An all equity financed company reported earnings for the year ending 31 December 20X1 of $8 million.
One of its financial objectives is to increase earnings by 5% each year.
In the year ending 31 December 20X2 it financed a project by issuing a bond with a $1 million nominal value and a coupon rate of 4%.
The company pays corporate income tax at 20%.
If the company is to achieve its earnings target for the year ending 31 December 20X2, what is the minimum operating profit (profit before interest and tax) that it must achieve?