Which of the following best defines the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC)?

The Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) is best defined as the average rate a company is expected to pay to finance its assets. This concept captures the overall cost of capital, considering the proportionate weight of each source of capital, including equity, debt, and preferred stock. WACC is essential for companies as it provides a benchmark for evaluating investment opportunities—projects must earn a return greater than the WACC to create value for shareholders.

In calculating WACC, different sources of capital are assigned weights based on their proportionate use in the overall capital structure. The costs associated with equity and debt are combined to give an average that reflects the overall risk to which the firm's investors are exposed. This average rate serves as a critical tool for managing financial performance and guiding strategic investment decisions.

Other definitions, such as the total cost incurred to produce goods or the interest expense from long-term debt alone, do not encompass the broader financial perspective that WACC provides, which includes both equity and debt financing. Similarly, the cost of equity is only a component of WACC and does not incorporate the weighted effects of other capital sources. Thus, the definition that captures the composite nature of financing—incorporating various types of capital—clearly identifies WACC