"A Critical Assessment of The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM)"

You are required to

Describe the Capital Asset Pricing Model, including the assumptions underlying the theory

Explain the relationship between the Security Market Line and the Capital Market Line, using diagrams and examples to illustrate your explanation

Briefly set out arguments in favour of - and against - the theory, outline its uses and make a critique of its underlying assumptions

Identify any alternatives which have been suggested in place of CAPM

Conclude with an overall assessment of the theory and state any recommendations you may have from your study..

Details of the Assignment requirements, suggested points for detailed examination and penalties for late lodgment are in the Subject Outline.

You are required to complete this essay individually or in Groups of 2 or 3 people. You may consult and discuss the assignment topic with others, but you must write up your Essay yourself/ves. Penalties for copying and plagiarism are severe.

Marking Guide

Part A will be marked out of fifteen (15) and there will be four components.

Component 1 ANALYSIS. Discussion and understanding of CAPM and the issues associated with the theory..
Component 2 - RESEARCH - EXTENT AND APPLICATION. Discussion and detailed understanding of CAPM, including its advantages and disadvantages and its role in in financial management. Source references used should be cited.

Component 3 - RECOMMENDATIONS / CONCLUSIONS. Following the above analysis and application of your research, state any recommendations which emerge for financial managers and investors, and summarise your overall conclusions. Your critique will be assessed.

Component 3 -- PRESENTATION. Clear and concise expression, professional presentation, grammar, spelling and the use of graphs, tables and appropriate source referencing of material, charts, tables, etc.

The purpose of Part A of this Assignment is to test your initiative as Master's degree students, and your ability to discover information and apply this to financial management .

PART B - Capital Budgeting Analysis

You are required to work the following problem, using a discounted cash flow (NPV) analysis.

"Henry Hall is considering replacing an old machine with a new one. The old machine (purchased 5 years ago) cost $300,000, while the proposed new one will cost $250,000.

"The new machine will be depreciated prime cost to $50,000 over its 5 year life. Henry estimates that it will be worth $40,000 (salvage value) after 5 years.The old machine is being depreciated at prime cost to zero over its original expected life of 10 years. However, Henry can sell the old machine today for $78,000.

"The new machine will save the owner $50,000 a year in cooling costs. This was estimated one year ago in a feasibility study on the new machine conducted for Henry by an external firm of consultants, and which cost Henry $15,000. Henry still considers that these savings will be achieved.

"With the new machine, a one-off amount of cleaning supplies at a cost of $5,000 will be required. and Henry estimates that accounts receivable will increase by $15,000. Both of these increases in working capital will be recouped at the end of the new machine's life in five years time..

"Henry's cost of capital is 10%. The tax rate is 30%. Tax is paid in the year in which earnings are received.

"REQUIRED.

Calculate the net present value of the proposed change, that is, the net benefit or net loss in present vaklue terms of the proposed changeover.

Should Henry purchase the new machine? State clearly why."