Module II· Football Field & SensitivitiesAdvanced
Question

How do you run cross-method consistency checks (DCF implied multiples vs. comps)?

Answer

If your DCF gives an EV of $1,000m and target EBITDA is $100m, then the DCF implies a 10x EV/EBITDA multiple. Compare with comps: if the sector median is 8x, the DCF is 'more aggressive' than the market — either your DCF has growth assumptions that are too high or the market is undervaluing the sector. Standard cross-checks:

  • DCF implied EV/EBITDA vs. the trading multiple.
  • DCF implied exit multiple vs. precedent multiples.
  • DCF implied g vs. long-run GDP. A consistency slide in the pitch shows these bridges.
Deep diveShow more details

'DCF implies 10.0x EV/EBITDA vs. trading comps median 8.5x — premium reflects target's superior margin profile (18% vs. 14% median) and growth (8% vs. 5% median).'