Business Valuation Methods: DCF, Comparable, and Asset-Based Explained

बिज़नेस वैल्यूएशन मेथड्स: DCF, कंपेरेबल की गाइड

12 min read
1 January 2025
HCS

Reviewed by HCS Expert Team

Updated on 1 January 2025

Why Valuation Matters

Business valuation is needed for fundraising, M&A, ESOP exercise, share transfers, and regulatory compliance.

Three Main Valuation Approaches

1. Income Approach (DCF)

2. Market Approach (Comparable)

3. Asset Approach (NAV)

DCF (Discounted Cash Flow)

Best for companies with:

  • Predictable cash flows
  • Growth trajectory
  • Operating history

How It Works:

  • 1. Project future cash flows (5-10 years)
  • 2. Calculate terminal value
  • 3. Discount to present value using WACC
  • Formula:

    Value = Sum of (Cash Flow / (1+r)^n) + Terminal Value

    Comparable Company Analysis

    Best for companies with:

    • Similar listed peers
    • Industry benchmarks
    • Revenue/profit track record

    Common Multiples:

    MultipleUsed For
    EV/RevenueHigh-growth companies
    EV/EBITDAProfitable companies
    P/E RatioMature companies
    P/S RatioTech/SaaS companies

    Asset-Based Valuation

    Best for companies with:

    • Significant tangible assets
    • Real estate holdings
    • Investment companies

    Methods:

    • Book Value (as per balance sheet)
    • Adjusted Book Value (market value of assets)
    • Liquidation Value (distressed sale)

    When to Use Which Method?

    Company TypeRecommended Method
    Startup (pre-revenue)Comparable + DCF scenarios
    Growth companyDCF + Comparable
    Mature/profitableDCF + Comparable
    Asset-heavyAsset-based + Income
    Real estateAsset-based

    Valuation for Regulatory Purposes

    When Required:

    • Share transfer above fair value (Income Tax)
    • ESOP exercise price setting
    • M&A transactions
    • Preferential allotment

    Who Can Value:

    • Registered Valuer (IBBI registered)
    • Merchant Banker (Category I)

    HCS Valuation Services

    HCS Business Solutions provides:

    • IBBI registered valuer network
    • DCF and comparable analysis
    • Regulatory-compliant reports
    • ESOP exercise price setting
    > Know your company worth with HCS — professional valuation for every need.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does valuation take?
    Typically 5-10 working days after receiving complete financials and projections.
    Is valuation report mandatory for funding?
    Not legally required, but most institutional investors expect professional valuation.
    What is fair market value?
    The price at which property would change hands between willing buyer and seller with reasonable knowledge of facts.