Question 1: VALUATION
Van Buren currently expects to pay a year-end dividend of $2.00 a share (D1 ¼ $2.00). Van Buren's dividend is expected to grow at a constant rate of 5% a year, and its beta is 0.9. The risk-free rate is 5.6% and the market risk premium is 6%. What is the current price of Van Buren's stock?
Question 2: MERGER VALUATION
Harrison estimates that if it acquires Van Buren, the year-end dividend will remain at $2.00 a share, but synergies will enable the dividend to grow at a constant rate of 7% a year (instead of the current 5%). Harrison also plans to increase the debt ratio of what would be its Van Buren subsidiary--the effect of this would be to raise Van Buren's beta to 1.1. What is the per-share value of Van Buren to Harrison Corporation?