A tool that provides an estimate of the return required by investors for holding a company’s stock. It utilizes various financial models and inputs, such as the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), dividend discount model, or Gordon Growth Model, to arrive at a percentage representing the expected return. For example, a company might use such a tool to determine that investors require a 10% return on their investment, reflecting the perceived risk associated with owning its shares.
The determination of this return rate is crucial for several reasons. It serves as a benchmark for evaluating potential investment opportunities, guiding corporate decision-making on capital budgeting and project selection. Furthermore, it informs investors about the potential profitability of their investment and helps to determine a fair stock price. Historically, the development of models and tools to quantify this metric has evolved alongside modern finance theory, becoming increasingly sophisticated with advancements in data availability and computational power.