Impact of rising interest rates on Business Valuation (2024)

In the process of business valuation, the discount rate plays a critical role in determining the value of a company. The discount rate reflects the time value of money and the risk associated with an investment. As interest rates rise, the discount rate also increases, which impacts the present value of future cash flows and ultimately, the valuation of the business. It becomes imperative to adjust the discount rate amidst a rising interest rate scenario in the process of business valuation.

Relationship between Interest Rates and Business Valuation - To understand how a rise in interest rates can impact business valuation, we first need to understand the relationship between interest rates and the value of a business. Interest rates can impact business valuation in two ways:

• Cost of Capital: The cost of capital is the minimum rate of return required by an investor to invest in a particular business. Interest rates play a significant role in determining the cost of capital. As interest rates rise, the cost of borrowing increases, which makes it more expensive for businesses to raise capital. This can result in an increase in the cost of equity, as investors will demand a higher rate of return to compensate for the increased risk.
• Discount Rate: The discount rate is the rate used to discount future cash flows to their present value. The higher the discount rate, the lower the present value of the cash flows. Interest rates play a crucial role in determining the discount rate. As interest rates rise, the discount rate also increases, which results in a lower present value of future cash flows.

Understand the Impact of Interest Rates on Discount Rates - To adjust the discount rate in a rising interest rate scenario, it's essential to understand how interest rates impact the components of the discount rate - the risk-free rate, the equity risk premium, and the company-specific risk premium.

• The Risk-Free Rate - The risk-free rate is the rate of return on a risk-free investment, such as government bonds. The risk-free rate is the foundation of the discount rate, and it is impacted by changes in interest rates. As interest rates rise, the risk-free rate also increases, which leads to an increase in the discount rate.
• The Equity Risk Premium - The equity risk premium is the additional return that investors expect to earn for taking on the risk of investing in equities over risk-free investments. The equity risk premium is determined by the market, and it is impacted by changes in interest rates. As interest rates rise, the equity risk premium can decrease, as investors may be less willing to take on the risk of investing in equities.
• The Company-Specific Risk Premium - The company-specific risk premium reflects the risk associated with a particular company. This premium is based on factors such as the company's industry, size, growth prospects, and financial condition. The company-specific risk premium is not directly impacted by changes in interest rates, but it can be indirectly impacted by changes in the company's financial condition and growth prospects.

Adjusting the Discount Rate - To adjust the discount rate amidst a rising interest rate scenario, there are a few steps that you can take.

• Step 1: Determine the New Risk-Free Rate - The first step is to determine the new risk-free rate based on current market conditions. This can be done by analyzing the yields on government bonds or other risk-free investments.
• Step 2: Adjust the Equity Risk Premium - The equity risk premium can be adjusted by analyzing market data on equity returns and comparing it to the risk-free rate. As interest rates rise, the equity risk premium may decrease, which can lead to a decrease in the discount rate.
• Step 3: Reassess the Company-Specific Risk Premium - The company-specific risk premium should be reassessed in light of any changes in the company's financial condition or growth prospects. This can be done by analyzing the company's financial statements, market data, and other relevant information.
• Step 4: Recalculate the Discount Rate - After adjusting the risk-free rate, equity risk premium, and company-specific risk premium, the discount rate can be recalculated. The new discount rate should reflect the impact of rising interest rates on the cost of capital and the risk associated with the investment.
• Step 5: Apply the New Discount Rate to Future Cash Flows - The final step is to apply the new discount rate to future cash flows to determine the present value of those cash flows. This will provide a new valuation for the business that reflects the impact of rising interest rates on the discount rate.

Impact of Rising Interest Rates on Business Valuation:

• Real Estate and Construction - Real estate and construction businesses can be significantly impacted by a rise in interest rates. The cost of borrowing increases, which can result in a decrease in demand for new construction projects. As a result, the value of real estate and construction businesses can decline. Higher interest rates can also impact the value of existing properties, as it makes it more expensive for buyers to finance the purchase of a property. This can result in a decrease in demand and a decline in property values.
• Banking and Financial Services - Banking and financial services companies can benefit from a rise in interest rates, as it increases the profitability of their lending activities. However, a rise in interest rates can also result in a decrease in demand for loans, which can impact the overall revenue of the business. It's important to note that a rise in interest rates can also impact the value of financial instruments, such as bonds and securities, which can impact the overall valuation of the business.
• Retail and Consumer Goods - Retail and consumer goods businesses can be impacted by a rise in interest rates, as it can result in a decrease in consumer spending. As the cost of borrowing increases, consumers may be less likely to take out loans to purchase big-ticket items such as homes and cars. This can result in a decrease in demand for consumer goods, which can impact the overall revenue and profitability of the business. The overall value of the business can also be impacted if there is a decline in demand for its products or services.
• Technology - Technology businesses can be less impacted by a rise in interest rates, as they typically have lower levels of debt and are not as dependent on interest rates for financing. However, a rise in interest rates can impact the overall economy, which can result in a decrease in demand for technology products and services. This can result in a decline in revenue and profitability, which can impact the overall value of the business.

Considerations while adjusting discount rates for the short term changes in interest rates –

• Monitor Short-Term Changes in Interest Rates and Inflation - In a short-term rising interest rate or high inflation scenario, it's essential to closely monitor changes in interest rates and inflation. The risk-free rate and equity risk premium may change rapidly in response to market conditions, which can impact the discount rate. By monitoring short-term changes, you can make more informed decisions when determining an appropriate discount rate.
• Consider the Time Horizon for the Valuation - The time horizon for the valuation should be considered when determining an appropriate discount rate. Short-term valuations may be more sensitive to changes in interest rates and inflation, while long-term valuations may be less sensitive. When valuing a company for a short-term transaction, such as a merger or acquisition, a more conservative approach to the discount rate may be appropriate.
• Use Multiple Discount Rates - In a short-term rising interest rate or high inflation scenario, it may be helpful to use multiple discount rates to reflect different possible scenarios. For example, you could calculate a base case discount rate, a best-case discount rate, and a worst-case discount rate. This approach allows you to consider the potential impact of changes in interest rates and inflation on the value of the company.
• Consider the Company's Financial Condition and Growth Prospects - In a short-term rising interest rate or high inflation scenario, it's essential to consider the company's financial condition and growth prospects when determining the company-specific risk premium. A company with a strong financial position and robust growth prospects may be less impacted by short-term changes in interest rates and inflation than a company with weaker financials.
• Use Sensitivity Analysis - Sensitivity analysis involves varying one or more input variables to determine the impact on valuation.

Conclusion

A rise in interest rates can have a significant impact on business valuation. The cost of capital and discount rate are two critical factors that determine the overall value of a business, and both of these are impacted by changes in interest rates. While some businesses can benefit from a rise in interest rates, others can be significantly impacted. As valuer, its wise to analyze short term or long term impacts on businesses, capital structure & related aspects before making adjustments to discount rates.