What is the formula for weighted average cost of capital?
James Williams
Updated on February 10, 2026
WACC is a firm’s Weighted Average Cost of Capital and represents its blended cost of capital including equity and debt. The WACC formula is = (E/V x Re) + ((D/V x Rd) x (1-T)). This guide will provide an overview of what it is
What does a high weighted average cost of capital ( WACC ) mean?
A high weighted average cost of capital, or WACC, is typically a signal of higher risk associated with a firm’s operations. Investors tend to require additional return to assume additional risk. Let’s back up a bit.
How to calculate weighted average cost of capital for Starbucks?
Assuming that you are comfortable with the basic WACC examples, let us take a practical example to calculate WACC of Starbucks. Please note that Starbucks has no preferred shares and hence, WACC formula to be used is as follows – Market Value of Equity = Number of shares outstanding x current price.
Which is more accurate book value or weighted average cost of capital?
But book value calculation is not as accurate as the market value calculation. And in most of the cases, market value is considered for the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) calculation for the company.
If preferred stock is included, here would be the revised WACC formula – WACC = E/V * Ke + D/V * Kd * (1 – Tax Rate) + P/V * Kp. Here, V = E + D + P and Kp = Cost of Preferred Stocks The interpretation really depends on the return of the company at the end of the period.
How does weighted average cost of capital affect fair value of Alibaba?
As Weighted Average Cost of Capital increases, the fair valuation dramatically decreases. At the growth rate of 1% and Weighted Average Cost of Capital of 7%, Alibaba Fair valuation was at $214 billion. However, when we change the WACC to 11%, Alibaba fair valuation drops by almost 45%…
WACC is a formula that takes into account a company’s cost debt and equity using a formula, although it can also be calculated using excel. The formula is useful analysts, investors, and company management—all of whom use it for different purposes. Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work.
What is the weighted average cost of capital for company XYZ?
Suppose that company XYZ has the following capital structure: 25% equity, 10% preferred stock, and 65% debt. Its marginal cost of equity is 12%, its marginal cost of preferred stock is 9%, and its before-tax cost of debt is 7%. If the marginal tax rate is 35%, what is company XYZ’s WACC?
How is the cost of capital calculated for a business?
As the majority of businesses run on borrowed funds, the cost of capital becomes an important parameter in assessing a firm’s potential for net profitability. WACC measures a company’s cost to borrow money, where the WACC formula uses both the company’s debt and equity in its calculation.