I. Question $1$

Dividend discount model is the starting point of the stock valuation framework. This question pertains to common equity valuation using this model.

The following table contains information about the estimated next year's EPS, payout

ratio, shareholders' required rate of return, and return on equity of four different companies:

a$)$ Calculate each company's future earnings growth rate. Using the earnings model,

what is the value of the stock?

b$)$ Using the constant$-$growth dividend discount model, what is the value of the stock?

c$)$ Assume that the companies will experience the growth rate determined in part $($a$)$

for a short period of time, and after that the firms will grow at a lower rate. These

periods of time and second growth rates are presented in the table below. Using the

two$-$stage dividend growth model, what is the value of the stock?

d$)$ Create a Scatter chart to show the relationship between the value of the stock

and the dividend payout ratio using Company D$.$ Can you observe any price that is

extremely different from the rest? Interpret your results. $($Hint: Similar with one of

our in$-$class example. Datatable may help$)$

$***$ PLEASE SOLVE ALL QUESTIONS FROM A TO D $***$