Wolfrum Technology (WT) has no debt. Its assets will be worth $444 million in one year if the economy is strong, but only $226 million in one year if the economy is weak. Both events are equally likely. The market value today of its assets is $257 million.
What is the expected return of WT stock without leverage?
Suppose the risk-free interest rate is 5%. If WT borrows $52 million today at this rate and uses the proceeds to buy back its equity, what will be the market value of its equity just after this transaction, according to MM?
What is the expected return of WT stock after the transaction in part (b)?
If the risk of the debt does not change, what is the expected return of the stock after this transaction?
ii. If the risk of the debt increases, would the expected return of the stock be higher or lower than in part (i)?