Advanced Topics in Accounting

Table of Contents

1.Introduction

2. Literature review

2.1 Distinction between equity and entity level valuation

2.2 Multiples based valuation

2.2.1 Accuracy of multiples

2.2.2 Selecting comparables

2.2.3 Choosing multiples

2.3 Accounting flows based

2.3.1 Dividend discount model

2.3.2 Free cash flow model

2.3.3 Residual income valuation model

2.3.3.1 Derivation

2.3.3.2 Benefits of the model

2.3.3.3 Performance

2.3.3.4 Implementation issues

2.3.4 Abnormal earnings growth model

2.3.4.1 Derivation

2.3.4.2 AEGM versus the RIVM

2.4 Valuation of defensive and cyclical firms

2.5 Concluding remarks

3. Large sample analysis

3.1 Research question

3.2 Sample selection

3.3 Methodology

3.3.1 Multiples based valuation

3.3.1.1 Selected value driver

3.3.1.2 Identification of comparable companies

3.3.1.3 Estimation of value

3.3.2 Accounting flows based valuation

3.3.2.1 Cost of equity capital

3.3.2.2 Dividend payout rate

3.3.2.3 Forecasted earnings

3.3.2.4 Forecast horizons and continuing value assumptions

3.4 Results and analysis

3.4.1 Sample descriptive statistics

3.4.2 Valuation errors

3.4.2.1 Descriptive statistics of valuation errors

3.4.2.2 Cross sample comparison of valuation errors

3.4.2.3 Comparison of valuation errors within each sample

3.4.3 Interaction between cyclicality and economic state

3.4.4 Price explainability

3.5 Sensitivity tests

3.5.1 Multiples based valuation

3.5.2 Flow based valuation

3.5.2.1 CAPM assumptions

3.5.2.2 Terminal value

3.6 Concluding remarks

4. Small sample analysis

4.1 Research question and hypothesis development

4.1.1 Target prices (Hypothesis 1)

4.1.2 Earnings (Hypothesis 2)

4.1.3 Flow models (Hypothesis 3)

4.1.4 Investment recommendations (Hypothesis 4)

4.2 Sample selection

4.3 Results and analysis

4.3.1 Industry characteristics

4.3.1.1 Education services

4.3.1.2 Tobacco products manufacturing

4.3.1.3 Food products manufacturing

4.3.1.4 Health services

4.3.1.5 Utilities

4.3.1.6 Housing contractors

4.3.1.7 Primary metal manufacturing

4.3.1.8 Automobile manufacturing

4.3.1.9 Airlines

4.3.1.10 Paper manufacturing

4.3.2 Tests of Empirical Hypothesis

4.3.2.1 Target prices versus actual price (Hypothesis 1)

4.3.2.2 Earnings as a value driver (Hypothesis 2)

4.3.2.3 Use of flow based models (Hypothesis 3)

4.3.2.4 Analyst investment ratings (Hypothesis 4)

4.4 Concluding remarks

5. Conclusion

Research Objectives and Topics

This thesis investigates the performance of diverse accounting-based valuation models across varying economic conditions (growth vs. recession) and industry types (cyclical vs. defensive). It aims to assess how these models behave and how analysts employ them to formulate investment recommendations.

• Performance comparison of valuation models in different economic states.
• Evaluation of cyclical versus defensive industry valuation challenges.
• Application of accounting-based valuation in professional analyst practice.
• The impact of market conditions on valuation model accuracy.
• Analysis of analysts' investment ratings and justifications.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: This chapter contextualizes the research within the economic landscape since 2007 and defines the core focus on cyclical and defensive industry valuation.

2. Literature review: This section critically examines existing academic debates regarding accounting-based valuation, specifically comparing multiples and flow-based models.

3. Large sample analysis: This chapter empirically tests the performance of chosen valuation models across extensive datasets covering different market conditions.

4. Small sample analysis: This part connects the theoretical findings to real-world analyst reports to observe practical application and investment justification.

5. Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the findings, confirming that valuation model effectiveness is highly dependent on industry cyclicity and economic state.

Keywords

Equity Valuation, Accounting Numbers, Cyclical Industries, Defensive Industries, Economic Recession, Valuation Models, Residual Income, Earnings Volatility, Financial Analysts, Investment Recommendations, Market Volatility, CAPM, Multiples, Forecasting, Valuation Accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this dissertation?

The thesis focuses on analyzing how various accounting-based valuation models perform when applied to different industry types, specifically cyclical and defensive, during periods of economic growth or recession.

Which industries are considered in this research?

The study differentiates between cyclical industries (e.g., car manufacturers, airlines) and defensive industries (e.g., utility companies, food products) based on how their cash flows and earnings react to economic cycles.

What are the main valuation models examined?

The research evaluates the "one-year forward earnings to price" multiple, the "Residual Income Valuation" (RIV) model, and the "Abnormal Earnings Growth" (AEG) model.

How is the empirical research methodologically structured?

The thesis uses a dual-methodology approach: a quantitative large-sample analysis to test model accuracy across different economic states, followed by a qualitative small-sample analysis of actual analyst reports.

What is the central research question?

The research asks if there is a significant performance difference in accounting-based valuation models across cyclical and defensive industries in growth versus recessionary economic states.

What role do analysts play in this study?

Analysts are analyzed to determine whether they utilize valuation models to justify their investment recommendations and if their preferences for specific models change based on industry characteristics and market conditions.

Does this research suggest that flow-based models are superior to multiples?

The findings indicate that while simple earnings-based models perform well in most environments, flow-based models provide significant complementary value, particularly for cyclical stocks during volatile recessionary periods.

What impact does economic volatility have on valuation results?

Economic volatility, especially in recessions for cyclical stocks, increases valuation errors. The study finds that analysts often adjust their approaches or shift valuation models to mitigate these risks when earnings become unreliable.