FINC440 Instructions & Recommendations for Preparing the Course Assignment
This project is closely aligned with the Course Outcomes and Finance Program Objectives. Completing this project can be used as part of a portfolio to show potential employers that the student is skilled at performing company valuations and financial statement analysis and can be included on the student’s resume.
Due at the end of week Week 4 – Dividend Discount Model Valuation:
This note aims to carefully explain the general expectations and requirements for the Dividend Discount Model Valuation Assignment that is to be prepared for FINC 440. The information and materials presented here are intended to ensure that you clearly understand the general expectations and that there are no misunderstandings about what is to be done and what is expected.
Please review this material so that you are familiar with the specific requirements to be followed in the preparation and submission of the Assignment.
This Assignment comprises 15% of the final course grade. It will take some time and effort to produce a high-quality analysis.
1. Dividend Discount Model Valuation – Using the constant growth dividend discount model formula, prepare a valuation estimate of the company’s common stock that you selected. What are your findings? USE THE EXCEL MODEL PROVIDED BY PROF. STEVENS.
2. What are the principal assumptions used in the analysis? How do you defend them?
3. How does the estimated intrinsic value compare to the stock’s current market value? What explains the difference?
4. Do you believe that a dividend discount model is a useful approach to valuation? Why or why not?
Submission: Submit in LEO Assignment Folder.
Required Outline & Other Information about the Assignments –
1. Work Hard to Avoid Personal Pronouns – The excessive use of personal pronouns is discouraged in business and analytical writing. It is recommended that personal pronouns are avoided altogether, if possible. Please make sure that personal pronouns (e.g., I, we, our, etc.) are avoided on paper. It will take some work, but it can be done easily by rearranging the wording of sentences.
2. Companies Are Not “They,” “Their,” or “Them” – This is a reminder that a company is not a “they,” “their,” or “them.” A company is very much an “it.” So, to reference a company, use “it,” the name of the company, or “the company,” or “the organization,” or “the firm,” etc.
3. Outline for Paper –Students must use the required outline for this assignment. The closer that the paper conforms to the required outline, the better! The outline is presented in the next section.
4. Evaluation Rubric – An evaluation rubric is available for the Assignments. It will be used to evaluate the Assignments. The rubric shows the important components that must be included in the papers. It is a good idea to look at the rubric and make sure that each Assignment addresses the requirements. A copy is posted with each Assignment in the online classroom.
5. Subheadings – Each section of the paper must begin with a sub-heading. Please use the sub-headings in the required outline (presented in the next section).
Here is the Required Outline (It must be used for each Assignment) –
The five class Assignments are intended to be constructive learning experiences. They are designed to show students how to prepare analytical reports in finance using critical thinking, research, and writing skills. The following outline is to be used for each Assignment; these titles are the required subheadings for the sections of the written report:
1. Cover Page – Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date.
2. Introduction – The Introduction must include:
(a) A review of the Assignment purpose, research methods and the principal information sources, and other information related to the completion of the analysis.
(b) The introduction should also include an overview of the sections of the paper that follow. (1/2 to 1 page)
3. Analysis Section – The report’s body addresses the assigned topics and questions. Students must include appropriate in-text reference citations in APA format:
4. Summary / Conclusion – The summary or conclusion should review the major observations, conclusions, and recommendations developed in the analysis. No new material should be introduced in this section. (1/2 to 1 page)
6. References – Provide a list of references in APA format.
Please note that starting from the Fall 2020 semester, the UMGC moved to the 7th Edition of the APA Style. The links to the 7th Edition of the APA Style methodology are posted in Content – Course Resources – Writing Resources.