Firms HD and LD are identical except for their use of debt and the interest rates they pay--HD has more debt and thus must pay a higher interest rate. Based on the data given below, how much higher or lower will HD's ROE be versus that of LD, i.e., what is ROEHD - ROELD?
Applicable to Both Firms
Firm HD's Data
Firm LD's Data
Assets
$3,000,000
Debt ratio
70%
Debt ratio
20%
EBIT
$500,000
Int. rate
12%
Int. rate
10%
Tax rate
35%