How is adjusted WACC calculated?
Ava Robinson
Published Feb 19, 2026
WACC is calculated by multiplying the cost of each capital source (debt and equity) by its relevant weight, and then adding the products together to determine the value.
Why do we tax adjust the return on debt when calculating WACC?
The reason WHY we use after-tax cost of debt in calculating the WACC because we are interested in maximizing the value of the firm ‘ s stock, and the stock price depends on after-tax cash flows NOT before-tax cash flows. That is why we adjust the interest rate downward due to debt ‘ s preferential tax treatment.
What is adjusted WACC?
A risk adjusted WACC is needed to calculate a project NPV if the if the financial risk of the company is expected to stay constant but the business risk is expected to change significantly as a result of undertaking a project.
What is the risk adjusted cost of capital?
Not to be confused with RAROC, the return on risk-adjusted capital (RORAC) is used in financial analysis to calculate a rate of return, where projects and investments with higher levels of risk are evaluated based on the amount of capital at risk.
Why is debt taxed in WACC?
What do you mean by risk-adjusted return on capital?
The return on risk-adjusted capital (RORAC) is a rate of return measure commonly used in financial analysis, where various projects, endeavors, and investments are evaluated based on capital at risk. The RORAC is similar to return on equity (ROE), except the denominator is adjusted to account for the risk of a project.
How do tax rates affect WACC?
Tax Rates Vs WACC Relationship As your corporate income tax rate goes up, your company’s WACC goes down since a higher rate produces a larger tax shield, reports Accounting Tools. Even if your company isn’t organized as a corporation, and therefore doesn’t pay corporate taxes, you still may enjoy a tax-shield effect.
