In the Year in Which It Intends to Go Public

question 21

Essay

In the year in which it intends to go public, a firm has revenues of $20 million and net income after taxes of $2 million. The firm has no debt, and revenue is expected to grow at 20% annually for the next five years and 5% annually thereafter. Net profit margins are expected remain constant throughout. Capital expenditures are expected to grow in line with depreciation and working capital requirements are minimal. The average beta of a publicly traded company in this industry is 1.50 and the average debt/equity ratio is 20%. The firm is managed very conservatively and does not intend to borrow through the foreseeable future. The Treasury bond rate is 6% and the tax rate is 40%. The normal spread between the return on stocks and the risk free rate of return is believed to be 5.5%. Reflecting the slower growth rate in the sixth year and beyond, the firm's discount rate is expected to decline to the industry average cost of capital of 10.4%. Estimate the value of the firm's equity.

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Definitions:

Limited Liability Partnership

A business structure that allows partners to have limited personal liability for the debts and actions of the partnership.

Business Organization

The structure of a company or entity, including its formation, operations, and management, and the relationships among its various stakeholders.

Manager-Managed LLC

A limited liability company in which the management is specifically designated to one or more managers, rather than being managed by all members.

Managers

Individuals responsible for controlling or administering all or part of a company or similar organization.