Nico Trading Company must choose its optimal capital structure. Currently, the firm has a 20 percent debt ratio and the firm expects to generate a dividend next year of $5.44 per share. Dividends are expected to remain at this level indefinitely. Stock- holders currently require a 12.1 percent return on their investment. Nico is consider- ing changing its capital structure if it would benefit shareholders. The firm estimates that if it increases the debt ratio to 30 percent, it will increase its expected dividend to $5.82 per share. Again, dividends are expected to remain at this new level indefi- nitely. However, because of the added risk, the required return demanded by stock holders will increase to 12.6 percent. Based on this information, should Nico make the change?
A. Yes, because the stock price wil increase from 44.96 to 46.19
B. Yes, because the EPS will increase from 5.44 to 5.82