Organizational characteristics of preparing and conducting IPO transactions in the banking sector

Subject. The article is devoted to the study of the specific features of banks’ IPO preparation and execution. Objectives. The focus is on the critical analysis of special aspects related to IPO of credit institutions. Methods. The study includes analytical methods for collecting and processing of information, as well as the comparative analysis. Results. I highlight the main characteristics of banks’ economic model, summarize the results of researchers' work on the analysis of factors influencing the profitability of credit institutions, analyze methods for evaluating companies for IPO purposes, identify main approaches to the assessment of bank value, and define the most appropriate methods to evaluate banks for IPO purposes. Conclusions. In general, the process of preparation and execution of banking IPOs is similar to IPO execution by other companies. However, the nature of economic activity of banks determines specific methods for assessing the value of banks for IPO purposes. Currently, there is no single preferred method for valuing banks, while there are certain aspects of the use of general methods to determine the value of credit institutions. For the valuation of companies for IPO, mainly comparative and income methods are used. For the valuation of banks, it is preferable to use the comparative method based on P/E and P/B multiples. As for the income method, it is recommended to use discounted cash flow valuation based on FCFE calculation, as well as the dividend discount model.

Inflation, Investment and Valuation

In any context where a discounted cash flow valuation is required, there is the issue of estimating the continuing value. The most common way to do that is to assume that by the terminal horizon the company is in a steady state and is growing at a constant rate. The issue is how to handle inflation. The problem is that it is often done wrong and the impact is typically material. Because there remains significant confusion, in this paper we simplify the analysis by isolating the two key issues and providing example calculations. We show that even at the current 2% level proper treatment of inflation has a sizeable impact on valuation. If inflation were to accelerate as a result of current monetary and fiscal policies, the significance of this issue will increase.

Discounted cash flow valuation of conventional and cage-free production investments

This study compares profitability and risk of conventional and cage-free egg production in the United States. Evaluating cage-free production is particularly relevant given ongoing consumer driven changes and new cage-free legislation. Results show that while the Modified Internal Rate of Return (MIRR) for conventional production is above an estimated industry opportunity cost of capital, cage-free production’s MIRR does not fully satisfy investors’ expectations. The MIRR of cage-free investment, between 5.6% (deterministic model) and 8.0% (stochastic) per 15-month flock, is below the 9.4% opportunity cost of capital. In addition, the simulations show that there is a 90% probability of conventional production’s MIRR falling between 18.5 and 20.3% per 15-month flock, and cage-free egg production’s MIRR ranging from 6.8 to 9.4%. In order for cage-free to be as equally profitable as conventional production, cage-free egg prices at the farmer gate should be 74% over conventional egg prices. Such high cage-free egg prices are highly unlikely to occur given recent cage-free price premia and consumer willingness to pay estimates from recent research. This study provides a framework egg producers can use to evaluate the potential effects of changes in their portfolio of products (i.e. conventional and cage-free mix) as they accommodate production schedules in this evolving industry.

ConAgra Foods: valuing a potential recipe for success

In the fall of 2012, ConAgra Foods had the opportunity to become the largest private-label packaged food producer in North America. ConAgra was considering the purchase of Ralcorp, a large private brands manufacturer. This could be a strategic step for ConAgra, since the potential acquisition seemed aligned to the firm’s strategy for growth. Ralcorp, with revenue and assets representing about one third of ConAgra’s, was large enough to impact ConAgra’s business strategy and financial structure. This case study provides both firm level and private brands industry data to assess the potential acquisition. Ranges of implied stock prices could be estimated by using Discounted Cash Flow Valuation, Comparable Multiples, and Comparable Merger and Acquisitions Transaction analysis. A comparison of implied stock prices and actual stock price by the time of the case leads to the topic of control premium paid during acquisitions and to potential enterprise synergies.

A Tool Kit for Discounted Cash Flow Valuation: Consistent and Inconsistent Ways to Value Risky Cash Flows

The DCF method or multiples are used to value companies in practice. Starting with the value additivity principle, the paper presents a general framework for DCF valuation. This framework allows defining stepwise and aggregated approaches to value risky cash flows and identifying inconsistent approaches. The framework helps to integrate sales, contribution margin, operating leverage, and financial leverage into valuation approaches and shows the assumptions implied when multiples are used.

Communications Solutions: cashing in the chips

Synopsis Communication Solutions (CS), a woman-owned business, experienced fast growth at its inception, and then found itself slowing after the mid-2000s recession. The firm provides consulting services, primarily to government agencies. The owners have brought the business to sales of about $10.5 million in 2012, but revenues declined following that peak year because of cutbacks in government spending and founder Jennifer Madison’s detachment from the business. Even though they recognize that it may not be an ideal time to sell, they are tired of running the business and want to sell now, as long as they can pay off their debts. Research methodology This case was researched through multiple interviews with Mark and Jennifer, who provided all of the financial data and background. All financial statements given in the case provide actual CS numbers. The name of the company and the names of the owners have been changed, at their request to disguise the company. At the time this case was written, the owners were in negotiation with a potential bidder, and did not want their names or their company name to be used. Market information and information about comparable companies was researched using publicly available financial data bases. Relevant courses and levels This case has the potential to be used in a variety of classes, depending on what the instructor wishes to emphasize. The author uses the case as a valuation case in a corporate finance class (suitable for undergraduates or MBAs), allowing students practice in discounted cash flow valuation and comparable multiples valuation. It could be used in an investments class which teaches business valuation, particularly in teaching valuation using market multiples. The case could be used in an entrepreneurial finance class. The author uses this case to illustrate the difficulties of business valuation with messy (but real) data. Theoretical bases This case explores small business valuation and exit strategies for founders. Students can put themselves in the position of small business owners who are ready to exit. Students should value the firm using discounted cash flow and multiples valuation, which includes making assumptions about the future growth of the firm. While there is likely to be reasonable agreement on the “as is” valuation, there may be great variation concerning the assumptions and valuations of the company as it could be. Students can discuss (and implement) adjustments made when using large company comparables to value a much smaller company.