As the global economic landscape shifts, rising interest rates are becoming a focal point for investors, business owners, and valuation professionals. The multifaceted impact of increasing interest rates on company valuations can be broken down into insights that can help you make informed investment decisions. Below, we discuss the influence of rising interest rates on the cost of capital, cash flow discount rates, market-based valuations, and the behavior of private equity and strategic acquirers.
Cost of Capital in the Limelight
Interest rate fluctuations play a significant role in shaping a company’s cost of capital, which in turn, impacts its valuation. As interest rates rise, both the cost of equity and debt follow suit. Higher borrowing costs make debt financing more expensive, while investors demand greater returns to offset their increasing opportunity cost of investing in risk-free assets. This increased cost of capital can dampen a company’s valuation, making investments and projects less appealing due to heightened return requirements.
Discount Rates and the Tides of Future Earnings
The income approach to valuations hinges on estimating a company’s future cash flows and discounting them to their present value using an appropriate discount rate. With rising interest rates, discount rates escalate as well. A higher discount rate diminishes the present value of a company’s future earnings, consequently lowering its valuation. This effect is especially pronounced for high-growth companies and for those with substantial projected cash flows in the distant future, as they are more susceptible to changes in discount rates.
The Ripple Effect on Market-based Valuations
As interest rates climb, market-based valuations, such as the multiples approach, feel the pinch. When investors shift their focus towards fixed-income assets offering higher yields, the overall stock market may experience a decline in valuations across the board. The drop in market valuations can adversely affect market-based valuations, as lower valuation multiples lead to a reduced overall valuation for the subject company.
Navigating the Choppy Waters of Private Equity and Strategic Acquisitions
Higher interest rates have a profound impact on the quantity of acquisitions demanded by private equity firms and strategic acquirers. As the cost of capital increases, the opportunity cost of investing in riskier assets, such as leveraged buyouts, grows. Therefore, these investors may adopt more conservative acquisition strategies and demand greater returns on their investments to account for increased opportunity cost. This cautious approach may translate into a reduced willingness to pay premium prices for target companies, which can exert downward pressure on company valuations.
Understanding the impact of rising interest rates on company valuations is paramount for investors, business owners, and valuation professionals. By considering the various factors explored in this article, such as the higher cost of capital, shifting discount rates, and the evolving behavior of private equity investors, you will be better equipped to navigate the complex world of company valuations and investment strategies in a rising interest rate environment. Armed with this knowledge, you can make more informed decisions and successfully steer your financial ship through the turbulent waters of the global economy.
At Objective Valuation, we pride ourselves on staying atop market trends, and benefit from the connection to our active sell-side practice. By exploring your company’s outlook and understanding its relationship to changing market trends, we provide you with the right tools for better decision-making, more accurate financial and tax reporting, and more valuable pre-deal insight.
About the Authors
Christian Dougherty
Managing Director
(215) 880‑5200
Jordi Pujol, CFA
Director
(213) 282-7910
Disclosure
This news release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer, invitation or recommendation to buy, sell, subscribe for or issue any securities. While the information provided herein is believed to be accurate and reliable, Objective Capital Partners and BA Securities, LLC make no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of such information. All information contained herein is preliminary, limited and subject to completion, correction or amendment. It should not be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice and may not be reproduced or distributed to any person. Securities and investment banking services are offered through BA Securities, LLC Member FINRA, SIPC. Principals of Objective Capital are Registered Representatives of BA Securities. Objective Capital Partners and BA Securities are separate and unaffiliated entities.
