Can someone please help me with this. I'm confused and don't even know where to begin! I've calculated the debt ratio and got 39%. Is this correct? Here's the problem: Laurel Street, president of Uvalde Manufacturing Inc. is preparing a proposal to present to her board of directors regarding a planned plant expansion that will cost $10 million. At issue is whether the expansion should be financed with debt (a long-term note at First National Bank of Uvalde with an interest rate of 15%) or through the issuance of common stock (200,000 shares at $50 per share).

Uvalde Manufacturing currently has a capital structure of:
Debt (12% interest) 40,000,000
Equity 50,000,000
The firm's most recent income statement is presented next:
Sales $100,000,000
Cost of goods sold 65,000,000
Gross profit 35,000,000
Operating expenses 20,000,000
Operating profit 15,000,000
Interest expense 4,800,000
Earnings before tax 10,200,000
Income tax expense (40%) 4,080,000
Net income $ 6,120,000
Earnings per share (800,000 shares) $ 7.65
Laurel Street is aware that financing the expansion with debt will increase risk but could also benefit shareholders through financial leverage. Estimates are that the plant expansion will increase operating profit by 20%.The tax rate is expected to stay at 40%.Assume a 100% dividend payout ratio.

a. Calculate the debt ratio, time interest earned, earnings per share, and the financial leverage index under each alternative, assuming the expected increase in operating profit is realized.
b. Discuss the factors the board should consider in making a decision.