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Abstract: We propose a dynamic version of the dividend discount model, solve it in closed form, and assess its empirical validity. The valuation method is tractable and can be easily implemented. We find that our model produces equity value forecasts that are very close to market prices, and explains a large proportion of the observed variation in share prices. Moreover, we show that a simple portfolio strategy based on the difference between market and estimated values earns considerably positive returns. These returns cannot be simply explained either by the Fama‐French three‐factor model (even after adding a momentum factor) or the Fama‐French five‐factor model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We derive a dynamic model of the firm in the spirit of the trade-off theory of capital structure that explains firm behavior in terms of firm characteristics. We show our model is consistent with many important findings about the cross-section of firms, including the negative relations between profitability and leverage, and between dividends and investment-cash flow sensitivities. The model also explains the existence of zero-debt firms and their observed characteristics. These results have been used to challenge the trade-off theory and the assumption of perfect capital markets. We revisit these critiques and provide structural explanations for the regularities we replicate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]