Answer:
Unlevered beta ≈ 1.09
Step-by-step explanation:
Unlevered beta is basically the unlevered weighted average cost as it shows the volatility of returns without financial leverage. Unlevered beta is also known as asset beta, while the levered beta is commonly known as equity beta. Unlevered beta is calculated from the hamada equation as:
Unlevered beta = Levered beta/[1 + ((1 - Tax rate) × (Debt / Equity))]
We are given;
Levered beta = 1.4
Tax rate = 30% = 0.3
Debt = $6 million
Equity = $15 million
Thus, plugging these into the hamada equation, we have;
Unlevered beta = 1.4/[1 + ((1 - 0.3) × (6/15))]
Unlevered beta = 1.4/(1 + (0.7 × 0.4)
Unlevered beta = 1.4/(1 + 0.28)
Unlevered beta = 1.4/1.28
Unlevered beta = 1.09375
To 2 decimal places;
Unlevered beta ≈ 1.09