Example of Debt Finance

An example:

Interest = 10% tax rate = 30%

The effective cost of debt (interest) = Interest rate (1 - T)

= 10%(1-0.30)

= 7%

Consider companies A and B

Company                  A                                      B

Sh.'000'                  Sh.'000'

10% debt                1,000                                 -

Equity                          -                                1,000

                                  1,000                           1,000

The tax rate is 30% and earnings previous interest and tax amount to Ksh.400,000.  All earnings are paid out as dividends. Calculate payable via each firm.

Company                                 A                                  B

                                                Sh.'000'                       Sh.'000'

EBIT                                           400                             400

Less interest 10% x 1,000          (100)                                 -     

EBT                                            300                            400

Less tax @ 30%                         (90)                            (120)

Dividends payable                      210                              280

Company A saves tax equal to Sh.30,000(120,000 - 90,000) since interest charges are tax permit able and reduce taxable income.