Business-valuation

In his new book on valuation, Pablo Fernandez presents and analyzes a variety of valuation methods. The book is comprehensive in covering ALL of the methods and contains a wealth of information, data and examples on the relevant topics. The book is a valuable source for obtaining details on the different methods. However, there is a risk, although small, that the number of trees may overwhelm the reader and the reader may miss the forest.
In Part III, which is the theoretical part of the book, he examines all the various approaches for Discounted Cash Flow Valuation. In particular, Pablo Fernandez makes the unusual claim that for FCF in perpetuity with a constant growth rate of g, the discounted value of the tax shield (DVTS) is not the present value of the tax shield (PVTS). Furthermore, he defines the PVTS as follows: PVTS = T*D*Ku/(Ku - g). At first sight, this definition of the PVTS seems very strange. To obtain this result, which is in direct contradiction with the formulas in Copeland's book, he assumes that the return to levered equity Ke does not depend on whether the growth rate is zero or nonzero. This departure from the accepted definition of the PVTS may surprise those readers who are familiar with other books on valuation.
In common with other books on valuation, the examples on the cost of capital are restricted to cash flows in perpetuity. Without providing the necessary justification, the author assumes that the formulas for the cost of capital carry over to finite cash flows. The book would be strengthened if there were numerical examples that linked the discussion on the cost of capital directly to the finite cash flow statements that are derived from the usual financial statements.

A great book with clear explanations and excellent support web site.
The book describes many tools on how to do the valuation (DCF, ratios, real options etc.). I particularly like the explanation of eight models of DCF. Chapters 19, 20 and 21 are the best ones I have ever read about discounted cash flow valuation.
For finance professionals, "Valuation methods and shareholder value creation" is a wonderful book to study, to keep and to look up for reference. I strongly recommend investment bankers (and clients), finance managers and MBAs to have one.
It explains Adjusted Present Value much better than Copeland's and DamodaranÂ's books. Now, I understand it!!!

I'm working on acquisitions of small to medium sized private companies. I found this book to be very practical in going through not just the valuation math, but also the considerations. The book gives a great overview of the whole process, with ideas of how to get more precise with things like Monte Carlo and Real options. On the core pieces, there is a careful step through of multiperiod DCF including terminal value which is very helpful. Also there is a lot of talk about discount rates which I found very helpful.

The book concludes with a thorough valuation example that is adapted from a real transaction. It provides a great way to pull together all of the knowledge in the book.

I'd also recommend "Analysis for Financial Management" in addition to this book, for its in depth treatment of key financial fundamentals, including DCF valuation.

This book meets important needs of buyers, sellers, valuation analysts, and owners of private companies who want to build value in them. Here are just a few of the important functions that the reader will learn:

1. How to apply solid valuation theory. Provides the best treatment of many valuation issues that I have seen. This set of benefits goes far beyond M&A valuation settings.
2. How to value "synergy," which is often discussed but rarely measured accurately.
3. How to avoid mistakes commonly made by buyers, sellers, and valuation analysts.
4. How to value start-up companies, including high-tech ones.
5. How to create and measure value in private companies.

And...the authors communicate their insights and methods very clearly. Most readers will find this book one of the best investments they have made.

I am a professional business valuator and had a good understanding of the valuation process before I read this book. However, I did not know much about mergers & acquisitions (M&A). After reading "Valuation for M&A" I not only gained a clear understanding about M&A, but I got many additional insights into valuation work as well! Mr. Evans and Mr. Bishop break their book down into 16 well constructed chapters that take you through valuations for M&A step by step, with each step building on the previous one. They then tie it all together at the end of the book and provide an excellent case study as a bonus. The case study alone is worth the price of the book. This is a must read for business valuators, M&A professionals and business owners thinking about buying a new business or selling the one they own now.

If you need to comply with SFAS 141 and 142, you will want to read this book. The authors understand these standards inside and out. The book's coverage is practical, thorough and written in easy to understand language (which is important because the changes outlined in SFAS 141 and 142 are far reaching and complex.) The best part of this book is that in addition to providing compliance guidance for SFAS 141 & 142, it also shows you how to apply the standards. This is key! I also found the book helpful on showing me how to identify and value intagible assests which is still a somewhatnew area for me.

This is timely and excellent coverage of SFAS 141 and 142. The authors' explanation are clear and complete. I would recommend this book to everyone involved in valuation.

Barlett basically takes you by the hand with MBS in such a way that you feel everything is explained thoroughly. I never felt that I needed to go to a second book to doubled-check my understanding of the material...such as with the Fabozzi Handbook. Too bad it's now out of print. Barlett should come out from hiding and update this great work with a new edition!

The most comprehensive treatment to Mortgages and Mortgage Backed Securities ever. Slightly dated.