Valuation lies at the heart of much of what we do in finance, whether it is the study of market efficiency and questions about corporate governance or the comparison of different investment decision rules in capital budgeting. In this paper, we consider the theory and evidence on valuation approaches. We begin by surveying the literature on discounted cash flow valuation models, ranging from the first mentions of the dividend discount model to value stocks to the use of excess return models in more recent years. In the second part of the paper, we examine relative valuation models and, in particular, the use of multiples and comparables in valuation and evaluate whether relative valuation models yield more or less precise estimates of value than discounted cash flow models. In the final part of the paper, we set the stage for further research in valuation by noting the estimation challenges we face as companies globalize and become exposed to risk in multiple countries.

The essential guide to business and real estate appraisals for non-appraiser professionals In Analyzing Complex Appraisals for Business Professionals, renowned business and real estate valuation authorities Shannon P. Pratt and John Lifflander provide the ultimate crash course for evaluating a wide range of properties and enterprises. This guide to understanding, interpreting, and evaluating residential, commercial, business, and industrial appraisals, gives any business professional straightforward, practical steps to achieve sound financial reasoning in the face of numerous valuation intricacies and problem areas. Using a similar approach to Pratt’s previous international bestselling books, the authors’ detailed instructions and invaluable insider’s advice make even the most sophisticated techniques accessible to bankers, attorneys, loan officers, accountants, real estate brokers, and other professionals. The authors introduce a strategic overview of the basics aspects of USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice), and then build on that background. Each segment of the book includes a discussion of the applicable appraisal theory, which is then followed by an explanation of the most common methodologies for that particular discipline and a set of examples of its application. Analogies with general concepts are also applied to specific appraisal subjects. The ability to evaluate a wide range of properties and enterprises―from land and homes to commercial and industrial facilities to valuations of businesses ―is more imperative today than ever before. Find out why, and the best practices to do so, with Analyzing Complex Appraisals for Business Professionals.

Priceless business valuation methods made easy! Business valuation is one of the toughest classes in any business curriculum. And it's one of the most important. Master this critical topic, and you've removed a major obstacle standing between you and a 4.0, and taken a major step toward a successful career in business. Breaking down business valuation methods into easy-to-digest parts, this self-teaching guide provides all the skills you need to determine a company's worth--easily and accurately. Business Valuation DeMYSTiFieD offers expert insight from both buyers' and sellers' points of view and provides examples and exercises illustrating the concepts driving the practices. This fast and easy guide features: In-depth coverage of the three main methods of valuing businesses: discounted cash flow, price multiple, and liquidation Easy-to-understand descriptions of financial ratios Tools and techniques for deciphering valuation reports, financial statements, and guidelines for specific businesses Chapter-ending practice exercises and a quiz for testing and reinforcing what you've learned Simple enough for a beginner but challenging enough for a more advanced student, Business Valuation DeMYSTiFieD is your shortcut to building a solid foundation in this critical business topic.

The most complete guide to business valuation written by industry-leading valuation specialists! Handbook of Business Valuation Second Edition In this thoroughly revised and updated edition of the number-one guide to business valuation, nearly 50 experts provide expert advice and guidance on all facets of the subject. This is a single-source guide to valuation approaches and methods, in addition to all of the procedures necessary to accurately value a business. The Second Edition of the Handbook of Business Valuation enables you to find precisely the information you need; just go directly to the chapter concerning the topic you are interested in. There is no need to read the entire volume-it's quick and easy. This is the only valuation book you need. It provides chapters on valuing specific businesses, such as: software companies, radio and cable stations, medical practices, home-based businesses, and many more, plus a special chapter on researching business valuation information on the Internet. * An entire chapter on commonly used rules of thumb * Business valuation from the perspective of the buyer, seller, lawyer, lender, and others * All updated information, plus much that's new * Important sections on family limited partnerships, intellectual property issues, minority interests, and much more

"Aswath Damodaran is simply the best valuation teacher around. If you are interested in the theory or practice of valuation, you should have Damodaran on Valuation on your bookshelf. You can bet that I do." -- Michael J. Mauboussin, Chief Investment Strategist, Legg Mason Capital Management and author of More Than You Know: Finding Financial Wisdom in Unconventional Places In order to be a successful CEO, corporate strategist, or analyst, understanding the valuation process is a necessity. The second edition of Damodaran on Valuation stands out as the most reliable book for answering many of today?s critical valuation questions. Completely revised and updated, this edition is the ideal book on valuation for CEOs and corporate strategists. You'll gain an understanding of the vitality of today?s valuation models and develop the acumen needed for the most complex and subtle valuation scenarios you will face.

Because water in the United State has not been traded in markets, there is no meaningful estimate of what it would cost if it were traded. But failing to establish ground water's valueâ€"for in situ uses such as sustaining wetlands as well as for extractive uses such as agricultureâ€"will lead to continued overuse and degradation of the nation's aquifers. In Valuing Ground Water an interdisciplinary committee integrates the latest economic, legal, and physical knowledge about ground water and methods for valuing this resource, making it comprehensible to decision-makers involved in Superfund cleanup efforts, local wellhead protection programs, water allocation, and other water-related management issues. Using the concept of total economic value, this volume provides a framework for calculating the economic value of ground water and evaluating tradeoffs between competing uses of it. Included are seven case studies where ground-water valuation has been or could be used in decisionmaking. The committee examines trends in ground-water management, factors that contribute to its value, and issues surrounding ground-water allocation and legal rights to its use. The book discusses economic valuation of natural resources and reviews several valuation methods. Presenting conclusions, recommendations, and research priorities, Valuing Ground Water will be of interest to those concerned about ground-water issues: policymakers, regulators, economists, attorneys, researchers, resource managers, and environmental advocates.