Answer:
The maximum that should be paid for the stock of the company today is $146.64
Step-by-step explanation:
The current price of the stock can be calculated using the constant growth model of DDM. The DDM values the stock based on the present value of the expected future dividends from the stock.
The formula for the price of the stock today under the constant growth model is,
P0 = D0 * (1+g) / (r - g)
Where,
D0 is the most recent dividend paid
D0 * (1+g) is the dividend expected to be paid next period
r is the required rate of return
g is the growth rate in dividends
As we don't have a D0 but instead are given a D1, the constant growth rate will be applied from year 2 and we will calculate the price of the stock at year 1 using the constant growth model and discount is back one year to calculate the price of the stock today.
P1 = D1 * (1+g) / r - g
P1 = 3.6 * (1+0.046) / (0.07 - 0.046)
P1 = $156.9
Price of the stock today is,
P0 = P1 / (1+r)
P0 = 156.9 / (1+0.07)
P0 = $146.635514 rounded off to $146.64