In: Finance
L Ltd faces a cost of equity of 20% per annum and a cost of debt of 12%. These rates apply up to a level of gearing of 75%, i.e. where the company is 75% debt financed. The cost of both debt and equity then rise as shown below:
Proportion of debt finance |
Cost of debt |
Cost of Equity |
80% |
14% |
22% |
85% |
16% |
24% |
90% |
18% |
26% |
95% |
20% |
28% |
100% |
22% |
30% |
Required:
Determine the overall cost of capital for various proportions of debt finance and draw a graph to show the optimal capital structure.
What is the advantage to a firm of financing at the optimal capital structure?
Optimal Capital Structure is the one with LOWEST Overall Cost of Capital(WACC).
Therefore, Optimal Capital Structure is 75% in Debt.
If the Firm is financed at the Optimal Capital Structure, it will have Lowest WACC, hence, Higher Profitability.