How is the valuation of preference share done? Explain using a hypothetical example.

 Q. How is the valuation of preference share done? Explain using a hypothetical example.

Valuing preference shares, often referred to as preferred stock, involves determining the present value of the future dividend payments associated with the shares. Preference shares represent a type of equity security that typically offers a fixed dividend to shareholders before any dividends are paid to common shareholders. These dividends are often paid at a constant rate, which simplifies the valuation process relative to common stock. Valuing preference shares can be approached using different methods, depending on whether the preferred stock is perpetual (has no maturity date) or has a finite life.

The primary method for valuing preference shares is the Dividend Discount Model (DDM), particularly when the preference shares are perpetual, and dividends are paid at a fixed rate indefinitely. This model is based on the concept that the value of an asset is the present value of its future cash flows. For preference shares, the future cash flows are the dividends that will be paid periodically. The formula for valuing perpetual preference shares is:

P0=DrP_0 = \frac{D}{r}P0=rD

Where:

  • P0P_0P0 is the price or value of the preference share.
  • DDD is the annual dividend paid on the preference share.
  • rrr is the required rate of return or discount rate (also known as the cost of equity for the preference shares).

Assumptions for Valuation

Before diving into the specifics of the example, it's important to understand the assumptions underlying this model:

1.      Constant Dividend: Preference shares usually have a fixed dividend amount, meaning the value of each preference share depends on this fixed payment.

2.      Perpetuity: If the preferred stock is perpetual, it means the company is expected to continue paying dividends indefinitely.

3.      Market Discount Rate: The required rate of return, rrr, is typically determined by the risk associated with the preferred stock. This rate reflects the market’s perception of the company’s creditworthiness, the stability of its dividends, and the risk relative to other investments.



Example: Valuing a Perpetual Preference Share

Let’s take a hypothetical example to demonstrate how to value preference shares. Suppose Company XYZ has issued preference shares that pay a fixed annual dividend of $5 per share. An investor requires a rate of return of 8% on this type of investment, based on the company’s risk profile and the prevailing interest rates in the market. To calculate the value of one preference share, we can apply the Dividend Discount Model.

Step 1: Identify the Known Variables

From the problem, we know the following:

  • The annual dividend D=$5D = \$5D=$5.
  • The required rate of return r=8%=0.08r = 8\% = 0.08r=8%=0.08.

Step 2: Apply the Formula

The formula for valuing a preference share is:

P0=DrP_0 = \frac{D}{r}P0=rD

Substituting the known values:

P0=50.08=62.50P_0 = \frac{5}{0.08} = 62.50P0=0.085=62.50

So, the value of each preference share is $62.50. This means that, given the fixed annual dividend of $5 and a required rate of return of 8%, the fair price of the preference share is $62.50.

Interpretation of the Result:

The value of $62.50 represents the price an investor would be willing to pay for a preference share that pays a fixed $5 dividend annually, assuming the investor requires an 8% return. If the price of the preference share were higher than $62.50, the effective yield (or dividend yield) would be lower than 8%, and if the price were lower, the effective yield would exceed 8%. Thus, the price of the preference share reflects the investor’s return expectations.

Adjustments for Other Features of Preference Shares

While the basic Dividend Discount Model works well for perpetual preference shares, in practice, preference shares may have additional features that affect their valuation. These include callable features, convertible features, or maturity dates.

1. Callable Preference Shares

Callable preference shares allow the issuer to redeem the shares before the maturity date, typically at a predetermined price. When valuing callable preference shares, it is important to consider the possibility that the company may buy back the shares early if interest rates decline. This early redemption would limit the investor's upside potential. In such cases, the price of the callable preference shares will generally be lower than that of non-callable preference shares.

To adjust for the callable feature, you may estimate the value of the preference share assuming it is redeemed at the call price, and compare that to the value calculated using the perpetual model. If the current market price exceeds the call price, the issuer might choose to call the shares, capping the investor's return.

2. Convertible Preference Shares

Convertible preference shares allow the holder to convert the preference shares into a predetermined number of common shares at certain times or under certain conditions. Valuing convertible preference shares requires an additional layer of complexity, as it involves considering both the fixed dividend payments and the potential value derived from the conversion option.

To value convertible preference shares, analysts typically use a hybrid model that incorporates both the fixed dividend stream and the value of the conversion option. The conversion option adds value because, if the common stock price rises significantly, the investor could convert the preference shares into common shares and participate in the potential capital appreciation of the common stock.

The valuation of convertible preference shares can therefore involve:

  • Valuing the preference shares as if they were non-convertible, using the Dividend Discount Model.
  • Valuing the conversion option separately, often using option pricing models such as the Black-Scholes model or a binomial model, depending on the complexity of the conversion terms.

The overall value of the convertible preference share is the sum of the two components (the non-convertible preference value and the value of the conversion option).

3. Maturity Date for Preference Shares

In cases where the preference shares are not perpetual but have a fixed maturity date (i.e., they are redeemable after a set number of years), the valuation process needs to incorporate the fact that the investor will receive both the dividends and the redemption price at maturity.

The valuation of redeemable preference shares with a fixed maturity date can be calculated as the present value of the dividends plus the present value of the redemption price. The formula for valuing redeemable preference shares is:

P0=∑t=1nD(1+r)t+F(1+r)nP_0 = \sum_{t=1}^{n} \frac{D}{(1+r)^t} + \frac{F}{(1+r)^n}P0=t=1n(1+r)tD+(1+r)nF

Where:

  • P0P_0P0 is the present value of the preference share.
  • DDD is the annual dividend.
  • rrr is the discount rate.
  • nnn is the number of periods until maturity.
  • FFF is the face or redemption value of the preference share (the amount paid back to the investor at maturity).

This formula considers both the stream of dividend payments over the life of the preference share and the lump sum redemption payment at the end of the term.

Example: Valuing Redeemable Preference Shares

Let’s extend our example to a redeemable preference share. Suppose Company XYZ issues preference shares with the following terms:

  • Annual dividend D=$5D = \$5D=$5.
  • The required rate of return r=8%r = 8\%r=8%.
  • The face value (redemption price) F=$100F = \$100F=$100.
  • The maturity date is 5 years from today.

The value of the preference share is calculated by adding the present value of the dividend payments and the redemption value. Using the formula for redeemable preference shares, we get:

P0=∑t=155(1+0.08)t+100(1+0.08)5P_0 = \sum_{t=1}^{5} \frac{5}{(1+0.08)^t} + \frac{100}{(1+0.08)^5}P0=t=15(1+0.08)t5+(1+0.08)5100

First, we calculate the present value of the dividends:

5(1.08)1+5(1.08)2+5(1.08)3+5(1.08)4+5(1.08)5=4.63+4.29+3.97+3.68+3.41=20.98\frac{5}{(1.08)^1} + \frac{5}{(1.08)^2} + \frac{5}{(1.08)^3} + \frac{5}{(1.08)^4} + \frac{5}{(1.08)^5} = 4.63 + 4.29 + 3.97 + 3.68 + 3.41 = 20.98(1.08)15+(1.08)25+(1.08)35+(1.08)45+(1.08)55=4.63+4.29+3.97+3.68+3.41=20.98

Next, we calculate the present value of the redemption price:

100(1.08)5=1001.4693=68.05\frac{100}{(1.08)^5} = \frac{100}{1.4693} = 68.05(1.08)5100=1.4693100=68.05

Adding these two components together:

P0=20.98+68.05=89.03P_0 = 20.98 + 68.05 = 89.03P0=20.98+68.05=89.03

Thus, the value of the redeemable preference share is $89.03, considering the fixed dividend payments and the redemption price at maturity.

Conclusion

Valuing preference shares requires careful consideration of the nature of the dividends, the required rate of return, and any special features such as callability, convertibility, or maturity. For perpetual preference shares, the Dividend Discount Model provides a straightforward method for valuation by calculating the present value of future dividend payments. For redeemable preference shares, the calculation involves both the present value of the dividend stream and the redemption value. Callable or convertible preference shares require more sophisticated valuation techniques, incorporating the potential for early redemption or the value of the conversion option.

The process of valuing preference shares is crucial for investors to assess whether the price of the preference shares in the market offers an adequate return relative to the associated risks and the required rate of return. By understanding the valuation mechanics, investors can make more informed decisions when purchasing or selling preference shares, ensuring that their investments are aligned with their financial goals and market expectations.

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