Answer:
13.41%
Explanation:
Calculation for By how much would the cost reduction improve the ROE
First step
Debt value = $155,000 × 37.5%
Debt value = $58,125
Second step
Equity value = $155,000 - $58,125
Equity value $96,875
Third step
= (Net income ÷ Total equity) × 100
Ratio = ($20,000 ÷ $96,875) × 100 = 20.65%
New ROE would be = ($33,000 ÷ $96,875) × 100 = 34.06%
Fourth step
Change in ROE= New ROE - Old ROE
ROE= 34.06% - 20.65%
ROE= 13.41%
Therefore By how much would the cost reduction improve the ROE is 13.41%