Final answer:
To calculate the firm's cost of capital, we use the Capital Asset Pricing Model to find the cost of equity and the risk-free rate for the cost of debt. With the weights of debt and equity calculated from their market values, the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) for XYZ Corporation is determined to be 9.2%.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the firm's cost of capital for XYZ Corporation, which has a market value of common stock at $40 million and risk-free debt at $60 million, we can use the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) for the equity portion and the risk-free rate for the debt portion. Since there are no taxes, the weight of debt does not need to be adjusted for tax benefits. The formula for CAPM for equity cost is:
Cost of Equity = risk-free rate + (beta × market risk premium)
For XYZ Corporation:
- Cost of Equity = 6% + (0.8 × 10%)
- Cost of Equity = 6% + 8%
- Cost of Equity = 14%
Since the debt is risk-free, its cost is simply the Treasury bill rate:
We know the market values of debt and equity, so we can calculate their respective weights:
- Weight of Equity = $40 million / ($40 million + $60 million)
- Weight of Equity = 40%
- Weight of Debt = $60 million / ($40 million + $60 million)
- Weight of Debt = 60%
Finally, we can calculate the weighted average cost of capital (WACC):
- WACC = (Weight of Equity × Cost of Equity) + (Weight of Debt × Cost of Debt)
- WACC = (0.4 × 14%) + (0.6 × 6%)
- WACC = 5.6% + 3.6%
- WACC = 9.2%
Therefore, the firm’s cost of capital is 9.2%.