We survey 356 valuation experts across 10 European countries with CFA or equivalent designation to gain some insights into their valuation practices. We find that while most experts use both Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) and Relative Valuation (RV) models, their assumptions and estimation methods for almost all inputs in models vary widely. For example, 65% (35%) use less (more) than three-year historical data for beta estimation; 58% (42%) use ex-post (ex-ante) market risk premium with subjective size or liquidity risk adjustments; 40% (29%) use market (book) value weights for WACC, and about 50% estimate Terminal Value by discounting a normative cash flow until infinity whereas others employ a decreasing cash flow or a multiple approach. In RV application, Firm Value/EBITDA is the most popular multiple used by 83% of experts, followed by PE (68%), Price-to-Book (45%), Firm Value/EBIT (45%), and Firm Value/Sales (45%). About half of respondents have also modified their discount rate, country risk, or liquidity risk estimation in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. These wide disparities indicate that two valuation experts could arrive at substantially different valuation estimates, despite using the same model. While most disparities arise because theory provides little guidance on estimation, some are also a result of practitioners not following theoretical guidelines, such as using book value weights or not adjusting historical betas to make them forward looking. Our findings suggest that a serious debate is needed between academics and practitioners to make the valuation framework more “practical”

Firm valuation is currently a very exciting topic. It is interesting for those economists engaged in either practice or theory, particularly for those in finance. The literature on firm valuation recommends logical, quantitative methods, which deal with establishing today's value of future free cash flows. In this respect firm valuation is identical with the calculation of the discounted cash flow, DCF. There are, however, different coexistent versions, which seem to compete against each other. Entity approach and equity approach are thus differentiated. Acronyms are often used, such as APV (adjusted present value) or WACC (weighted average cost of capital), whereby these two concepts are classified under entity approach. Why are there several procedures and not just one? Do they all lead to the same result? If not, where do the economic differences lie? If so, for what purpose are different methods needed? And further: do the known procedures suffice? Or are there situations where none of the concepts developed up to now delivers the correct value of the firm? If so, how is the appropriate valuation formula to be found? These questions are not just interesting for theoreticians; even the practitioner who is confronted with the task of marketing his or her results has to deal with it. The authors systematically clarify the way in which these different variations of the DCF concept are related throughout the book ENDORSEMENTS FOR LÖFFLER: DISCOUNTED 0-470-87044-3 "Compared with the huge number of books on pragmatic approaches to discounted cash flow valuation, there are remarkably few that lay out the theoretical underpinnings of this technique. Kruschwitz and Löffler bring together the theory in this area in a consistent and rigorous way that should be useful for all serious students of the topic." --Ian Cooper, London Business School "This treatise on the market valuation of corporate cash flows offers the first reconciliation of conventional cost-of-capital valuation models from the corporate finance literature with state-pricing (or 'risk-neutral' pricing) models subsequently developed on the basis of multi-period no-arbitrage theories. Using an entertaining style, Kruschwitz and Löffler develop a precise and theoretically consistent definition of 'cost of capital', and provoke readers to drop vague or contradictory alternatives." --Darrell Duffie, Stanford University "Handling firm and personal income taxes properly in valuation involves complex considerations. This book offers a new, precise, clear and concise theoretical path that is pleasant to read. Now it is the practitioners task to translate this approach into real-world applications!" --Wolfgang Wagner, PricewaterhouseCoopers "It is an interesting book, which has some new results and it fills a gap in the literature between the usual undergraduate material and the very abstract PhD material in such books as that of Duffie (Dynamic Asset Pricing Theory). The style is very engaging, which is rare in books pitched at this level." --Martin Lally, University of Wellington

Valuation lies at the heart of much of what we do in finance, whether it is the study of market efficiency and questions about corporate governance or the comparison of different investment decision rules in capital budgeting. In this paper, we consider the theory and evidence on valuation approaches. We begin by surveying the literature on discounted cash flow valuation models, ranging from the first mentions of the dividend discount model to value stocks to the use of excess return models in more recent years. In the second part of the paper, we examine relative valuation models and, in particular, the use of multiples and comparables in valuation and evaluate whether relative valuation models yield more or less precise estimates of value than discounted cash flow models. In the final part of the paper, we set the stage for further research in valuation by noting the estimation challenges we face as companies globalize and become exposed to risk in multiple countries.

As there is no current book that deals extensively or exclusively with survey research in corporate finance Survey Research in Corporate Finance is the only one of its kind. For even while there are numerous books on survey methodology, none focus on this methodology as specifically applied to corporate finance. In the book, Baker, Singleton, and Velt do nothing less than provide an overview of survey methodology useful to financial researchers, synthesize the major streams or clusters of survey research in corporate finance, and offer a valuable resource and guide for those interested in conducting survey research in finance. Thus this volume will be an essential reference for practitioners, academics, and graduate students - who all must know the methodology of finance survey research. In addition to methodology, the book identifies areas that will be best served by survey-based research. Researchers will have a wealth of information regarding past surveys and will be aware of suitable candidates for future surveys. Several chapters are devoted to synthesizing survey results on major issues in finance. These will help decision makers in finance and in non-finance firms to acquire knowledge learned from years of communications between academics and practitioners.

Jan Buchmann focuses on the valuation of a firm’s innovation potential based on that firm’s position in its lifecycle. Compared to existing research, the author does not center his research exclusively on mathematical valuation methodologies. Instead, the author compares collected valuation input data, data interpretation approaches, and valuation methodologies suggested by theory with the ones applied by experienced valuation experts in a very structured way by applying a firm typology. Subsequently, he uncovers essential differences between theory and practice and derives theory-extending hypotheses from the uncovered differences.

Defining the value of an entire company can be challenging, especially for large, highly competitive business markets. While the main goal for many companies is to increase their market value, understanding the advanced techniques and determining the best course of action to maximize profits can puzzle both academic and business professionals alike. Valuation Challenges and Solutions in Contemporary Businesses provides emerging research exploring theoretical and practical aspects of income-based, market-based, and asset-based valuation approaches and applications within the financial sciences. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as growth rate, diverse business, and market value, this book is ideally designed for financial officers, business professionals, company managers, CEOs, corporate professionals, academicians, researchers, and students seeking current research on the challenging aspects of firm valuation and an assortment of possible solution-driven concepts.