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equity valuationintermediate30 min

Stock Valuation Methods

Compare DDM, DCF, and relative valuation approaches for estimating a stock's intrinsic value.

What You'll Learn

  • Apply the Gordon Growth Model
  • Build a basic DCF
  • Use P/E and EV/EBITDA for sanity checks

1. Dividend Discount Model

Value = D1 / (r - g). Works for mature, stable dividend payers. Multi-stage DDM handles changing growth rates.

Key Points

  • Use D1, not D0
  • g must be less than r
  • Multi-stage for high-growth transitioning to stable

2. Discounted Cash Flow

Forecast FCFF for 5-10 years, estimate terminal value, discount everything at WACC.

Key Points

  • FCFF for enterprise value, FCFE for equity value
  • Terminal value is often 60-80% of total
  • Sensitivity-test growth and WACC assumptions

3. Relative Valuation

Compare P/E, EV/EBITDA, or P/B to peer companies. Quick but depends on peer selection.

Key Points

  • Choose peers with similar growth and risk
  • Trailing vs forward multiples matter
  • Multiples reflect market sentiment, not just fundamentals

Key Takeaways

  • DCF is the gold standard but sensitive to assumptions
  • Relative valuation is faster but less fundamental
  • Always cross-check with at least two methods

Practice Questions

1. Stock pays $2 dividend, grows at 3%, required return 9%. What is the value?
D1 = $2.06. P = 2.06 / (0.09 - 0.03) = $34.33.
2. Sector P/E average is 20x. Company EPS = $5. What is the implied price?
$100 per share.

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FAQs

Common questions about this topic

It depends on the company. DCF for any company with forecastable cash flows. DDM for dividend payers. Multiples for quick comparisons.

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