A company's dividend policy is to pay out 50% of its earnings.

A company's dividend policy is to pay out 50% of its earnings.

Its most recent earnings per share was $0.50, and it has just paid a dividend per share of $0.25.

Currently, dividends are forecast to grow at 2% each year in perpetuity and the cost of equity is 10.5%.

In order to grow its earnings and dividends, the company is considering undertaking a new investment funded entirely by debt finance. If the investment is undertaken:

   • Its cost of equity will immediately increase to 12% due to the increased finance risk.

   • Its earnings and dividends will immediately commence growing at 4% each year in perpetuity.

Which of the following is the expected percentage change in the share price if the new investment is undertaken?