Final answer:
The false statement is B, as it incorrectly states that the total value of an unlevered firm exceeds that of a levered firm. The inclusion of debt in a firm's capital structure can increase its value due to the tax benefits associated with the interest tax shield.
Step-by-step explanation:
The FALSE statement is B. The total value of the unlevered firm exceeds the value of the firm with leverage due to the present value of the tax savings from debt. This statement contradicts the concept known as the interest tax shield, which represents the tax savings a firm realizes from the tax deductibility of interest payments. In reality, the inclusion of debt in a firm's capital structure can increase its value because of the tax benefits associated with debt financing.
To clarify these concepts, when a firm takes on debt, the interest payments on that debt are tax-deductible, which leads to a reduction in taxable income and, therefore, taxes. Thus, there is an important tax advantage to the use of debt financing which is acknowledged in statement D. Calculating the value of these savings involves forecasting debt and interest payments, reinforcing statement C. Finally, the present value of these savings is computed by discounting the future tax shields at a rate corresponding to their risk, aligning with statement A.