Why do peers trade at different Multiples?

I'd seen recently on a PE thread about tips for being a great first year/second year associate someone had mentioned that one of the things that can make people stand out was having a really good understanding of why company peers trade at different multiples. (PE professionals will know this: but ofc I'm not really referring to PublicCo's, just diff multiples on diff transactions, of course ignoring the 'greater fool' principal and in some scenarios idiots will massively overpay for a company). 

There are a few initial thoughts that come to mind, such as profit margins, the solidity of a company's infrastructure, perhaps how diversified a client base is... 

I'm aware this is a fantastically high level understanding and wanted to hear:

  • Why is understanding why peers trade at different multiples so important?
  • Any and all reasons as to why peers really do trade at different multiples?
  • How do you use this knowledge to assess a new PortCo that is placed Infront of you?

Appreciate in advance!

2 Comments
 

I think some standard answers are, assuming similar financials:

  1. Competitive Advantages (economies of scale, market size, favorable contracts with suppliers, etc.)
  2. Operational Efficiency
  3. Strength of Management
  4. Industry-Specific advantages (patents, research, adoption of technology or other processes, etc.)
  5. Consumer Sentiment (Do the customers like the company and/or what it sells?)

Essentially, it comes down to what makes a company a good one for investments.

 

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