Valuation Using Multiples: Dispersion. Useful to compare and to negotiate

13 Pages Posted: 17 Jul 2001 Last revised: 10 May 2023

Date Written: May 9, 2023

Abstract

This paper focuses on equity valuation using multiples. Our basic conclusion is that multiples nearly always have broad dispersion, which is why valuations performed using multiples may be highly debatable. We revise the 14 most popular multiples and deal with the problem of using multiples for valuation: their dispersion. 1,200 multiples from 175 companies illustrate the dispersion of multiples of European utilities, English utilities, European constructors, hotel companies, telecommunications, banks and Internet companies.

We also show that PER, EBITDA and Profit after Tax (the most commonly used parameters for multiples) were more volatile than equity value.

We also provide additional evidence of the analysts' recommendations for Spanish companies: less than 15% of the recommendations are to sell.

However, multiples are useful in a second stage of the valuation: after performing the valuation using another method, a comparison with the multiples of comparable firms enables us to gauge the valuation performed and identify differences between the firm valued and the firms it is compared with.

Keywords: Multiples, Dispersion of multiples, PER, Relative multiples, Analysts' recommendations

JEL Classification: G12, G29, G31, M21

Suggested Citation

Fernandez, Pablo, Valuation Using Multiples: Dispersion. Useful to compare and to negotiate (May 9, 2023). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=274972 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.274972

Pablo Fernandez (Contact Author)

IESE Business School ( email )

Avenida Pearson 21
Barcelona, 08034
Spain
+34 91 357 0809 (Phone)
+34 91 357 2913 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://web.iese.edu/PabloFernandez/

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