Reference no: EM133138075

Question - Situational Software Co. (SSC) is trying to establish its optimal capital structure. Its current capital structure consists of 25% debt and 75% equity; however, the CEO believes that the firm should use more debt. The risk-free rate, rRF, is 4%; the market risk premium, RPM, is 6%; and the firm's tax rate is 25%. Currently, SSC's cost of equity is 12%, 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? Do not round intermediate calculations. Round your answer to two decimal places.

Walsh Company is considering three independent projects, each of which requires a $3 million investment. The estimated internal rate of return (IRR) and cost of capital for these projects are presented here:

Note that the projects' costs of capital vary because the projects have different levels of risk. The company's optimal capital structure calls for 50% debt and 50% common equity, and it expects to have net income of $7,176,000. If Walsh establishes its dividends from the residual dividend model, what will be its payout ratio? Round your answer to two decimal places.