Valuing listed stocks on major exchanges is straightforward due to readily available market prices. However, determining the fair value of unlisted shares presents challenges because they do not have readily available market prices. In such cases, valuation often hinges on book values or speculative assumptions.
The pursuit of maximizing returns drives investors, with value investors particularly focused on identifying excellent companies trading at reasonable prices. Various valuation models are crucial in assessing a stock’s intrinsic value. It helps to determine whether the stock is trading at an attractive or inflated price.
Unlisted Shares Valuation Methods
Unlisted shares are not traded on stock exchanges and lack fixed prices. Instead, they are traded over the counter. Valuing unlisted shares involves using different techniques because no single approach fits all cases. Common methods used to assess unlisted share prices are explained below.
1. Book Value Method
This method values a company based on the assets and liabilities value reflected in the company’s books of accounts.
Company Value=Book Value of Assets – Book Value of Liabilities
It is important to ensure that the assets and liabilities are fairly assessed and updated at least annually. It also requires an annual revaluation of assets to ensure their fair market value is recorded in books. Goodwill is the only intangible asset that can be included in this list since it cannot be internally generated by the company.
Applicability
This method is useful if the assets and liabilities are valued as per international accounting standards. Also, some assets may be valued at nominal or historical cost which will not be in line with market value.
2. Recent Transaction Price
Unlisted equity may trade infrequently, with recent transaction prices serving as benchmarks. These prices should reflect fair deals between independent parties. Neither party should feel obliged to buy or sell. Transactions within the past year are preferred for valuation. If older than a year, alternative methods may be considered for accuracy.
Applicability
This method is effective when the recent trade price is available. However, if the information is unavailable due to low or infrequent trading in unlisted equity shares or outdated, this method may not be feasible. In such cases, alternative methods should be considered to ensure an accurate assessment.
3.Discounted Cash Flow/ Price-to-earnings ratio
The value of unlisted equity can be estimated by forecasting future earnings and calculating their present value. Choosing the right discount rate and forecasting future profits are two crucial aspects of this method. It generally uses a market or industry price-to-earnings ratio as the discount rate. Also, the recent past earnings are used to forecast future earnings.
Applicability
This method works when earnings information is available for a longer period. Also, it should be reasonably based on a broad price-to-earnings ratio and not a small market.
4.Net Assets Value (NAV)- Including Goodwill and identified Intangibles
NAV is calculated as total assets at current market value minus total liabilities at current market value. This method values all assets and liabilities, including intangible assets, at current prices. Valuations should be based on recent evaluations and ideally within the past year.
(CMV of Assets – CMV of Liabilities)=Company Value
The main difference between this method and the book value method is that it is based on current market value, while the latter is based on book value. Also, it includes identified Intangibles as well.
Applicability
When valuations are precise and all assets are included in the NAV calculation, this approach effectively computes a market value. If valuations are inaccurate or assets are excluded from the NAV, this method may poorly compute the market value, making other methods more suitable.
5.Net Assets Value (NAV) excluding Goodwill and identified Intangibles
The only difference in this method with the one above is that this excludes Goodwill and identified Intangibles.
Applicability
This method is beneficial when Goodwill and Intangibles have minimal impact on the valuation process. It provides a structured approach that can be particularly useful for valuers facing challenges in estimating these assets. Since these assets are crucial to enterprise value, the method may not accurately reflect the market value of unlisted shares.
In A Nutshell
The most common valuation techniques are the Discounted Cash Flow / Price-to-earnings ratio and the Book Value Method. The other methods are rarely used.
Finding out the Valuation of Unlisted shares is important, especially for investors for investors. However, it is challenging due to limited information on these shares. That is where Stockify comes in. This platform provides the latest financial and operation info about unlisted pre-IPO shares so that you can invest in the company at the right time. If you plan to invest in unlisted stocks, gather all accessible information and process it carefully to understand the shares’ fair market value.
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