Valuation of Technology-Based Companies: The Case of Activision Blizzard

Valuation of Technology-Based Companies: The Case of Activision Blizzard

João Zambujal-Oliveira, César Serradas
Copyright: © 2014 |Pages: 15
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-4983-5.ch007
OnDemand:
(Individual Chapters)
Available
$33.75
List Price: $37.50
Current Special Offers
10% Discount:-$3.75
TOTAL SAVINGS: $3.75

Abstract

The cash flows of technology-based companies show high degrees of uncertainty. As traditional valuation methods can hardly capture these characteristics, they are insufficient for valuing these kinds of companies. On the contrary, real options theory can quantify the value associated with management flexibility, growth opportunities, and synergies. This chapter assesses the corporate value of a technology-based company. By gathering information from historical cash flows and using Monte Carlo simulations, the chapter generates future returns paths and primarily uses them for valuations by discounted cash flow methods. The generated volatility is subsequently used to value the measurement carried out by real options theory. The value obtained under the real options binomial approach is about 40% higher than the one obtained by the discounted cash flow method. This difference can be attributed to the value associated with uncertainty and flexibility.
Chapter Preview
Top

Introduction

The value that investors attribute to a company is essentially based on their expectations of the company’s future cash flows. The valuation of a particular technology-based company (TBC) is essential for justifying future investments in the company. Given it has specific characteristics that are not considered by discounted cash flow (DCF) methods, the valuation needs to be addressed by more advanced approaches, such as real options theory (ROT). DCF valuation methods hardly contemplate the unpredictability and creativity of today’s business strategies. Market players demand real-time feedback and constant development commitment. Therefore, some of these technological companies aim to diversify strategies in order to respond adequately to market needs (Eisenhardt, 1989).

The uncertainties and opportunities in the technology sector are often misspecified in traditional valuation methods. Because of the high volatility associated with these markets, the valuation becomes a complex and potentially nerve-wracking endeavour. A small mistake can lead to a large loss. Considering the complexity of forecasting highly volatile market conditions and strategies, TBCs are much more likely to face inherent difficulties in accurately predicting firm value. This uncertainty should not be treated as objective risk, that is, as a series of coin tosses where the probabilities are objectively known (Levin, 2006).

Rather than being just a source of risk, flexibility can add positive value when in line with the strategy, and may represent an acquisition of future value to the company. The DCF method does not consider this added value. Therefore, what should be the right valuation method when the company generates cash flows with high levels of volatility? Should the flexibility associated with management capacity be considered to be a source of value?

The methods presented in this chapter provide investors with means to value technology companies that act in unstable markets and have volatile revenues. These companies can also use these methods internally to value projects and compare their relative values for capital budgeting purposes. Therefore, this chapter can be viewed as a contribution to find empirical evidence of the usefulness of real options valuation methodologies (adapted from Kellog & Charnes, 2000).

Complete Chapter List

Search this Book:
Reset