Consider Two Firms, Go Debt Corporation and No Debt Corporation

Essay

Consider two firms, Go Debt corporation and No Debt corporation. Both firms are expected to have earnings before interest and taxes of $100,000 during the coming year. In addition, Go Debt is expected to incur $40,000 in interest expenses as a result of its borrowings whereas No Debt will incur no interest expense because it does not use debt financing. However, No Debt will have to pay stockholders $40,000 in dividend income. Both firms are in the 40 percent tax bracket. Calculate the Earnings after tax for both firms. Which firm has the higher after-tax earnings? Which firm appears to have the higher cash flow? How do you account for the difference?