Valuation Model
This discussion is part of the Audio Partners case. Review the following resources to prepare for the discussion:
• Audio Partners Master Document [FIND IT ATTACHED]
Instructions
What is the best valuation model for Audio Partners? What is the highest valuation approach for Audio Partners when seeking investment or loans to move forward? Are there other models than those presented in the course that might be more appropriate for start-up companies? Review each model below and explain why the model does or does not work for Audio Partners.
• Equity Valuation Model
• Discounted Cash Flow
• Sales Multiple
• Residual Operating Model
• Other model?
Your well-written paper should be 4 pages in length and conform to Help write my thesis – APA guidelines in the CSU Global Writing Center. Include at least 4 scholarly references in addition to the course textbook. The CSU Global Library is a good place to find these references.
Valuation Model for Audio Partners
Equity Valuation Model
The equity valuation model determines the value of a company based on earnings and revenue multiples seen in comparable public companies (Damodaran, 2012). This model may not be the most appropriate for valuing Audio Partners given that it is a startup company without a proven track record of generating revenue or earnings. Comparable public companies used in the equity valuation model tend to be more established with a history of financial performance that startup companies like Audio Partners lack at this stage.
Discounted Cash Flow Model
The discounted cash flow (DCF) model values a company based on future projections of cash flows discounted back to the present using an appropriate discount rate (Damodaran, 2012). This model requires detailed forecasts of revenue, expenses, capital expenditures and working capital over multiple periods which may be difficult for a startup like Audio Partners that has yet to generate meaningful revenue. Forecasting future cash flows with a high degree of accuracy is challenging for companies without an operating history or proven business model.
Residual Operating Income Valuation Model
The residual operating income valuation model is similar to the DCF model but values a company based on its expected operating income rather than cash flows (Damodaran, 2012). This model still relies on projections of revenue and expenses which may be difficult for a startup. It also requires estimating a company’s capital charge or cost of capital which startup companies often lack the operating history and financial statements needed to accurately determine.
Sales Multiple Model
The sales multiple valuation approach values a company based on revenue multiples seen for comparable companies (Damodaran, 2012). This model may be more appropriate for valuing Audio Partners as a startup compared to models relying on earnings or cash flows given the company has yet to generate profits. Comparable companies could include other early-stage music technology startups. However, finding an adequate sample of truly comparable companies may be challenging given Audio Partners’ unique offerings and business model.
Other Potential Models
Models such as the venture capital method or scorecard approach that incorporate both quantitative and qualitative factors may be worth considering for valuing Audio Partners (Kaplan and Norton, 2008; Gompers and Lerner, 2004). These models allow for subjective assessment of Audio Partners’ technology, management team, market opportunity, and other intangible factors important to startups in addition to financial metrics. The scorecard approach in particular balances both financial and non-financial key success factors that investors consider.
In summary, given Audio Partners’ early startup stage the sales multiple approach may provide the most appropriate valuation compared to models relying heavily on projections of profits or cash flows. However, the venture capital method or scorecard approach incorporating both quantitative and qualitative assessments should also be explored to capture the full value proposition of this startup company seeking investment.
Damodaran, A. (2012). Investment valuation: Tools and techniques for determining the value of any asset. John Wiley & Sons.
Gompers, P., & Lerner, J. (2004). The venture capital cycle. MIT press.
Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D. P. (2008). The execution premium: Linking strategy to operations for competitive advantage. Harvard Business Press.
