Discussion 1 Calculating WACC for a Real Firm (graded)
The Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) for a firm can be calculated or found through research. Select two firms in the same industry. The industry may be that in which you currently work or it may be an industry in which you are interested. Calculate or find the WACC for the two firms. How do the WACCs compare? Are the WACCs what you would expect? What causes the differences between the two firms' WACCs?
Discussion 2 Finding Stock Values for Real Stocks Using Beta and the SML (graded)
Our second discussion topic concerns the calculation of stock values using the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM). We will start with a discussion of risk and work towards practical application of the model. The textbook provides a list of betas for a selection of stocks. Choose a few firms from that list and discuss whether the betas are what you would expect. Be sure to explain why or why not.