Nile Food's Stock Has a Beta of 1

question 35

Multiple Choice

Nile Food's stock has a beta of 1.4, while Elba Eateries' stock has a beta of 0.7. Assume that the risk-free rate, rRF, is 5.5% and the market risk premium, (rM − rRF) , equals 4%. Which of the following statements is CORRECT?

• A) If the risk-free rate increases but the market risk premium remains unchanged, the required return will increase for both stocks but the increase will be larger for Nile since it has a higher beta.
• B) If the market risk premium increases but the risk-free rate remains unchanged, Nile's required return will increase because it has a beta greater than 1.0 but Elba's required return will decline because it has a beta less than 1.0.
• C) Since Nile's beta is twice that of Elba's, its required rate of return will also be twice that of Elba's.
• D) If the risk-free rate increases while the market risk premium remains constant, then the required return on an average stock will increase.
• E) If the market risk premium decreases but the risk-free rate remains unchanged, Nile's required return will decrease because it has a beta greater than 1.0 and Elba's will also decrease, but by more than Nile's because it has a beta less than 1.0.

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Definitions:

Indirect Method

A way of calculating cash flows from operating activities by starting with net income and adjusting for changes in non-cash accounts on the balance sheet.

Merchandise Inventories

Goods, either manufactured or purchased, held for sale in the regular course of business.

Direct Method

A cash flow statement approach that itemizes actual cash flows from operating activities, rather than adjusting net income.

Depreciation

The systematic allocation of the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life, reflecting its decrease in value over time.