LECTURE 4 Business Valuation


BUSINESS VALUATION

Objectives

At the end of this lecture you will be able to:
  • Explain the reasons for business valuation
  • Apply business valuation approaches where there is a going concern
  • Apply business valuation approaches where there is no a going concern
  • Discuss the significance of each valuation approach.

Content

  • Motives for business valuation
  • Valuation bases where there is no a going concern
  • Valuation bases where there is a going concern

4.1 Introduction

The value of a business is the price of its share in the market. How a business is valued internally may be different from how the market perceives it. A business may conduct a valuation from time to time to see its actual worth. In this case, a business may be valued when there is a going concern and when there is no going concern.
The business as a going concern is a time when a business wants to value its shares for the purpose of selling them, buying another company or entering a merger and acquisition. In this case, the value of a share of the business is expected to be higher than if a business is valued as a no going concern.
When a business is not a going concern, is where there is a material reason and intension to end the affairs of the business. For instance, when a business wants to be sold due to its poor performance or when the business is liquidated. In this situation, the value of the assets of the business and hence the value of its shares will both be at a low value. The reason for this is the pressure for selling of the assets of the business which in turn will lower down its value and hence the share price.
When the business is not a going concern, the valuation techniques used would always be that which will report a lower price than compared to if it were a going concern. In this case the Liquidation method and Net Book Value method will be the best techniques for valuation. On the other hand, if a business is a going concern, then most of the income based approaches will be the best techniques for valuation.

Definition: Business Valuation is the act or the process of determining the value of a business enterprise or ownership interest therein. It is simply the process of determining how much a business is worth. The business may worth more or less depending on its assets availability and market capitalization. The net worth of the business is then converted into share price to determine the value per share. The final answer to this, determines the actual value of the business.

4.2 Reasons for Conducting a Business Valuation

There are several reasons for conducting a business valuation. Some could be as internal while others could be as external. These reasons are as explained below:
  1. Merger and acquisition/ Business Sales
In considering the acquisition or sale of a business, or portion hereof, a business valuation is a critical tool. In a typical merger, an independent market valuation of each company is a requirement to determine distribution. A valuation can serve to bridge any discrepancy in the two party’s opinion of value and provide a reasonable starting point for discussion
  1. Buy-Sell and Shareholders Agreements
Many buy-sell agreements require a business valuation so that ownership will be transferred at fair market value. Agreements between partners or shareholders should be based upon a business appraisal rather than a simple formula. The formula approach may yield an unrealistic value.
  1. Non-Controlling interest Disputes and Litigation
Situations may arise when non-controlling interest is not receiving any dividends or other return on his or her investment in a closely held company, and majority owners are receiving substantial sums benefits from the company. In this situation of litigation, a comprehensive valuation is a necessity
  1. Financing
Increasingly, lenders will request an independent market valuation prior to approving a small business loan or credit line. It a valuable tool to include in a loan package when approaching the lender.
  1. Valuation for Tax purposes
When a business is needed to pay appropriate amount of tax then the valuation is necessary. By doing this the tax authority will be able to establish the required and fair tax on property or on business itself
Factors to Consider in the Valuation Process
a)      Nature and history of the Business. These are things like how long the business has existed, the business’s reputation, if there is a need to replace or update equipment, the geographical location of the business, and major competitors
b)      General Economic and Industry Outlook. There are many sources that will project key economic statistics for future periods. Also, checking the larger banks in your area to see if they have economic forecaster that may be able to provide you with assistance
c)      Book value and Financial Condition. Book value is the total net assets of the business (historical cost of the assets minus the accumulated depreciation) minus the total liabilities. An analysis of the income statements and balance sheets will help determine the book value and financial condition
d)     Earnings capacity of the Business. How much cash a business can generate or earn in terms of cash flow
e)      Dividends paying capacity of the business. The share of profits given to the stockholders
f)       Goodwill and other intangible assets. Goodwill is the excess earnings over and above a fair return on equity. While such factors as the prestige of a business, the ownership of a trade or brand name and the record of successful operation over a prolonged period and a particular locality are supportive.
g)      Market price of stocks of Comparable Companies. Sales information relating to similar trading companies may hep to provide discounts. Discounts need to be applied to make the stock of one company comparable to a publicly traded company’s stock.

4.3 Methods of Valuation of Shares (Business)

There are mainly two methods used to value businesses. Normally, a business value is determined based on how much its shares worth. The higher the value of the share, the more the business is worth compared to other competitors
These methods are categorised into two groups
1.      Assets based methods of valuation
2.      Market based methods of valuation

4.4.1 Assets Based Methods of Business Valuation

The assets based approaches are based on adjusting the Assets and liabilities on the balance sheet to fair market value. Asset based methods are common in estates businesses and banks because the nature of their business must keep large assets in terms of property
Assets based methods are calculated into different ways as follows:
i.        Net Book Value Method
ii.   Break Up Basis/Liquidation basis/Net Realisable value
Iii. Replacement Cost Basis

4.4.2 Book Value Basis

In this method, the net value of the business is calculated based on the difference between the total assets and the total liabilities without separating the current from the non-current items.
Book Value = Total Assets – Total Liabilities
Business Value = Total Assets – Total Liabilities
After that the business value is determined by taking the Book Value divided by the total number of ordinary shares issued. The value per share gives the value of the business
Value of a Share = Business Value
                           Number of Shares
NB: Total Assets is the total value of all the assets both current and non current assets as they appear in the last balance sheet

4.4.3 Break-Up basis/Liquidation basis/Net Realisable Value

This method is used to determine the value of the business by considering the value of the assets upon liquidation. That is how much the Assets would have realised if they were to be sold in a forced sale. In this case normally the assets sold during this period have a lower realisable due to a pressure for sale and the unwillingness of the buyer to acquire them at a reasonable price equivalent to a fair market price. This is a situation where a company ceases to be a going concern.
The calculation of the value of the business based on Break up basis is the same as for the Net Asset Basis except, the assets value will not be the same as the Book Value (which is the balance sheet assets value) rather a new assets value will be given or ascertained according to the pressure of the sale. The new realisable value might be slightly higher than the Net Book Value or it may be lower than that.
Business Value = Total Assets – Total Liabilities
Value of a Share = Business Value
                           Number of Shares
NB: Total Assets in this case will be the net realisable value of assets from the forced sale upon liquidation. The value of the asset is expected (but not always) to be small due to a forced sale. The business in this case is not a going concern

4.4.5 Replacement Cost Method

This is the valuation of the business based on the new realisable market value. Unlike break-up basis, this one is when the business is considered to be a total going concern and the value is estimated based on the fair market price by assuming the new market value of the assets upon replacing them. If the assets were replaced with new ones, then the value would be more than that of a forced sale under liquidation basis and even higher as compared to Book Value
Business Value = Total Assets – Total Liabilities
Value of a Share = Business Value
                           Number of Shares
NB: Total Assets in this case is the value of the Assets upon replacement to new cost. The new cost will be in accordance to the fair market value of the assets. In this case the value might be higher because the business is a going concern

4.5 Income Based Approaches to Business Valuation

These methods are based on capitalisation of income streams to determine the business value. The methods further involve determining the appropriate discount rate to apply to income streams to arrive at present value. These methods are best applicable in manufacturing companies and other highly profitable businesses where the value of net profit and the costs are determined based on performance of profitability.
Income based methods include the following
i.                    Dividend Yield
ii.                  Price Earnings Ratio Method/Earnings Yield
iii.                Dividend Growth Model
iv.                Discounted Cash Flow Method

4.5.1 Dividends Yield Basis

The dividends yield method is calculated as the percentage of gross dividend to the market price. Dividend yield is especially important to those investors whose objective is to minimise the dividend revenue from their investments.
Dividend Yield = Dividend per share
                             Market Price per Share
OR
Dividend Yield =     Total Dividend
                              Total Market Capitalization

The dividend valuation basis (model) is based on the theory that an equilibrium price for any share or bond on a stock market is: ‘The future expected stream of income from the security discounted at a suitable cost of capital. Equilibrium market price is thus a present value of a future expected income stream for a share expected in perpetuity’.

4.5.2 Price Earnings Ratio Basis

This method is used when a large stock of shares or a whole business is being valued. This method can be problematic when quoted companies price earnings ratios are used to value unquoted companies. It is a common method of valuing a controlling interest in a company where the owner can decide on dividend and retention policy. The price earnings ratio relates earnings per share to a share’s value
P/E ratio = Market Value per Share
                  Earnings per Share

4.5.3 Dividend Growth Model

This method the value of the business is measured by the Price of a Share. And the price of a share depends on growth of dividend, which also depends on the increase in income. This is also another income based approaches that relies on growth of dividend over time.  It assumes that as income increases, shareholders will anticipate a steady growth of dividend. In this case their share price will also be more. The share price in this case is the value of the business.
Dividend Growth = Po
Po = Do (1 + g)
         Ke – g
Where by:
Po =     Price per share
Do =    Current Dividend Payout Ratio
g    =    Growth rate of Dividend
Ke =    Return to Equity shares on comparable companies, normally listed on Stock Exchange
Limitations on the Approaches used in Valuing Businesses
Some Advantages and Limitations of the different methods of valuation
 Dividend Growth Model
The Approach is based on expectations and forecasts on earnings and dividends which is very difficult to predict

Net Asset Based (Net Book Value)- This method uses historical Cost convention which leads to small values compared to realistic market values

Price Earnings Ratio: Is argued to be the most realistic method in valuing businesses especially when there is a going concern. This is because it is based on assessment of market valuation of similar businesses in the same industry.
NB: No single method is best on its own. Normally when business valuation is undertaken, more than three methods needs to be used for better results and comparability of the choice between different results
Computations of Business Valuations

Illustration
Kahama Company Ltd supplies cold drinks and mineral water to retail shops and restaurant chains throughout Tanzania. The company has enjoyed a strong growth since it was formed ten years ago and is now considering a listing on the stock exchange. At a forthcoming meeting of the board of directors, the likely price of the company’s shares upon listing is one of the key items on the agenda. The draft financial statements for Kahama Company Ltd for the most recent year are set out below.
Kahama Company Ltd
Statement of Financial Position as at 30 November 2012
ASSETS                                                                                               Tshs.
Non-Current Assets                                                 
Property, Plant and Equipment                                                           19,100,000
Land and Buildings                                                                             2,600,000                 
Fixtures and Fittings                                                                             6,700,000
                                                                                                            28.400,000
Current Assets
Inventories                                                                                            2,300,000
Trade Receivables                                                                                 5,900,000
Cash and Cash equivalents                                                                   1,300,000
Total Assets                                                                                        37,900,000
Equity and Liabilities
Equity
Ordinary share capital (Tshs. 0.25nominal)                                          12,000,000
Retained Earnings                                                                                13,600,000
                                                                                                             25,600,000
Non-Current Liabilities
Loan Notes                                                                                           8,000,000
Current Liabilities
Trade Payables                                                                                      3,800,000
Taxation                                                                                                   500,000
                                                                                                              4,300,000
Total Equity and Liabilities                                                                37,900,000

Kahama Company Ltd
 Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 30 November 2012
Revenue                                                                                                40,600,000
Cost of Sales                                                                                       (21,500,000)
Gross Profit                                                                                         1 9,100,000
Distribution expenses                                                                           (6,700,000)
Administration expenses                                                                      (7,200,000)
Finance expenses                                                                                    (800,000)
Profit before tax                                                                                     4,400,000
Taxation                                                                                              (1,200,000)
Profit for the year                                                                                 3,200,000

The assets of Kahama Company have recently been provided with the following independent valuations concerning realisable values
Land and buildings                                                                             29,800,000
Motor vehicles                                                                                     2,000,000
Fixtures and Fittings                                                                             4,100,000
Inventories                                                                                            3,500,000
Trade Receivables                                                                                 4,700,000

The following additional information is also available
  1. The current dividend payout ratio is 60%
  2. Dividends are expected to grow at the rate of 5% per year for the foreseeable future
  3. The required return to equity share in similar companies listed on Stock Exchange is 9%
  4. The average price/earnings (P/E) ratio for similar businesses listed on the Stock Exchange is 12.6 times

Required:
(a)    Calculate the value of an ordinary share in Kahama Company using the following valuation methods
(i)                 Net Assets basis (Net Book Value Basis)
(ii)               Liquidation basis/Break-up basis
(iii)             Dividend growth basis
(iv)             Price Earnings ratio basis                                           
(b)   Advice the management of Kahama Company Ltd on the most realistic value on the market price of an ordinary share of the company.          You may use assumptions both if a company is a going concern and if a company is not a going concern                     
Solution:                
(i)                 Value of the Business according to Net Asset Basis/Net Book Value Basis
Total Assets (Book Value)                                    37,900,000
Less: Total Liabilities
Non-Current Liabilities                 8,000,000
Current Liabilities                         4,300,000        12,300,000
Net Assets at Book Value                                                25,600,000
Value of the Business                               = Tshs. 25,600,000
Price per Share      = Value of the Business
                                   Number of Share
                              = 25,600,000
                                  48,000,000
                              =  Tshs. 0.53 per share

(ii)               Value of the Business according to Liquidation Basis
Land and Buildings                                              29,800,000
Motor Vehicles                                                       2,000,000
Fixtures and Fittings                                               4,100,000
Inventories                                                                          3,500,000
Trade Receivables                                                   4,700,000
Cash                                                                        1,300,000
                                                                              45,400,000
Less; Liabilities
Non-Current Liabilities                 8,000,000
Current Liabilities                         4,300,000        12,300,000
Market Value of the Business                               33,100,000

Price per Share = Value of the Business
                              Number of Shares
                        = 33,100,000
                            48,000,000
                         =  Tshs 0.69 per share
(iii)             Value of the Business according to Dividend Growth basis
Given
Do = 60%
g    = 5%
Ke = 9%
Profit for the year = 3,200,000
Earnings per share (EPS) = Profit =     3,200,000
                                           Shares       48,000,000
                             EPS     = 0.067
Do =    EPS x Dividend pay-out ratio
     =     0.067 X 0.6
     =     0.04
Value of the Business is calculated from the Formula:
Po        =         Do (1 + g)
                          Ke – g
          =            0.04 x (1 + 0.05)
                          0.09 - 0.05
     = Tshs. 1.05 per share
(iv)             Value of the Business based on Price Earnings Ratio 
Value of the Business will be calculated directed from the Price per share. The price per share is dependable on earnings. Hence the formula:
P o   =        P/E Ratio X EPS
        =        12.6 x 0.067
        =        Tshs 0.84 per share
Comments on the actual valuation and the best value of the company:
To comment on the best value of the company, relies on the reason for conducting the valuation. If the reason shows that the business is on the side of a going concern ie for mergers with another company, for buying another company, whether a company is a bidding company or a target company.
If a company is a bidding company (a buying company), then it would bargain for a lesser value (hence a small answer would be right). If the business is a target company/a seller (accompany to be bought), then the business would bargain for a higher value of the business.
For this question, the purpose of this valuation is to list Kahama Ltd in the stock market for the first time. In this case the company is growing and hence it is a going concern. Investors need to see this company as a promising company and the shares for Kahama will best be selling based on comparable businesses in the same industry. In this case, the best method to use is the dividend growth model, and the value for Kahama will be at Tshs. 1.05 per share.
To comment on this also, it would be better if you could include the limitations of other valuation approaches in terms of a growing company like Kahama Ltd.

 

Summary of the Topic


Business valuation is the process of determining how much the business is worth. It is normally represented in the form of value per share or price per share. A company may need to value a business for tax purposes, for mergers and acquisition purposes, when there are any disputes between parent and non-controlling interest; and also for making decision on either selling or buying of shares. There are two approaches of calculating value of a business. These are Assets based and Income based approaches. Assets based methods include Net Assets basis, Liquidation/break-up basis and Replacement Cost. While Income methods include Price Earnings ratio, Dividends Growth method and Dividend Yield. In the actual practice, it is always advised to use a combination of the two methods to get a better chance for proper judgment and decision. Both the two approaches have advantages and limitations.