In: Finance
Magic Production Company (MPC) is considering a recapitalisation
plan that would convert MPC from its current all-equity capital
structure to one including some financial leverage. MPC now has 6
million ordinary shares outstanding, which are selling for $50.00
each. Currently, MPC shareholders have a required return of 15%.
The expected earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of MPC is
$45,000,000 per year for the foreseeable future.
The recapitalisation proposal is to issue $100,000,000 worth of
long-term debt at an interest rate of 7.5 per cent and use the
proceeds to repurchase as many shares as possible at a price of
$50.00 per share. Assume there are no market frictions such as
corporate or personal income taxes.
(i) Calculate the number of shares outstanding and the
debt-to-equity ratio for MPC if the proposed recapitalisation is
adopted.
(ii) Calculate the expected earnings per share (EPS) and the
expected return on equity (ROE) for MPC shareholders under the
proposed mixed debt/equity capital structure. How does it compare
to the EPS and ROE under the current capital structure?
(iii) Calculate the break-even level of EBIT where earnings per
share for MPC shareholders are the same under the current and
proposed capital structures.
For the next question assume Magic Production Company (MPC) is
subject to a 40% corporate income tax rate.
(iv) How does financial leverage increase the value of MPC in the
presence of corporate income taxes? Explain.
Please show your calculations clearly.