Reference no: EM132433998

i) Suppose drug retailer CVS has an equity beta of 0.80 and a debt-equity ratio of 0.10. Estimate its asset beta assuming its debt beta is zero. Suppose CVS were to increase its leverage so that its debt-equity ratio was 0.50. Assuming its debt beta were still zero, what would you expect its equity beta to be after the increase in leverage? 

ii) Suppose ALCO plans to pay $60 million in interest each year for the next eight years, and then repay the principal of $1 billion in year 8. These payments are risk free, and ALCO's marginal tax rate will remain 39% throughout this period. If the risk-free interest rate is 6%, by how much does the interest tax shield increase the value of ALCO?

iii) Harris Solutions expects to have free cash flow in the coming year of $1.75 million, and its free cash flow is expected to grow at a rate of 3.5% per year thereafter. Harris Solutions has an equity cost of capital of 12% and a debt cost of capital of 7%, and it pays a corporate tax rate of 40%. If Harris Solutions maintains a debtequity ratio of 2.5, what is the value of its interest tax shield?