Question

Old Economy Traders opened an account to short-sell 1,550 shares of Internet Dreams at $74 per share. The initial margin requirement was 52%. (The margin account pays no interest.) A year later, the price of Internet Dreams has risen from $74 to $81, and the stock has paid a dividend of $4 per share.
Required:
a. What is the remaining margin in the account?
b. If the maintenance margin requirement is 30%, will Old Economy receive a margin call?
c. What is the rate of return on the investment?

Answer 1

Answer:

A.37%

B.No because the margin is above the requirement at 37%.

C.-118%

Explanation:

Old Economy Traders

a.

1,550 shares*$74 per share = 114,700

margin requirement is 52% so equity =59,644

1 year later price increase to 81

$1550 shares*$81 per share = 125,550

Dividend = $4*1550 = 6,200

Margin = 114,700/131750 = 37%

b.

No because the margin is above the requirement at 37%.

c.

Price of 1550 stock year 1 at 81$/share = 125,550

114,700 – 125,500 = -10800

Rate of return = (-10800 -59,644)/59,644= -118%