Tool Manufacturing has an expected EBIT of $64,000 in perpetuity and a tax rate of 35 percent. The firm has $95,000 in outstanding debt at an interest rate of 8.5 percent, and its unlevered cost of capital is 15 percent.
What is the value of the firm according to M&M Proposition I with taxes?
Should the company change its debt-equity ratio if the goal is to maximize the value of the firm? Explain.