# What discount rate to use when valuing binomial option with real probabilities

We all know that we can use the argument of risk-neutrality and the law of one price, to get the option value without the real world probability.

However, suppose if we use the real world probability and discount the option value with the project's risky rate, are we supposed to get same results as the risk neutral valuation?

Today I came across a question (Krishnan 2006) with the following setup:

There is a project with the following estimated values. \$10 million by the end of the first year, if the things work out well. and \$2.7 million if things do not turn out well. in the latter case, the company can sell the assets for \\$3 million. There is a 50 percent chance that the business will succeed. Assets of comparable risk carry a required return of 23 percent. Risk free rate is 5 percent.

If we use the risk neutral valuation, we calculate the PV of the project with the real rates, then calculate the risk neutral probabilities. P_up should equal 0.38. The option value is then 0.62 * 0.3 / 1.05.

However, when I use real rates, the option value becomes 0.5 * 0.3 / 1.23 which is not equal to the risk neutral option value.

I was wondering why is it the case? Shouldn't the law of one price give exactly one answer?

Reference:

V. Sivarama Krishnan, Study Guide for Use with Principles of Corporate Finance

• Please explain your calculation of option value. Why is it p(down)*0.3? What is 0.3? – dm63 Dec 2 '17 at 11:31
• 0.3 is basically 3 - 2.7 – Jinhua Wang Dec 2 '17 at 11:33