Business Valuation - Calculate synergies from a merger

Calculate synergies from a merger

The DCF (Discounted Cash Flow) valuation is a widely used financial tool to determine the present value of a company’s future cash flows. It’s commonly used in mergers and acquisitions to assess the expected financial benefits of the deal, including the synergies that would result from combining two companies. Synergies refer to the benefits of combining two or more companies, such as cost savings, increased revenue, or improved operational efficiency. In this article, we’ll explore how the DCF valuation can be used to calculate the synergy benefits of a merger.

Step 1: Identifying Synergy Benefits

The first step in calculating the synergies of a merger is to identify the potential benefits that may arise from combining the companies. These benefits may include cost savings, increased revenue, reduced headcount, lower capital expenditures, or improved operational efficiency. It’s essential to be realistic about the potential benefits and quantify them as accurately as possible, which requires an in-depth analysis of each company’s operations and a detailed assessment of the impact the merger is expected to have on them.

Step 2: Projecting Future Cash Flows

The next step is to project the future cash flows of the merged company. This requires forecasting the company’s revenue, expenses, and capital expenditures for several years. Again, the projections should be based on a realistic and credible assumption of the company’s future growth and profitability.

Step 3: Incorporating Synergy Benefits

Once the future cash flows have been projected, the synergies identified in step 1 should be incorporated into the projections, reflecting the merger’s cost savings, increased revenue, and other benefits. For example, if the merger is expected to result in cost savings of $10 million annually, this amount should be subtracted from the projected expenses for each year.

Step 4: Discounting Future Cash Flows

The final step is to discount the projected cash flows to present value. This involves determining the current value of each year’s cash flows by taking into account the time value of money and the company’s risk profile. The discounted cash flows represent the current value of the company’s expected future cash flows and can be used to determine the fair value of the company.

Step 5: Calculating Synergy Benefits

Once the DCF valuation has been completed, the synergy benefits of the merger can be calculated by comparing the present value of the merged company’s cash flows with the present value of the cash flows of the individual companies. The difference between the two amounts represents the synergies resulting from the merger.

In conclusion, the DCF valuation is a powerful tool for calculating the synergy benefits of a merger. It requires an accurate assessment of the merger’s potential benefits, a realistic projection of the company’s future cash flows, and a thorough understanding of the impact the merger is expected to have on its operations. By using the DCF valuation to calculate the synergies of a merger, companies can make informed decisions about whether to pursue the deal and determine a fair value for the merged company.

The Worth.Business application is the ideal tool to calculate synergies.