J. Ross and Sons Inc

question 37

Multiple Choice

J. Ross and Sons Inc.
J. Ross and Sons Inc. has a target capital structure that calls for 40 percent debt, 10 percent preferred stock, and 50 percent common equity. The firm's current after-tax cost of debt is 6 percent, and it can sell as much debt as it wishes at this rate. The firm's preferred stock currently sells for $90 a share and pays a dividend of $10 per share; however, the firm will net only $80 per share from the sale of new preferred stock. Ross expects to retain $15,000 in earnings over the next year. Ross' common stock currently sells for $40 per share, but the firm will net only $34 per share from the sale of new common stock. The firm recently paid a dividend of $2 per share on its common stock, and investors expect the dividend to grow indefinitely at a constant rate of 10 percent per year.
-Refer to J.Ross and Sons Inc.What is the firm's cost of retained earnings?

• A)10.0%
• B)12.5%
• C)15.5%
• D)16.5%
• E)18.0%

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Definitions:

Generates Revenues

The process of bringing in income from business activities, such as sales of goods or services.

Responsibility Center

A segment or area within an organization whose managers are accountable for specified sets of activities and performance.

Desired Return

The expected gain or profit specified by an investor or business from an investment or project.

Operating Data

Information related to the day-to-day operations of a company, such as sales revenue, production costs, and labor expenses.