In: Finance
Company A has a beta of 0.70, while Company B's beta is 1.10. The required return on the stock market is 11.00%, and the risk-free rate is 4.25%. What is the difference between A's and B's required rates of return? (Hint: First find the market risk premium, then find the required returns on the stocks.) Select the correct answer.
a. 2.50%
b. 2.55%
c. 2.60%
d. 2.65%
e. 2.70%
Required return on stock = Risk free rate + Beta * (Market return - Risk free rate)
Stock A required return = 0.0425 + 0.70 * (0.11 - 0.0425)
= 8.975%
Stock B required return = 0.0425 + 1.10*(0.11 - 0.0425)
= 11.675%
Difference in stock required return = 11.675% - 8.975%
= 2.70%
Correct choice E