SGR = b × ROE
where:
b = earnings retention rate = (1 − dividend payout rate)
ROE = return on equity
The SGR is important because it tells us how quickly a firm can grow with internally generated funds. A firm’s rate of growth is a function of both its earnings retention and its return on equity. ROE can be estimated with the DuPont formula, which presents the relationship between margin, sales, and leverage as determinants of ROE. In the 3-part version of the DuPont model: ROE = (NI/sales)(sales/assets)(assets/equity)