Problem: You decide to sell short 200 shares of XCorp stock at a price of $75. Your margin deposit is 65 percent. Commission on the sale is 1.25%. While you are short, the stock pays a $1.75 per share dividend. Interest on margin debt is 5.25% per year.
1. At the end of one year you close out your short position by purchasing shares of XCorp at $45 per share. The commission is 1.25%. What is your rate of return on the investment?
2. Suppose at the end of one year XCorp is selling at $90 per share and you cover your short position at this price. What is your rate of return on the investment? (Assume a 1.25% commission on the purchase)