Sidman Products's common stock currently sells for $$42$ a share. The firm is expected to earn $$3\mathrm{.}36$ per share this year and to pay a year$-$end dividend of $$2\mathrm{.}40,$

and it finances only with common equity.

a$.$ If investors require an $8\%$ return, what is the expected growth rate? Do not round intermediate calculations. Round your answer to two decimal places.

$\%$

b$.$ If Sidman reinvests retained earnings in projects whose average return is equal to the stock's expected rate of return, what will be next year's EPS?

$($Hint: Payout ratio$)$ROE$).$ Do not round intermediate calculations. Round your answer to the nearest cent.

$ per share