What is the significance of the dividend discount model?

The dividend discount model is significant because it provides a framework for valuing a company based on the present value of its expected future dividends. This approach is particularly useful for investors who prioritize income from dividends, as it allows them to estimate the intrinsic value of a stock by projecting the dividends the company is likely to pay out in the future and discounting those payments back to their present value using an appropriate discount rate, typically the required rate of return.

Using expected future dividends as the foundation for valuation is advantageous because dividends are considered a direct return on investment to shareholders. This model is especially effective for evaluating companies with a history of consistent dividend payments, as it relies heavily on the premise that dividends reflect the company's profitability and financial stability. Therefore, the model emphasizes the importance of dividends in assessing a company's overall value and helps investors make informed decisions based on an expectation of future returns from holding the stock.