Enterprise Value Calculator
Understanding Enterprise Value (EV)
Enterprise Value (EV) is a comprehensive measure of a company's total value, often viewed as the theoretical takeover price. Unlike market capitalization, which only reflects the value of common equity, EV provides a more accurate picture of a firm's worth by accounting for debt, cash reserves, and other financial obligations.
The Enterprise Value Formula
EV = Market Capitalization + Total Debt + Preferred Stock + Minority Interest – Cash and Cash Equivalents
Key Components Explained
- Market Capitalization: Calculated as the current share price multiplied by the total number of outstanding shares. It represents the public's valuation of the company's equity.
- Total Debt: Includes both short-term and long-term interest-bearing liabilities. In an acquisition, the buyer must assume this debt, making it a "cost."
- Cash and Cash Equivalents: These are subtracted because they reduce the net cost to an acquirer. If you buy a company for $100 but it has $20 in the bank, your "true" cost is only $80.
- Preferred Stock: Hybrid securities that act more like debt than equity, often requiring repayment in a change-of-control event.
- Minority Interest: The portion of a subsidiary that the parent company does not own, but which is included in the consolidated financial statements.
Example Calculation
Imagine "TechCorp" with the following financials:
| Share Price | $50.00 |
| Shares Outstanding | 2,000,000 |
| Total Debt | $20,000,000 |
| Cash | $5,000,000 |
Step 1: Calculate Market Cap: $50 × 2,000,000 = $100,000,000.
Step 2: Add Debt and Subtract Cash: $100M + $20M – $5M = $115,000,000 Enterprise Value.
Why is EV Important for Investors?
Investors use Enterprise Value to compare companies with different capital structures. It is a vital component of valuation multiples such as EV/EBITDA and EV/Sales. Because EV includes debt, it provides a more "apples-to-apples" comparison between a company that is heavily leveraged (lots of debt) and one that is funded purely by equity.