LBO model assumptions

Has anyone done lbo model during an interview? Target co is private - how do you come up with EBITDA entry multiple? There clearly isnt enough time to do DCF and comps may not be available (dont know what they are). Would you just use an explanation such as e.g. enter=exit at 5x (company can sustain 3x debt) would bring 25% irr? if you dont know the industry (and its not tech), it is difficult to argue that any multiple above 5x is justifiable. Would not go beyond 8x in any case. What is the best way to learn roughtly what are the valuations in different industries? Anyone knows?

Also what if entry at 5x EBITDA results in equity value (EV-net debt) that is LOWER than the book value of equity. That would not be right, or? Why assume negative goodwill...

I appreciate your views. Thanks

 
Best Response

Book value of equity for the target is not that relevant. When you do purchase accounting you re-value all the assets and they can move up or down, so PP&E and any existing intangibles (from prior acquisitions etc) get restated to market value; this is generally where the difference comes from if a company were to be acquired above book value (generally working capital/short-term assets don't move that much unless there's some sort of obsolete inventory or bad debt situation).

Regardless of the above, purchase accounting shouldn't move the needle on your IRR that much-the only EBITDA/cash-flow impact I can think of would be whatever marginal change in cash taxes you have.

There have been many great comebacks throughout history. Jesus was dead but then came back as an all-powerful God-Zombie.
 

Aperiam eveniet sunt libero similique. Dolorem voluptate numquam sint recusandae esse nemo. Repellendus sunt cumque vel quia.

Incidunt sapiente harum ullam fugit. Tenetur hic voluptatem necessitatibus temporibus voluptatibus quia. Debitis sit eum iusto inventore. Dolor blanditiis minima libero praesentium eligendi repellendus quos. Enim doloribus quia quo vel voluptatum totam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Blackstone Group 99.0%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.4%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 97.9%
  • Bain Capital 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.4%
  • Ardian 97.9%
  • Bain Capital 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Bain Capital 99.0%
  • Blackstone Group 98.4%
  • Warburg Pincus 97.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (22) $569
  • Vice President (92) $362
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (91) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (206) $266
  • 1st Year Associate (387) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (29) $154
  • 2nd Year Analyst (83) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (246) $122
  • Intern/Summer Associate (32) $82
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (314) $59
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
10
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”