What does cost of equity provide to investors?

Cost of equity provides investors with an understanding of the return expectations they have for their investment based on the returns they might receive from dividends and their ownership stakes in a company. This concept reflects the compensation that investors require for taking on the risk of owning equity.

When investors purchase shares, they are not only investing capital but also expecting returns in the form of dividends and an increase in the value of their shares over time. The cost of equity essentially estimates the risk involved in investing in a particular firm versus other investment opportunities. By calculating this cost, companies can gauge the minimum return required to attract investors, thus aligning their financial strategies with investor expectations.

Understanding cost of equity is crucial for evaluating whether the anticipated growth and returns justify the investment risk. It takes into account factors like market volatility and company performance, helping investors make informed decisions about their equity investments.