Instructions: Please make sure that you show all your work when solving the problems. Feel free to make any assumptions whenever you feel necessary. Just make sure that you clearly state your assumptions.
Analysts expect MC, Co. to maintain a dividend payout ratio of 35% and enjoy an expected growth rate of 12% per year for the next 5 years. After the fifth year, all earnings will be paid out as dividends. The required rate of return on MC, Co equity is 8%.
a. Given that the last dividend paid was $0.5 and the current market price of the stock is $15, what growth rate does the market expect for MC, Co?
b. At what price would the analysts value the stock under their own expectations?
c. Suppose 5 years have gone by and the company has to make a decision on how to move forward. It can either pay out all earnings as dividends without considering any growth opportunities, or choose a growth strategy where the company will expand into new lines of business in global markets. If the management chooses this strategy, the payout ratio will be reduced down to 20% from 35%, and the company will be able to maintain a growth rate of 7% forever. Which strategy should the management choose to maximize shareholder value?