Editorial Type:
Article Category: Research Article
 | 
Online Publication Date: 01 Mar 2010

Can Publicly Traded Company Multiples Shed Insights on Discounts for Lack of Marketability?

PhD, ASA, CPA/ABV, CFA, CFE and
PhD
Page Range: 18 – 22
DOI: 10.5791/0897-1781-29.1.18
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Abstract

This study matches private firm sales transactions with publicly traded firms to examine the issue of discounts for lack of marketability. Using sales and profitability multiples for matched firms, we calculate median discounts that consistently exceed 50% and appear to be influenced by common financial factors such as size, profitability, and likelihood of financial distress. Our findings put into question the sizes of discounts typically applied in valuation engagements.

Copyright: © 2010 American Society of Appraisers

Contributor Notes

John K. Paglia, PhD, ASA, CPA/ABV, CFA, CFE, is an Associate Professor of Finance at Pepperdine University.

Maretno Agus Harjoto, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Finance, Pepperdine University.

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