Zero Growth Dividend Model
A valuation model assuming that a company’s dividend payouts will not grow and will remain constant indefinitely.
Overview of Zero Growth Dividend Model
In investing, we often use models to evaluate stock prices. The Zero Growth Dividend Model is a fundamental approach we apply when we expect a company’s dividends to remain constant over time. In essence, this model assumes no growth in dividends, and subsequently, it values a stock based on the premise that the dividend payouts will not change.
Here’s how we can break it down:
- Dividend Per Share (DPS): The amount paid to shareholders per share.
- Discount Rate (r): The required rate of return, which accounts for the time value of money and risk.
The basic formula for the Zero Growth Dividend Model, which is used to estimate the value of a stock assuming that dividends do not grow and remain constant indefinitely, is given by:
Stock Price (P) = Dividend Per Share (D) / Rate of Return (r)
P = D/r
Where:
- P is the current price of the stock.
- D is the dividend per share expected to be received in the next period, assumed to be constant over time.
- r is the required rate of return for the equity investor.
To calculate this in Excel, you would follow these steps:
- Input the expected dividend per share in one cell (for example, A1).
- Input the required rate of return as a decimal in another cell (for example, A2).
- In a new cell, divide the dividend per share by the required rate of return (for example, in cell A3, type the formula
=A1/A2
).
This will give you the price of the stock under the Zero Growth Dividend Model assumption. Remember that this model is best suited for companies with stable and mature dividend payout patterns, where growth is not expected.
To illustrate the Zero Growth Dividend Model formula in Excel, imagine the following scenario:
You have a stock that is expected to pay a constant annual dividend of $5 per share, and the required rate of return for this type of stock is 10%. Here’s how you would set up your Excel spreadsheet:
A B
1 Dividend ($) 5
2 Required Return 0.10
3 Stock Price ($) =B1/B2
In cell B3, you would enter the formula =B1/B2
, which divides the dividend (B1) by the required rate of return (B2). After pressing Enter, cell B3 would display the result, which is the price of the stock according to the Zero Growth Dividend Model.
Here’s a visual representation of what your Excel worksheet might look like:
+-------------------+-------------------+
| A | B |
+-------------------+-------------------+
| Dividend ($) | 5 |
| Required Return | 0.10 |
| Stock Price ($) | =B1/B2 |
+-------------------+-------------------+
After entering the formula, Excel will perform the calculation and display the stock price in cell B3, which in this case would be $50. This result is obtained by dividing the constant dividend of $5 by the required rate of return of 0.10.
Additional Info
It’s important that we remain cognizant of the model’s limitations. Since it relies on the assumption of no growth, we must be cautious applying this model to companies in industries known for fluctuation or growth potential. It’s best suited to utilities or companies in mature industries with stable dividend distributions. We, as investors, value the simplicity of this model, but we also balance it against its simplification of complex market realities.
When presented with investment opportunities, it’s our responsibility to choose the most suitable valuation methods. We understand that the reality of stock valuation often requires more nuanced models to capture growth prospects, but the Zero Growth Dividend Model remains a useful tool in our repertoire for stable dividend-paying stocks. To help visualize when it’s appropriate to use this model, consider the following table:
Appropriate Use Cases for Zero Growth Model |
---|
Mature industries |
Regulated industries (such as utilities) |
Companies with stable dividend histories |
As we navigate the investment landscape, we rely on such models to inform our strategies and decisions, ensuring we’re grounded in sound financial principles.
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