Cost of Debt Fundamentals

Corporate Finance Fundamentals · 3:33

Listen on 93

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
When companies need to borrow money
They pay interest on their debt
But there's a secret that's not so funny
Tax shields make it better yet
The government gives a helping hand
With deductions that are planned

[Chorus]
Cost of debt before tax rate
Multiply by one minus tax
That's the formula don't be late
After-tax cost that's the facts
Tax shield saves you money
Makes debt financing sunny
Before tax times bracket rate
After-tax cost calculate

[Verse 2]
Let's say your company pays ten percent
On bonds that you have issued
But your tax rate is thirty percent
The savings can't be missed
Ten percent times seventy percent
Seven percent is what you spent

[Chorus]
Cost of debt before tax rate
Multiply by one minus tax
That's the formula don't be late
After-tax cost that's the facts
Tax shield saves you money
Makes debt financing sunny
Before tax times bracket rate
After-tax cost calculate

[Bridge]
Interest payments are deductible
From your taxable income
This benefit is predictable
When profits surely come
The higher your tax bracket
The bigger savings packet

[Verse 3]
Credit ratings affect your cost
Better ratings mean lower rates
If your rating gets lost
Higher interest awaits
Market conditions also matter
When debt costs start to scatter

[Chorus]
Cost of debt before tax rate
Multiply by one minus tax
That's the formula don't be late
After-tax cost that's the facts
Tax shield saves you money
Makes debt financing sunny
Before tax times bracket rate
After-tax cost calculate

[Outro]
Remember this equation
For your CFA preparation
After-tax debt cost calculation
Is key for valuation

← Debt Covenants and Management Behavior | What is Cost of Capital? →