Wu uses the security market line as his framework of analysis. The appropriate risk measure for the security market line is the stock’s beta. The formula for beta equals:
where covim is the covariance between any asset i and the market index m, σi is the standard deviation of returns for asset i, σm is the standard deviation of returns for the market index, ρim is the correlation between asset i and the market index.
To determine the fair valuation for STS, Wu must compare his forecasted return against the equilibrium expected return using his security market line framework of analysis. The equation for the security market line is the capital asset pricing model:
E(R) = RF + β[E(Rm) – RF] = 0.06 + 0.45[0.12 – 0.06] = 0.087 = 8.7%.
Wu’s forecasted (10%) exceeds the equilibrium expected (or required) return for STS. Therefore, Wu should determine that STS is undervalued (should make a buy recommendation).