Beginner LBO Modeling questions

I'm trying to create an LBO for a case.

  1. This might be a very stupid question, but why does a DCF model add back depreciation, but the lbo model does not in the calculation of free cash flow? (Would it be wrong to add depreciation in an LBO?)

  2. What are typical IRRs? I'm getting 19% but I added depreciation into the calculation of FCF

  3. What are typical financial buyer acquisition control premiums? I assumed 10% if there even is one...

  4. I don't know if this is some standard, but from what I can tell blue=hard coded and black=not hard coded.. what is red?

  5. What is the usual % paydown (of debt) by year 5 (exit year)? I am getting 100% by year 6, but the model goes until year 10.

Thanks!

-Learning Student

 
Best Response

Not bad questions actually.

1) In a DCF adding back D&A is because it's a non-cash expense (unless it's non deductible amort.) and you
want to value the firm and it's operation of it's assets. Depreciation is subject to it's depreciation schedule and for simplicity sake, outside of the control of the firms management. In a DCF you want to know PV of the forecast-ed cash flows that are generated by your assets and firm operations and the the terminal value in perpetuity.

 I see this so many times, an <span class="keyword_link"><a href="//www.wallstreetoasis.com/finance-dictionary/what-is-a-leveraged-buyout-LBO">LBO</a></span> is not <span class='keyword_link'><a href="/resources/skills/valuation" target="_blank">really a valuation</a></span> (although you can argue it's a "floor" value), it's a
 <span class='keyword_link'><a href="/resources/financial-modeling/scenario-analysis" target="_blank">scenario analysis were you</a></span>'re saying "what type of return can I get given X return with Y amount of debt and Z
 amount of equity." You're correct in that you don't add back D&amp;A, but then again if you're doing your <span class="keyword_link"><a href="//www.wallstreetoasis.com/finance-dictionary/what-is-a-leveraged-buyout-LBO">LBO</a></span> right
 it should not be included to begin with because you start with <span class="keyword_link"><a href="//www.wallstreetoasis.com/finance-dictionary/what-is-earnings-before-interest-tax-depreciation-and-amortization-EBITDA"><abbr title="earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortization">EBITDA</abbr></a></span>; were is in a <span class="keyword_link"><a href="//www.wallstreetoasis.com/finance-dictionary/what-is-a-discounted-cash-flow-DCF">DCF</a></span> you start at <span class="keyword_link"><a href="//www.wallstreetoasis.com/finance-dictionary/what-is-earnings-before-interest-tax-depreciation-and-amortization-EBITDA"><abbr title="earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortization">EBITDA</abbr></a></span> 
 and deduct to EBIT(A) and adjust by your tax rate taking into account any non deductible amortization.

4) We use red to show initial investment on NPV and IRR calc's and only rare cases if something needs to stand out on the model. Have noticed that PE shops like using it a lot more some reason.

5) Really the ideal % payed down is the amount that (sans any mandatory or revolver payments) A) get's the sponsor their desired return the quickest or B) whenever you hit a specified hurdle rate. That's at least in my experience.

Ace all your PE interview questions with the WSO Private Equity Prep Pack: http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/guide/private-equity-interview-prep-questions
 

Not sure I understand your Q#1. D&A is non cash, hence it is added back for the FCF calc in both a DCF and an LBO.

The only real difference between the FCF in a DCF and the FCF (pre debt service) in an LBO is that the LBO FCF is levered (includes interest payments, as well as a respective tax shield) whereas the DCF FCF is unlevered (pre interest payments).

To better answer your question, can you please walk me through how you are calcing FCF? Are you starting with EBITDA or Net Income?

 
ihatebanking:
Not sure I understand your Q#1. D&A is non cash, hence it is added back for the FCF calc in both a DCF and an LBO.

The only real difference between the FCF in a DCF and the FCF (pre debt service) in an LBO is that the LBO FCF is levered (includes interest payments, as well as a respective tax shield) whereas the DCF FCF is unlevered (pre interest payments).

To better answer your question, can you please walk me through how you are calcing FCF? Are you starting with EBITDA or Net Income?

So I am starting off with EBITDA. Then subtracting interest expense, tax, increase in NWC and Capex for the FCF available for debt.

I am working with a very basic model but I am also referencing a full blown model so I can see what the differences are. I have worked with DCF models so I know that you add depreciation in, but as I mentioned, I'm not quite clear why you don't add it back in on the LBO model.

 

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