Stocks and Their Valuation Narrative RMilla-EEdan
Stocks and Their Valuation Narrative RMilla-EEdan
Introduction
The presentation on "Stocks and Their Valuation" provided an in-depth understanding of how
stocks function in the financial market. It covered essential concepts, including stock types, their
valuation methods, and the factors influencing their intrinsic value. This report elaborates on the
topics discussed, offering a structured explanation of each key point.
Common Stocks
Common stocks provide ownership rights, voting power, and potential financial gains through
capital appreciation and dividends. However, they also come with higher risks, especially in
cases of company bankruptcy, where common stockholders are the last to receive claims.
Preferred Stocks
Preferred stocks act as a hybrid between common stocks and bonds. While they do not offer
voting rights, they provide fixed dividends and have a priority claim over common stocks in case
of liquidation. Some preferred stocks also have convertibility options, allowing them to be
exchanged for common stocks under specific conditions.
Each share of common stock represents a portion of company ownership. If an investor owns
10% of a company's total shares, they effectively own 10% of the company.
Voting Rights
Common stockholders can vote on corporate policies, board elections, mergers, and acquisitions.
These decisions significantly impact the company’s strategic direction.
Dividend Payments
Although not guaranteed, common stockholders may receive periodic dividends based on
company profits and board approval. Companies with consistent dividend payments often attract
long-term investors.
Limited Liability
Stockholders are not personally liable for company debts. If the company goes bankrupt,
investors only lose their investment and are not responsible for additional financial obligations.
The value of common stocks is influenced by supply and demand, company performance,
economic conditions, and investor sentiment. Stock prices can fluctuate daily, affecting
investment returns.
This model determines a stock’s intrinsic value based on the expected future dividends, assuming
a constant growth rate. The formula is:
P0=D1r−gP_0 = \frac{D_1}{r - g}
where:
Also known as the Free Cash Flow (FCF) method, this model values an entire firm based on the
present value of its future cash flows. The equation is:
ValueFirm=∑FCFt(1+WACC)tValue_{Firm} = \sum \frac{FCF_t}{(1 + WACC)^t}
where:
FCFtFCF_t = free cash flow at time tt
WACCWACC = weighted average cost of capital
This method compares a stock’s value with similar companies using valuation ratios like Price-
to-Earnings (P/E), Price-to-Book (P/B), and Enterprise Value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA).
Stocks that grow at a constant rate indefinitely use the Dividend Growth Model (DGM) to
determine their valuation.
If a stock experiences high growth for a few years before stabilizing, a multi-stage valuation
approach is needed. Example: If a company grows at 30% for 3 years and then stabilizes at 6%,
investors must discount different growth phases separately.
Some stocks may have zero growth for a certain period before resuming positive growth. This
requires adjustments in valuation models to account for varying dividend patterns.
Liquidation Preference
Preferred stockholders have a higher claim on assets than common shareholders but rank below
bondholders.
Fixed Dividends
Preferred dividends are predetermined and usually paid before common stock dividends. Some
preferred stocks have cumulative dividends, meaning missed payments accumulate and must be
paid before any dividends are given to common shareholders.
Voting Rights
Most preferred stocks do not grant voting rights. However, under certain circumstances, such as
company takeovers, preferred shareholders may gain temporary voting power.
Some preferred stocks have the option to convert into common shares, offering flexibility to
investors. Others may be redeemable at a specific date or under certain conditions.
Example: If a preferred stock pays an annual dividend of $3.75 and investors require a 6%
return, the stock value is:
P0=3.750.06=62.50P_0 = \frac{3.75}{0.06} = 62.50
Conclusion
The presentation on "Stocks and Their Valuation" provided a comprehensive overview of the
stock market, emphasizing the key characteristics of common and preferred stocks, various
valuation techniques, and their applications in investment decision-making. Understanding these
principles helps investors make informed choices, balancing risk and return effectively.
Through this report, we have detailed the core concepts discussed during the presentation. The
knowledge gained from this study serves as a valuable foundation for future financial analysis
and investment strategies.
References
1. Ross, S., Westerfield, R., & Jordan, B. (2019). Fundamentals of Corporate Finance.
McGraw-Hill Education.
2. Brigham, E., & Ehrhardt, M. (2021). Financial Management: Theory & Practice.
Cengage Learning.
3. Damodaran, A. (2012). Investment Valuation: Tools and Techniques for Determining the
Value of Any Asset. Wiley.
4. Presentation Slides: Stocks and Their Valuation by Roldan Milla & Edmund Edan.