Chen Chocolate Company’s EPS in 2016 was $1.25, and in 2011 it was$0.75. The company’s payout ratio is 50%, and the stock is currently valued at $37.75. Flotation costs for new equity will be 15%. Net...

Chen Chocolate Company’s EPS in 2016 was $1.25, and in 2011 it was$0.75. The company’s payout ratio is 50%, and the stock is currently valued at $37.75. Flotation costs for new equity will be 15%. Net income in 2017 is expected to be $18 million.

The company’s investment banker estimates that it could sell 10-year semiannual bonds with a coupon rate of 5%. The face value would be$1,000 and the flotation costs for a bond issue would be 1%. The market-value weights of the firm’s debt and equity are 25% and 75%, respectively. The firm faces a 35% tax rate.

a. Based on the five-year track record, what is Chen’s EPS growth rate? What will the dividend be in 2017?