A Case Study on Company Valuation using Adjusted EBITDA Multiple from a Mergers and Acquisitions Perspective

From a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) perspective, this study applies the existing EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) multiple and a new adjusted EBITDA multiple to real cases and compares the indicators. The new adjusted EBITDA multiple is a novel valuation method created by supplementing the shortcomings and limitations of the existing EBITDA multiple, which can help decision-making from an M&A perspective. The adjusted EBITDA multiple indicates the time needed to recover total acquisition-related costs when acquiring a company. We analyze the financial information of Hyundai Motor Company and NAVER Corporation from 2017–2021 and find that the further expenditure, in addition to the initial acquisition cost, is necessary to manage the company sustainably. M&A and stock investment decision-making has differing goals and therefore requires different company valuation methods. In the case of stock investment, the objective of the investment is to gain capital from the increase in the stock price of the target company. However, it is important to make decisions regarding M&A in consideration of the acquiring company's going concern point of view. This study aims to introduce a valuation methodology that can provide practical help to M&A decision-making rather than stock investment.