Answer: D/E ≥ 0.3358
Explanation:
Given that,
Unlevered cost of capital = 13.2 %
Cost of debt = 8.3 %
Tax rate = 21 %
Targeted cost of equity = 14.5 %
D/E = target debt-equity ratio
Targeted cost of equity ≥ Unlevered cost of capital + (Unlevered cost of capital - Cost of debt) × D/E × (1 - Tax rate)
14.5% ≥ 13.2% + (13.2% - 8.3%) × D/E × (1 - 21%)
0.013 ≥ 0.03871 × D/E
D/E ≥ 0.3358
Therefore, the target debt-equity ratio is D/E ≥ 0.3358.