WACC Formula:
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WACC (Weighted Average Cost of Capital) represents a company's average after-tax cost of capital from all sources, including common stock, preferred stock, bonds, and other forms of debt. It's used as a hurdle rate for investment decisions.
The calculator uses the WACC formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula weights the cost of each capital component by its proportion in the company's capital structure, with debt cost adjusted for tax benefits.
Details: WACC is crucial for capital budgeting decisions, valuation analysis, and determining the minimum acceptable return on investment projects. It helps companies evaluate whether to pursue specific investments or projects.
Tips: Enter all values in USD for monetary amounts and percentages for rates. Ensure V = E + D for accurate calculation. Tax rate should be between 0-100%.
Q1: Why is WACC important for companies?
A: WACC serves as the discount rate for future cash flows in valuation models and helps determine which projects will create value for shareholders.
Q2: What is a good WACC percentage?
A: Lower WACC is generally better, but acceptable ranges vary by industry. Typically ranges from 5-15% for most established companies.
Q3: How is cost of equity calculated?
A: Cost of equity is often estimated using CAPM (Capital Asset Pricing Model): Re = Rf + β(Rm - Rf), where Rf is risk-free rate and Rm is market return.
Q4: What are the limitations of WACC?
A: WACC assumes constant capital structure, stable business risk, and that new investments have the same risk as existing operations.
Q5: How often should WACC be recalculated?
A: WACC should be updated regularly, especially when market conditions change, capital structure shifts, or for major investment decisions.