Which discount rate should be used when calculating with Levered Free Cash Flow?

• A. Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC)
• B. Cost of Debt
• C. Cost of Preferred Stock
• D. Cost of Equity

Answer: (D)

When calculating with Levered Free Cash Flow, the appropriate discount rate to use is the Cost of Equity. This is because Levered Free Cash Flow represents the cash available to equity holders after meeting debt obligations, which means it reflects the risk and return expectations of equity investors.

Using the Cost of Equity allows for an assessment that takes into account the business's leverage, as equity investors bear the higher risk due to the presence of debt. Thus, they require a return that compensates for that risk. In contrast, using the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC), Cost of Debt, or Cost of Preferred Stock would not accurately reflect the return expectations of equity holders, as these rates either blend debt and equity costs or represent specific capital components that do not solely pertain to equity returns. Therefore, the Cost of Equity is the correct choice when calculating Levered Free Cash Flow.