Great lakes packing has two bond issues outstanding. the first issue has a coupon rate of 3.48 percent, a par value of $1,000 per bond, matures in 7 years, has a total face value of $3.5 million, and is quoted at 108 percent of face value. the second issue has a coupon rate of 5.86 percent, a par value of $2,000 per bond, matures in 20 years, has a total face value of $7.8 million, and is quoted at 94 percent of face value. both bonds pay interest semiannually. the company's tax rate is 39 percent. what is the firm's weighted average aftertax cost of debt?

a. 2.84%
b. 2.95%
c. 2.63%
d. 4.98%
e. 4.01%

R& m chatelaine is one of the largest tax-preparation firms in the united states. it wants to acquire the tax experts, a smaller rival. after the merger, chatelaine will be one of the two largest income-tax preparers in the u.s. market. what should chatelaine include in its acquisition plans? it should refocus its attention from the national to the international market. in addition to acquiring the tax experts, it should also determine the best way to drive independent "mom and pop" tax preparers out of business. chatelaine will need to explain to the federal trade commission how the acquisition will not result in an increase in prices for consumers. chatelaine should enter a price-based competition with its other major competitor to force it out of business and become a monopoly.