Last updated on Mar 10, 2024
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Discounted Cash Flow
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Comparable Companies Analysis
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Accretion/Dilution Analysis
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4
Pro Forma Financial Statements
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Scenario Analysis
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Here’s what else to consider
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Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are strategic decisions that can create value, enhance growth, and diversify risk for businesses. However, they also involve complex financial analysis to assess the feasibility, profitability, and risks of the deal. In this article, you will learn about some of the best financial analysis methods for evaluating M&A, and how they can help you make informed decisions.
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- JEKIN J SAVLA
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1 Discounted Cash Flow
Discounted cash flow (DCF) is a method that estimates the present value of the future cash flows of a target company or a combined entity. It is based on the assumption that the value of a business is equal to the sum of its expected cash flows, discounted by a rate that reflects the cost of capital and the risk of the investment. DCF can help you determine the maximum price you are willing to pay for a target company, or the minimum price you are willing to accept for your own company. It can also help you compare different scenarios and synergies of the deal.
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- JEKIN J SAVLA
Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) assesses M&A by estimating future cash flows, discounting them to present value using a chosen discount rate. DCF aids in determining a target company's intrinsic value, guiding acquisition decisions based on anticipated financial returns.
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2 Comparable Companies Analysis
Comparable companies analysis (CCA) is a method that compares the target company or the combined entity with other similar companies in the same industry or market. It is based on the assumption that the value of a business is determined by the market forces and the performance of its peers. CCA can help you identify the appropriate valuation multiples and ratios to apply to the target company or the combined entity, such as price-to-earnings, price-to-sales, enterprise value-to-EBITDA, and so on. It can also help you benchmark the deal against other recent or historical transactions.
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- JEKIN J SAVLA
Comparable Company Analysis (CCA) evaluates M&A by comparing financial metrics of a target company with similar firms in the market. Analyzing multiples like Price-to-Earnings or Enterprise Value-to-EBITDA helps assess relative valuation. CCA provides a benchmark for pricing and aids in understanding the competitive landscape, aiding strategic decision-making in mergers and acquisitions.
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3 Accretion/Dilution Analysis
Accretion/dilution analysis is a method that measures the impact of the deal on the earnings per share (EPS) of the acquirer or the combined entity. It is based on the assumption that the value of a business is influenced by its ability to generate earnings for its shareholders. Accretion/dilution analysis can help you determine whether the deal is accretive or dilutive, meaning whether it increases or decreases the EPS of the acquirer or the combined entity. It can also help you assess the breakeven point, the sensitivity to different assumptions, and the potential trade-offs between price and EPS.
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4 Pro Forma Financial Statements
Pro forma financial statements are hypothetical financial statements that reflect the projected results of the target company or the combined entity after the deal. They are based on the assumption that the deal has been completed and that all the accounting, legal, and operational adjustments have been made. Pro forma financial statements can help you evaluate the financial performance, position, and cash flow of the target company or the combined entity, as well as the synergies, costs, and risks of the deal. They can also help you communicate the rationale and the benefits of the deal to various stakeholders.
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5 Scenario Analysis
Scenario analysis is a method that tests the outcomes of the deal under different assumptions and conditions. It is based on the assumption that the value of a business is affected by various uncertainties and contingencies. Scenario analysis can help you identify and quantify the key drivers and variables that influence the value of the target company or the combined entity, such as revenue growth, margin improvement, cost reduction, interest rate changes, market fluctuations, and so on. It can also help you prepare for the best-case, worst-case, and base-case scenarios, and evaluate the sensitivity and robustness of the deal.
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- JEKIN J SAVLA
Scenario analysis in M&A involves evaluating potential outcomes by considering various future scenarios. This method assesses the impact of different variables, such as economic conditions or market changes, on the success of a merger or acquisition. By modeling best-case, worst-case, and moderate scenarios, decision-makers gain insights into potential risks and rewards, enabling more informed strategic decisions during the M&A process.
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6 Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?
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