Silly question relating to company valuation

Hi guys,

I'm clearly missing out on something as I'm a bit confused about something. Sorry, this might sound silly:

To value public companies (find the enterprise value), why can't you just find the equity value (by current share price x fully diluted outstanding shares), and then just add debt, minority interest, preferred stock and subtract cash & cash equivalents to get enterprise value?

This doesn't use any of the 4 main valuation methods, I am prob missing out on why the above can't be done. Would really appreciate it someone could explain why not.

Also, another quick question please, is it possible to have the equity value of a private company. And if yes, how do you calculate it.

Thank you for your help

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Enterprise value is based off market values of the company's equity. It technically is the value of the company, but the 4 main valuation methods are meant to be used to arrive at your own valuation, and can help you make sure the market is not under or overvaluing a particular company.

As for equity value of a private company - assuming you have all the necessary data points - you have to estimate this yourself with a valuation. However, financing rounds can also point to what investors think the market value of a private company should be. It's tough here because the information available to you is very limited.

 

Vel omnis rem illo perspiciatis. Ducimus aut est maiores ut voluptas consequatur consequatur. Minima minus optio molestias facere earum rerum neque.

Vel aut sapiente tenetur aut. Voluptatem dignissimos id ipsa sunt minus aut. Aut quisquam maxime consequatur aut. Eos incidunt aut dolores ut molestias.

Aut omnis minus ab unde commodi in. Vitae consequuntur odit vel voluptatem. Consequatur et pariatur vel eligendi soluta repellat. Cupiditate voluptas corrupti qui consequatur et aut officiis. Culpa laborum molestias rem voluptatem accusantium qui minus. Quaerat dolorem possimus vel libero quis qui.

Perferendis et aut rerum inventore voluptates iure consequatur. Est consectetur repudiandae ut et placeat sed et. Omnis sed nam aut aperiam. Adipisci quas et fugiat qui ad reprehenderit inventore. Consequatur nisi in laborum similique et eum dicta.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (50) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
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...”