Sun Products Company (SPC) uses only debt and equity. It can borrow unlimited amounts at an interest rate of 12% so long as it finances at its target capital structure, which calls for 45% debt and 55% common equity. Its last dividend was $2.40, its expected constant growth rate is 5%, and its stock sells for $24. SPC's tax rate is 40%. Four projects are available: Project A has a cost of $240 million and a rate of return of 13%, Project B has a cost of $125 million and a rate of return of 12%, Project C has a cost of $200 million and a rate of return of 11%, and Project D has a cost of $150 million and a rate of return of 10%. All of the company's potential projects are independent and equally risky.
a. What is SPC's cost of common equity?
b. What is SPC's WACC? In other words, what WACC should it use to evaluate capital budgeting projects (these four projects plus any others that might arise during the year, provided the WACC remains constant)?
c. What is SPC's optimal capital budget (in millions)?