What is Forward Market: Definition & Meaning Explained

Beta Coefficient

Beta coefficient is used to measure the volatility of stocks in relation to changes in the market. Basically, Beta helps investors understand the risks associated with a stock compared to the market.

The formula to calculate the Beta coefficient is:

Beta (β) = Covariance (Ri, Rm) / Variance (Rm)

Where:

Ri = a stock's return
Rm = overall market's return
Covariance = ups & downs of stock returns versus ups & downs of market returns
Variance = the difference between market returns and its average

Generally, Beta values are of four types:

Beta < 1.0: stock less volatile than the market
Beta = 1.0: stock just as volatile as the market
Beta > 1.0: stock more volatile than the market
Negative Beta: stock shares inverse relation with the market

Face Value

The term face value refers to the actual price of a stock that’s obtained by dividing a company’s net value by its total shares outstanding. In India, the face value of shares can range from Rs. 1 to Rs. 100.

However, the market value of the share may vary. At times, the difference can be drastic. For example, the face value of an MRF share is Rs. 10 but the market value (LTP) of the same share is Rs. 86,313.45.

Face value is also known as nominal value or par value. The latter is used frequently in the case of bonds.

The face value of a bond is the amount that an investor receives from the issuer on maturity. Similar to stocks, bonds and other fixed income instruments may have a different face value and market value.

Equity Capital Markets

Equity capital markets (ECMs) are a place where companies raise money by offering equity shares to financial firms, institutional investors, and retail investors.

Fund raising of this kind is often done through private placements or Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in the primary market, which is a part of the ECM. The biggest IPOs in India are all part of the ECM.

The equity capital market is also a place where shares, futures, options, and other financial instruments are traded. This part of the ECM is known as the secondary market. The stock market is a popular example of an ECM.

Dividend Stripping

Dividend stripping is a strategy of buying a company’s stock days before it announces a dividend and then selling the same stock at a lower price once the current holder is entitled to get the dividend previously announced.

The resulting loss in capital gains is generally offset by the profits from dividends. Dividend stripping was once non-taxable, which made the strategy lucrative for smart investors. However, dividends in India are now subject to tax.

Dividend Per Share

Dividend per share indicates the amount of dividends paid as a ratio of the number of shares outstanding. Or, dividend per share could also refer to the product of earnings per share and dividend payout ratio.

Thus, the formula to calculate dividend per share is:

DPS: Total dividend amount / Number of shares outstanding

Or

DPS: Earnings Per Share x Dividend Payout Ratio

An investor can determine how much dividends they stand to earn for each share they own by calculating dividends per share.

Forward Market