a. Describe the underlying assumptions and differences for the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and the Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT). Provide an example in which type of situation each would be most appropriate to the task. Is there any situation in which using either method would be acceptable? Or neither, and if so, which pricing model would then be most appropriate? Explain.
b. You have been asked to perform a stock valuation prior to the annual shareholders meeting next week. The two models you’ve selected to value the firm are 1) the dividend discount model and 2) the discounted cash flow model. Explain why the estimates from the two valuation methods differ. Address the assumptions implicit in the models themselves as well as those you made during the valuation process. Also, explain why these prepared estimates may differ from the actual stick price today, or any given day.
c. In a "perfect world" capital market, how important is a firm’s decision to pay dividends versus repurchase shares? Under what conditions would you have a tax preference for share repurchase rather than dividends? Would managers acting in the interests of long-term shareholders be more likely to repurchase shares if they believed the stock to be either undervalued or overvalued? Lastly, explain how you would respond to firm’s decision to cut its dividend.