DFB, Inc. expects earnings this year of $5.16 per share, and plans to pay a $3.30 dividend to shareholders. DFB will retain $1.86 per share of its earnings to reinvest in projects that have an expected return of 14.8% per year. Suppose DFB will maintain the same dividend payout rate, retention rate, and return on new investments in the future and will not change its number of outstanding shares.
a. What growth rate of earnings would you forecast for DFB?
b. If DFB’s equity cost of capital is 12.2%, what price would you estimate for DFB stock?