Relative Value determines the approximate worth of an asset by comparing it to assets with similar risk/return profiles and fundamental traits.
Relative valuation models are used to value companies by comparing them to other businesses based on certain metrics such as EV/Revenue, EV/EBITDA, and P/E ratios. The logic is that if similar companies are worth 10x earnings, then the company that’s being valued should also be worth 10x its earnings. This guide will provide detailed examples of how to perform relative valuation analysis.
Types of Relative Valuation Models
There are two common types of relative valuation models: comparable company analysis and precedent transactions analysis. Below is a detailed explanation of each method:
Precedent Transaction Analysis
Precedent transactions, or “Precedents” for short, is a method of valuing companies by looking at historical transactions where entire companies were bought or sold (mergers and acquisitions). These transactions show what an investor was willing to pay for the entire company. Precedents also use ratios, such as EV/EBTIDA.
Precedents are useful for valuing an entire business (including a takeover premium or control premium), but can quickly become out of date, and the information can be difficult to find.
Comparable Company Analysis
Comparable company analysis, or “Comps” for short, is commonly used to value firms by comparing them to publicly traded companies with similar business operations. An analyst will compare the current share price a public company relative to some metric such as its earnings to derive a P/E ratio. It will then use that ratio to value the company it is trying to determine the worth of.
The advantages of Comps are that they are always current, and it’s easy to find financial information on public companies.