Instructions: You are required to use a financial calculator or spreadsheet (Excel) to solve the problems (provided on page 4) related to risk and return characteristics and stock/bond valuation. You are required to show the following three steps for each problem (sample problems and solutions are provided for guidance):

(i) Describe and interpret the assumptions related to the problem.

(ii) Apply the appropriate mathematical model to solve the problem.

(iii) Calculate the correct solution to the problem.

A companys stock had a required return of 11.50% last year, when the risk-free rate was 5.50% and the market risk premium was 7.45%. Now, suppose there is a shift in investor risk aversion, and the market risk premium increases by 2%. The risk-free rate and the beta remain unchanged. What is this companys new required return (round your answer to two decimal places)?