Model Test MM Infra Fund

Model test coming up for an infra fund - I have done a couple of standard LBO type tests for corporate PE but they are indicating this is a bit different. Focused more on equity DCF / valuation vs LBOs - any indication on what to prep for? Distinctly noted that the LBO test is a more PE style concept (implying that this is not)

My first thoughts are around assessing levered returns (and how they vary from unlevered returns), building FCFE and choosing an appropriate cost of equity, and how you would view terminal equity value instead of terminal enterprise value. Also brushing up on general valuation concepts I haven’t thought of in a while (eg various components to WACC)

Any other thoughts?

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key areas to focus on for your infra fund model test:

Key Areas to Focus On:

  1. Equity DCF / Valuation:

    • Levered vs. Unlevered Free Cash Flow:
      • Unlevered Free Cash Flow (UFCF): Cash flow available to all investors (both debt and equity). Discounted using WACC.
      • Levered Free Cash Flow (FCFE): Cash flow available to equity investors after debt payments. Discounted using the cost of equity.
  2. Cost of Equity:

    • Understand how to calculate the cost of equity using models like CAPM.
    • Be aware of how changes in capital structure can affect the cost of equity and WACC.
  3. Terminal Value:

    • Terminal Equity Value: Focus on calculating the terminal value from an equity perspective rather than enterprise value.
    • Understand the implications of using different terminal value calculation methods (e.g., perpetuity growth model vs. exit multiple method).
  4. WACC Components:

    • Brush up on the various components of WACC and how they interact.
    • Understand the impact of a fixed vs. dynamic capital structure on WACC.
  5. Operational Improvements and De-risking:

    • Consider how operational improvements can impact cash flows and valuation.
    • Understand de-risking strategies like lease extensions and RPI swaps to reduce cash flow variability.

Additional Considerations:

  • Sanity Checks:

    • Cross-reference your DCF valuation with other methodologies like comps to ensure your assumptions are reasonable.
    • Be aware of the limitations of the DCF model, such as its reliance on projections and assumptions about fixed capital structures.
  • Market Value vs. Book Value:

    • Understand the differences between market value and book value, and how market value often deviates from book value due to various factors.

Summary:

  • Focus on building and understanding both levered and unlevered free cash flow models.
  • Be prepared to calculate and justify the cost of equity and WACC.
  • Pay attention to terminal value calculations from an equity perspective.
  • Brush up on general valuation concepts and the limitations of the DCF model.
  • Consider operational improvements and de-risking strategies in your valuation.

By focusing on these areas, you'll be well-prepared for your infra fund model test. Good luck!

Sources: DCF Modeling Course ~ Pre-training text.pdf, Walk me through a DCF, Highest valuation, LBO vs DCF - The final answer. Perspectives on special situations.

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

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