Answer: 3,125,000 shares.
Explanation:
The number of shares of common stock that must be issued will be calculated as follows:
Let the amount to be raised be represented by x. Therefore,
x - (8% × x) = $115 million
x - (0.08 × x) = $115 million
x - 0.08x = $115 million
0.92x = $115 million
x = $115 million/0.92
x = $125 million
Then the number of shares that'll be issued will be:
= Amount raised / Issue price of stock.
= $125 million / 40
= 3,125,000 shares.