Laramie Trucking's CEO is considering a change to the company's capital structure, which currently consists of 25% debt and 75% equity. The CFO believes the firm should use more debt, but the CEO is reluctant to increase the debt ratio. The risk-free rate, r RF, is 5.0%, the market risk premium, RP M, is 6.0%, and the firm's tax rate is 25%. Currently, the cost of equity, r s, is 11.5% as determined by the CAPM. What would be the estimated cost of equity if the firm used 60% debt? (Hint: You must first find the current beta and then the unlevered beta to solve the problem.)

One of your new suppliers, kim, has been hearing rumors about your firm’s lack of capability to deliver high quality products and writes an email asking you to address the claims being made. in replying to her, you want to be sure that you are very clear and leave no room for misinterpretation. which of the following aspects of effective communication should you give the most attention? (a) making sure you understand kim’s areas of expertise. (b) supporting your reply with relevant data and facts. (c) establishing your credibility as an expert. (d) paying attention to implied communications.