Answer: 7.46%
Step-by-step explanation:
The CAPITAL ASSET PRICING MODEL is a very useful tool for calculating a firm's Cost of Equity.
The Formula is,
Rc = Rrf + b(Rpm)
Where,
Rc is the Cost of Equity
Rpf is the Risk risk free rate
b is beta
Rpm is the risk premium
Plugging in the digits we have,
Rc = 0.0350 + 0.88(0.045)
= 0.0746
The firm's cost of equity from retained earnings based on the CAPM is therefore 7.46%