Effect of Debt Issuance on Stock Valuation

    Hightower, Inc. plans to announce itwill issue $2.0 million of perpetual debt and use the proceeds to repurchase common stock. The bonds will sell at par with a coupon rate of 596. Hightower, Inc. is currently an all-equity company worth $7.5 million with QOo,000 shares of common stock outstanding. After the sale ofthe bonds, the company will maintain the new capital structure indefinitely. The company currently generates annual pretax earnings of $1.5 million. This level of earnings is expected to remain constant in perpetuity. The tax rate is 3596. Prepare a 275-word memo advising the management of Hightower, Inc. on the financial impact, including the following: -How many shares will the company repurchase as a result ofthe debt issue? How many shares of common stock will remain after the repurchase? -What is the required return on the company's equity after the restructuring?