Situational Software Co. (SSC) is trying to establish its optimal capital structure. Its current capital structure consists of 35% debt and 65% equity; however, the CEO believes that the firm should use more debt. The risk-free rate, rRF, is 4%; the market risk premium, RPM, is 6%; and the firm's tax rate is 40%. Currently, SSC's cost of equity is 16%, which is determined by the CAPM.
What would be SSC's estimated cost of equity if it changed its capital structure to 50% debt and 50% equity? Round your answer to two decimal places. Do not round intermediate steps.
__________%