[Walter’s Dividend theory Concept, Assumptions, Criticism of Walter's Dividend Theory, Dividend Theory, Financial Management Notes B.Com]
Walter’s Dividend theory Concept
Professor James E. Walter argues that the choice of dividend policies almost always affects the value of the enterprise. His model shows clearly the importance of the relationship between the firm’s internal rate of return (r) and its cost of capital (k) in determining the dividend policy that will maximise the wealth of shareholders.
Valuation Formula and its Denotations: Walter’s formula to calculate the
market price per share (P) is:
P
= D/k + {r*(E-D)/k}/k, where
P
= market price per share
D
= dividend per share
E
= earnings per share
r
= internal rate of return of the firm
k
= cost of capital of the firm
Explanation: The mathematical equation indicates that the
market price of the company’s share is the total of the present values of:
a) An infinite flow of dividends, and
b) An infinite flow of gains on
investments from retained earnings.
The
formula can be used to calculate the price of the share if the values of other
variables are available.
Walter's Dividend Theory Assumptions
Walter’s model is based on the following assumptions:
a) The
firm finances all investment through retained earnings; that is debt or new
equity is not issued;
b) The
firm’s internal rate of return (r), and its cost of capital (k) are constant;
c) All
earnings are either distributed as dividend or reinvested internally
immediately.
d) Beginning
earnings and dividends never change. The values of the earnings per share (E),
and the divided per share (D) may be changed in the model to determine results,
but any given values of E and D are assumed to remain constant forever in
determining a given value.
e) The
firm has a very long or infinite life.
Criticism of Walter’s Dividend theory
Walter’s model is quite useful to show
the effects of dividend policy on an all equity firm under different assumptions
about the rate of return. However, the simplified nature of the model can lead
to conclusions which are net true in general, though true for Walter’s model. The criticisms on the model are as
follows:
1. Walter’s model of share valuation
mixes dividend policy with investment policy of the firm. The model assumes
that the investment opportunities of the firm are financed by retained earnings
only and no external financing debt or equity is used for the purpose when such
a situation exists either the firm’s investment or its dividend policy or both
will be sub-optimum. The wealth of the owners will maximise only when this
optimum investment in made.
2. Walter’s model is based on the
assumption that r is constant. In fact decreases as more investment occurs.
This reflects the assumption that the most profitable investments are made
first and then the poorer investments are made. The firm should step at
a point where r = k. This is clearly an erroneous policy and fall to optimize
the wealth of the owners.
3. A firm’s cost of capital or
discount rate, K, does not remain constant; it changes directly with the firm’s
risk. Thus, the present value of the firm’s income moves inversely with the
cost of capital. By assuming that the discount rate, K is constant, Walter’s
model abstracts from the effect of risk on the value of the firm.
Also Read: Dividend Decisions Important Questions for Upcoming Exams
Q. What is Dividend and Dividend Policy? What are various types of dividend and dividend policies? 2014SN, 2015, 2016, 2017
Q. What are the factors affecting dividend decision of a firm? 2014
Q. Explain the MM theory of dividend distribution. Mention its assumptions. What are the major criticisms to this theory of irrelevance? 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021
Q. Explain the Walter’s theory of dividend distribution. Mention its assumption. What are the shortcomings tothis theory? 2017, 2019, 2022
Q. What do you mean by ploughing backof profits? Mention the purpose of creating it. What are the factors thatinfluence the ploughing back of profit? 2012, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2021
Q. Write Short notes on:
Ø Stable Dividend policy 2012, 2017
Ø Optimal Payout Ratio 2013, 2017, 2022
Ø Dividend Payout Ratio 2014
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