BEN share price at $13: here’s how I would value them

Group 1: Company Overview - Bendigo & Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) shares are currently priced around $12.60, with a focus on determining their true value for investors seeking dividend income [1][11] - The bank operates in a competitive environment dominated by a few large players, with a preference among Australian investors for bank shares due to their dividend potential and franking credits [2][3] Group 2: Valuation Methods - The Price-Earnings (PE) ratio is a common valuation tool, with BEN's current PE ratio calculated at 14.5x, compared to the banking sector average of 19x, leading to a sector-adjusted valuation of $16.92 [6] - A Dividend Discount Model (DDM) is highlighted as a more effective valuation method for banks, with BEN's share price estimated at $13.32 using a blended growth and risk rate, and $13.75 using an adjusted dividend payment [11][12] - Considering fully franked dividends, the valuation based on a gross dividend payment of $0.93 results in a share price estimate of $19.64 [12] Group 3: Growth and Risk Considerations - The analysis includes various growth and risk rate scenarios, indicating that a 6% risk rate with a 2% growth rate yields a valuation of $16.25, while a 10% risk rate with a 4% growth rate results in a valuation of $10.83 [13] - Investors are encouraged to assess the bank's growth strategy, including its focus on lending versus non-interest income, and to consider economic indicators such as unemployment and consumer sentiment [14]