Valuation Principles and Practices - 101318
Valuation Principles and Practices - 101318
Valuation Principles and Practices - 101318
Fundamental analysis
Fundamental analysis is a comprehensive method of evaluating a company's intrinsic value by examining its
underlying financial, operational, and strategic factors. This approach helps investors, analysts, and portfolio
managers estimate a company's true worth and make informed investment decisions.
Types of fundamental analysis
1. Quantitative Analysis-this examines numerical data ( eg , financial ratios)
2. Qualitative Analysis-this evaluates non-numerical factors (eg, management quality.)
Barriers to entry
• This indicates the ease of entry into the industry. If it is easy to
enter the industry, companies constantly face the risk of new
competitors. As more companies enter, the availability of
substitute products limits the scope of increasing prices. If the
entry is difficult, the company with a competitive advantage
enjoys the benefits for a longer period.
• For instance, entry barriers in the aviation industry are high,
given it is an asset-heavy space and is subject to immense legal
and regulatory requirements. Therefore, any company that
enjoys a competitive advantage stand to benefit for a longer
Broad Factors Analysis (PEST Analysis )
• Commonly called the PEST Analysis, this type of industry analysis evaluates the impact of Political,
Economic, Social and Technological factors on an industry. PEST analysis helps analyze the macro
environment in which the industry operates.
• Political factors include government policies and regulations relating to taxes, tariffs, environment,
labor laws, trade, ease of doing business, and overall political stability. Unfavorable policies can
adversely impact a company’s business. For instance, the increase in windfall taxes on oil companies will
most likely reduce their profits.
• Economic factors include inflation, interest rates, exchange rates, GDP growth rates, capital market
conditions, etc. In case the capital market conditions are not good, companies may find difficulty in
raising finance for their operations. This could hamper their growth.
• Social factors are the trends in society, like demographics, population growth, and behavior in terms of
health and fashion, etc. The young population in any area is bound to get older in a few years. If a
company is catering to the younger generation now, it will have to offer products for older generations in
a few years to stay relevant. If not, it will be forced to shut shop and relocate elsewhere.
• Technological factors are the developments that change the way a company operates and the way of
living life. For example, the advent of the internet. A washing machine company cannot survive if it
doesn’t offer innovative products and keep up with rivals in technologically-advanced times.
SWOT analysis
i. GROWTH STOCKS
These are shares in the companies that are expected to grow at an accelerated rate compared to
the broader market. They typically reinvest profits to fuel further expansion than paying dividends
They have high earnings growth rate typically exceeding 15% annually
They have strong revenue growth often driven by innovative products or services
They have high rate of return other than stocks with similar risk characteristics
ii DEFENSIVE STOCKS
Are shares whose rate of return does not decline or declines less than the overall market during
the period of overall market decline. They tend to be stable and less sensitive to economic cycles.
They have low volatility, they usually exhibit lower price volatility compared to more cyclical stocks
this means that their prices don’t fluctuate as dramatically, making them safer investment option
during market turbulence. They pay consistent dividends, this can provide reliable income steam
for investors.
Risk mitigation investors often turn to defensive stocks to hedge against market downturns, by
including these stocks in a portfolio investors can reduce overall risk and volatility
They are long term investment, defensive stocks are often viewed as long-term investments,
suitable for conservative investors seeking to preserve capital while still achieving modest growth
iii Cyclical stock
It has changes in rate of return that is greater than changes in overall market rates of return. Their performance and stock prices are
closely tied to economic cycle
Characteristics
Economic sensitivity- cyclical stocks typically belong to industries that experience significant fluctuations in demand based on economic
conditions. When the economic is booming, these companies usually see increased sales and profits; during downturns, their
performance tends to suffer. Industry common sectors for cyclical stocks include consumer discretionary, companies that sell non-
essential goods and services , such as automobiles, luxury items, and entertainment (e.g ford Nike,)
High volatility-the stock prices of cyclical companies can be quite volatile, reflecting broader economic trends. Investors
may see significant price swings based on economic indicators such as GDP growth, employment rates and consumer
confidence.
iv SPECULATIVE STOCK
Refers to a share in a company that carries a high level of risk due to its potential for significant price volatility and
uncertainty regarding its future performance. They often come from companies that are new, unproven or early stages of
development, making it difficult to predict their future earnings.
GROWTH COMPANY
Is the firm the management’s ability and the opportunity to make investments that yield rate of return greater than required
rate of return
SWOT ANALYSIS
It identifies company’s internal strengths and weaknesses as well as opportunities and threats.
Strength- this are internal attributes that give company advantage e.g strong brand and proprietary technology
Weaknesses-internal weaknesses that may hinder performance eg high debt levels or lack of skilled personnel
Opportunities- are external factors that the company could capitalize on eg emerging markets, regulatory charges favoring
the industry
Threats-external challenges that could negatively impact the company eg increased competition, economic downturns
VALUATION APPROACHES