DDM and Gordon Growth Model

Hi Guys, I am really struggling with trying to decipher when I should be using (1+k)^n as the denomiator and (k-g). This is when both the growth rate and the required rate is shown. Surely there should be no difference, but somehow there is. Thanks

When you’re discounting _ a single cash flow _ n periods from today, with a discount rate of k per period, you divide by (1 + k)^n.

When you’re discounting _ a series of cash flows _ that meet these criteria:

  • They start 1 period from today
  • They continue forever
  • They grow at a rate of g per period
  • The discount rate is k per period

you discount the first cash flow by kg.

When dealing with GGM, definitely you have to use r - g, and (1+r)^n under DDM.

When you have multistage DDM, then you have to grow your dividend period after period, discount it at (1+r)^n, then at the last period, you need to find the terminal value which is mostly (D1/r-g)/(1+r)^n

So just calm down and follow the processes duely.

You will be fine.