
Let's dive into the cost of preferred stock formula in action. The cost of preferred stock formula is calculated using the par value of the preferred stock, the dividend rate, and the number of years until the stock is redeemed.
The par value is the face value of the preferred stock, which is usually $100. For example, if the par value is $100, the formula would be: $100 x (dividend rate / number of years).
This formula is straightforward and easy to apply, making it a valuable tool for investors and financial analysts.
Calculating
Calculating the cost of preferred stock is a straightforward process. To determine the cost, you'll need to know the annual dividend per share paid on the preferred stock, which is represented as D or DPS.
The formula to compute the cost of preferred stock is Rp = D / P0 or k_p = DPS / P. This formula is the key to unlocking the cost of preferred stock.
The cost of preferred stock is a crucial metric for evaluating investment opportunities and calculating the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC). It reflects the rate of return expected by investors.
To calculate the cost of preferred stock, you'll need to know the current market price of the preferred stock per share, which is represented as P0 or P. This is a critical piece of information.
Here are some examples of how to calculate the cost of preferred stock:
As you can see, the cost of preferred stock can vary depending on the dividend per share and the current market price. The formula is simple, but it's essential to understand the inputs and how they affect the outcome.
The cost of preferred stock is not just a number; it's a reflection of the expected rate of return. A higher cost of preferred stock means investors expect a higher return, which can impact the pricing of the shares.
Understanding the Cost Formula
The cost of preferred stock formula is a straightforward calculation that helps you understand the expenses a company incurs for its financing. The formula is based on the annual preferred dividend payment divided by the current share price of the stock.
The cost of preferred stock is analogous to the perpetuity formula used in the valuation of bonds and debt-like instruments. This is because preferred stock is typically assumed to last into perpetuity, with a forever-ongoing fixed dividend payment.
To calculate the cost of preferred stock, you can use the formula Rp = D / P0, where D represents the annual preferred dividend and P0 denotes the market price per share. This method provides a clear view of the preferred stock's yield based on current market values.
The value of preferred stock is equal to the present value of its periodic dividends, with a discount rate applied to factor in the risk of the preferred stock and the opportunity cost of capital. The discount rate in the equation above equals the required rate of return on preferred stock, which represents its cost.

The cost of preferred stock can be calculated using the formula: Preferred Dividend per Share / Price per Share. This formula is a simplified version of the more complex formula that takes into account the growth in preferred stock DPS.
Here's a summary of the cost of preferred stock formula:
The cost of preferred stock is a critical component in evaluating a company's overall expenses for financing. By understanding this formula, you can make informed decisions about investments and financial planning.
Applying the Formula in Practice
The cost of preferred stock formula is straightforward and easy to apply in practice. To calculate it, you simply need to divide the annual preferred dividend payment by the current share price of the stock.
In Example 2, we saw a scenario where the preferred stock offered a fixed dividend of $4.00 per share and its market price was $80.00. The calculation was Cost of Preferred Stock = $4.00 / $80.00 = 5.0%.
This result helps investors understand the return they would earn from their investment, assuming the current dividend and price remain constant.
In Example 7, we saw another scenario where Company A's preferred shares had dividends of $5 per year and each share sold for $80. The cost of preferred stock was calculated as $5 / $80 = 6.25%.
This highlights that the cost of preferred stock can vary depending on the specific stock and its dividend payment.
To make it easier to apply the formula, let's break it down into its components:
- Annual preferred dividend payment
- Current share price of the stock
Here are some example calculations:
These examples illustrate how the cost of preferred stock can be calculated using the formula. By understanding the formula and applying it to different scenarios, investors can make informed decisions about their investments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to calculate cost of preferred stock with flotation cost?
To calculate the cost of preferred stock with flotation costs, use the market price multiplied by (1 - flotation cost rate), then apply the resulting price to the cost of capital formula. For example, with a 4.5% flotation cost rate, the cost of preferred stock would be 10.47%.
Is preferred stock calculated in WACC?
Yes, preferred stock is included in the calculation of a company's Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC), weighted by its percentage of total capital. This is one of the sources of capital that contributes to a firm's overall cost of capital.
Sources
- https://www.wallstreetprep.com/knowledge/cost-of-preferred-stock/
- https://sourcetable.com/calculate/how-do-you-calculate-the-cost-of-preferred-stock
- https://moneyzine.com/investments/cost-of-preferred-stock/
- https://wealthyeducation.com/cost-of-preferred-stock/
- https://xplaind.com/128767/cost-of-preferred-stock
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