Choice and CAPM Lets say that you are looking to invest in t
Choice and CAPM
Let’s say that you are looking to invest in two stocks A and B. Stock A has a beta of
0.86 and based on your best estimates is expected to have a return of 8%. Stock B has
a beta of 3.37 and is expected to earn 23%. If the risk-free rate is currently 5% and the
expected return on the market is 12%, which stock(s) should you invest in, if any?
Solution
Returns as per CAPM:
Company
Risk free rate
Market Return
Beta
CAPM equation-based return:
CAPM Working
Stocks
Rf
Rm
B
Ri = Rf+B*(Rm-Rf)
Ri = Rf+B*(Rm-Rf)
A
5.00%
12.00%
0.86
11.02%
=5%+0.86*(12%-5%)
B
5.00%
12.00%
3.37
28.59%
=5%+3.37*(12%-5%)
Based on above return based on CAPM equation for A = 11.02% and for B = 28.59%
Whereas reported expected return for A = 8% and for B = 23%
As CAPM based return for both the stocks are higher we should “Invest” in both the shares A and B.
| Company | Risk free rate | Market Return | Beta | CAPM equation-based return: | CAPM Working |
| Stocks | Rf | Rm | B | Ri = Rf+B*(Rm-Rf) | Ri = Rf+B*(Rm-Rf) |
| A | 5.00% | 12.00% | 0.86 | 11.02% | =5%+0.86*(12%-5%) |
| B | 5.00% | 12.00% | 3.37 | 28.59% | =5%+3.37*(12%-5%) |

