Afocused low-cost strategy seeks to achieve competitive advantage by performing the primary value chain activities at the lowest possible cost. capturing the largest market share in the target market niche. serving buyers in the target market niche at a lower cost and lower price than rivals. outmatching competitors in offering niche members an absolute rock-bottom price. developing exceptional managerial expertise in driving costs out of the business.

Pennewell publishing inc. (pp) is a zero growth company. it currently has zero debt and its earnings before interest and taxes (ebit) are $80,000. pp's current cost of equity is 10%, and its tax rate is 40%. the firm has 10,000 shares of common stock outstanding selling at a price per share of $48.00. refer to the data for pennewell publishing inc. (pp). pp is considering changing its capital structure to one with 30% debt and 70% equity, based on market values. the debt would have an interest rate of 8%. the new funds would be used to repurchase stock. it is estimated that the increase in risk resulting from the added leverage would cause the required rate of return on equity to rise to 12%. if this plan were carried out, what would be pp's new value of operations? a. $484,359 b. $521,173 c. $584,653 d. $560,748 e. $487,805