (0.20 × 8.0%) + (0.50 × 13.95%) = 9.84%.
Note: Your calculation may differ slightly, depending on whether you carry all calculations in your calculator, or round to two decimals and then calculate.