WACC Formula:
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The Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) 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 is used as a hurdle rate for investment decisions.
The calculator uses the WACC formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the weighted average of the cost of equity and the after-tax cost of debt, with weights based on the proportion of each in the company's capital structure.
Details: WACC is crucial for capital budgeting decisions, company valuation, investment analysis, and determining the minimum acceptable return on investment projects.
Tips: Enter all values in USD for market values 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 whether investments will create value for shareholders.
Q2: What is a good WACC value?
A: Lower WACC is generally better, but it varies by industry. Typically ranges from 5-15% depending on business risk and capital structure.
Q3: How is cost of equity calculated?
A: Often calculated using Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM): Re = Rf + β(Rm - Rf), where Rf is risk-free rate, β is beta, and Rm is market return.
Q4: Why is debt cost adjusted for taxes?
A: Interest expense is tax-deductible, reducing the actual cost of debt to the company, hence the (1 - Tc) adjustment.
Q5: What are the limitations of WACC?
A: Assumes constant capital structure, stable business risk, and may not be appropriate for projects with different risk profiles than the company.