Answer:
14.81%
Explanation:
Data provided in the question:
Average return on stocks = 12.49% = 0.1249
Average risk-free rate = 2.56% = 0.0256
Small-company stocks averaged = 17.37%
Now,
The Risk premium on small company stocks is
= ( Return on small company stocks ) - ( Risk free rate )
or
Risk premium on small company stocks = 17.37% - 2.56%
or
Risk premium on small company stocks = 14.81%