Most Helpful

You can test using a very simple case.

Company with cash flows in year 1 only. No debt (so no interest), and no change in working capital items.

Valuation = FCF_Y1 / (1 + r)

- (only depends on FCF)

Now,

FCF = NOPAT – Capex + depreciation – net change in NOWC

If depreciation increases by $10 (say tax 40%).

Operating profit = down by $10

Tax saving = $4

Net income = down by $6

 

Incremental change in FCF = change in EBIT*(1-t) – change in (Capex - Depreciation) – net change in NOWC

 

   = -10 * (1 – 40%) – 0 + 10 – 0

   = -6 + 10

   = 4

Hence, FCF increased. Thus, the valuation increased.

So, yes. The tax saving increases the valuation. I tested it in a recent 3-statement model as well and the price increased.

However, this assumes nothing else changes. You probably have to be careful in special situations. Like if the company needs additional capital for CapEx or something but is in financial distress, just increasing the depreciation might not elevate value. I will have to think about it in more detail. It's past midnight and my cognition is not at peak right now.

 

Ah, you're on the right track! Increased depreciation can indeed lead to an increase in the company's valuation, but it's a bit of a balancing act. Here's why:

When depreciation increases, it reduces the company's net income on the income statement due to the higher expense. However, because depreciation is a non-cash expense, it gets added back in the cash flow statement, which increases the cash flow from operations.

Now, here's where the tax savings come in. The decrease in net income also means a decrease in taxable income, which in turn leads to lower taxes. This tax shield (the reduction in taxes) effectively increases the cash flows, which could lead to a higher company valuation.

But remember, this is a simplified explanation. In reality, the impact of increased depreciation on a company's valuation can be influenced by a number of other factors, including the company's tax rate, its capital structure, and the methods it uses for depreciation. So, while the basic principle holds true, the actual impact can vary.

Keep up the good work! Understanding these nuances is key to mastering finance.

Sources: Got asked this question in an interview, Today's Investment Banking Interview Question?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/advance-payments-and-valuation-of-a-firm?customgpt=1, 21 Finance Interview Questions and Answers

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Consectetur ut nisi quia sed. Tempore optio omnis necessitatibus minus. Voluptate illo illum et laborum et est. Assumenda assumenda incidunt quibusdam beatae.

Tempore et dicta perferendis officia earum omnis voluptatem. Nemo adipisci quas provident consequatur odit rem ut quo. Ipsum ullam quidem est impedit modi eaque quia veniam. Sint facere sit ipsa vitae quae aut voluptate.

Aut consequatur sit quasi. Repellat rerum vel quas placeat. Consectetur id dolorem qui et est soluta facere. Sed debitis voluptas impedit qui quibusdam aut. Ipsum odit minus reiciendis neque. Omnis quisquam quam itaque et ut eius.

Aliquid pariatur voluptatem sunt est perferendis molestiae. Consequatur quibusdam eligendi cupiditate quia rerum. Consequatur aliquid quia quis impedit. Ipsam explicabo velit doloremque accusantium. Ipsa assumenda blanditiis occaecati commodi doloremque. Sed eum libero aut quo fugit. Voluptas harum corporis ex quasi quae iure.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (88) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
numi's picture
numi
98.8
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”