Final answer:
Dubai Metro's announcement to cut dividends for expansion might lead to an initial decrease in stock price, similar to trends observed in other companies. If the dividend is cut to $2, the expected new stock price would be $66.67, assuming a 13% required rate of return and a 10% growth rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a company like Dubai Metro announces a reduction in dividends, this can initially lead to a decrease in the stock price. Investors often see dividends as a sign of a company's profitability and financial health, and a cut might lead to concerns about the company's current performance. However, the decision to use these funds for expansion could indicate a focus on long-term growth, which might eventually lead to higher returns for investors.
Using the Gordon Growth Model, the initial stock price can be calculated using the expected dividend and the growth rate. The expected stock price after the dividend cut with the investor's required rate of return at 13% and a growth rate of 10% would result in:
Price = Dividend / (Required Rate of Return - Growth Rate)
Price = $2 / (0.13 - 0.10)
Price = $2 / 0.03
Price = $66.67
The new expected stock price is $66.67, which shows a decrease from the original price of $100. This demonstrates how sensitive stock prices can be to changes in dividend policy and growth expectations. It's also important to consider that stock prices can fluctuate greatly due to a variety of factors, such as market trends and investor sentiment, as seen with companies like Netflix and Face-book in the past.