Question 1) (Beta and required return) The riskless return is currently 6%, and Chicago Gear has estimated the contingent returns given here.
a. Calculate the expected returns on the stock market and on Chicago Gear stock.
b. What is Chicago Gear's beta?
c. What is Chicago Gear's required return according to the CAPM?
REALIZED RETURN
State of the Market Probability that State Occurs Stock Market Chicago Gear
Stagnant 0.20 (10%) (15%)
Slow growth 0.35 10 15
Average growth 0.30 15 25
Rapid growth 0.15 25 35
Question 2) Common stock A has an expected return of 10%, a standard deviation of future returns of 25%, and a beta of 1.25. Common stock B has an expected return of 12%, a standard deviation of future returns of 15%, and a beta of 1.50. Which stock is riskier?