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Difference Between Enterprise Value and Market Capitalisation

Difference between enterprise value and market capitalization is that enterprise value includes debt. Checkout the Difference between enterprise value and market capitalization
authorImageShruti Dutta18 Apr, 2024
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Difference Between Enterprise Value and Market Capitalisation

Enterprise Value and Market Capitalisation: Understanding a company's valuation is crucial for investors, analysts, and corporate decision-makers. Two commonly used metrics in the realm of company valuation are Enterprise Value (EV) and Market Capitalisation (Market Cap). While both metrics aim to assess a company's value, they do so from different perspectives and incorporate distinct factors.

This article will explore the differences between Enterprise Value and Market Capitalisation, exploring their definitions, calculations, components, and implications. By differentiating between these metrics, stakeholders can gain deeper insights into company valuation and make more informed investment and strategic decisions.

What is Market Capitalisation?

Market capitalisation, also known as market cap. It is a straightforward method for determining a company's market size and value. It aids in assessing the risk profile and growth potential of the firm within its industry. Market capitalisation is calculated by multiplying the current share price of a company's stock by its total number of outstanding shares. This figure is a key statistic for every stock listed on brokers' platforms or financial news sites. Market capitalisation provides insight into a company's stock's risk and growth prospects. Based on market capitalisation, companies are categorised into large, mid, and small-cap segments.

Formula : Market Capitalization = Market Price per Share x Outstanding Shares

Example : Let's say a company called "Sporty Shoes Inc." has: A current share price of $20 per share. 50 million outstanding shares. Following the formula : Market Capitalization (Sporty Shoes Inc.) = $20/share x 50,000,000 shares = $1,000,000,000

What is Enterprise Value?

Enterprise value, often abbreviated as EV, is a comprehensive metric that considers market capitalisation, debt, minority interest, total cash and cash equivalents, and preference shares to ascertain a company's total value. Enterprise value is a method used to identify undervalued companies in the market. It provides a more accurate assessment of a company's true value by taking into account its debt obligations. Value investors commonly rely on enterprise value to pinpoint undervalued companies. To calculate enterprise value, add the company's market capitalisation to its outstanding preferred stock and all debt obligations, then subtract all cash and cash equivalents. However, further examination may reveal significant debt obligations, potentially posing challenges. The formula for calculating enterprise value is:

Enterprise value = market cap + market value of preference shares + total debt + minority interest − total cash and cash equivalents

This formula reveals that if a company has less cash and higher debt, its EV may surpass its market cap. Conversely, if the company has more cash and lower debt, its EV may be lower than its market cap.

Measuring A Stock’s Value With The Enterprise Value

Enterprise Value (EV) provides a more comprehensive assessment of a company's value than Market Capitalisation (Market Cap). Unlike Market Cap, EV considers debt and other factors, offering investors a more detailed picture. Therefore, investors considering long-term investments can derive additional insights by considering EVs alongside Market Cap. Furthermore, investors may find various other ratios useful in this context. Also Read: Business Management and Leadership

Measuring A Stock’s Value With The Market Capitalisation.

Market Capitalisation (Market Cap) is a fundamental metric used to gauge the value of a stock and assess a company's size in the financial markets. It represents the total value of all outstanding shares of a company's common stock. Calculating Market Cap involves multiplying the current market price of a company's shares by the total number of outstanding shares. This metric gives investors and analysts a snapshot of a company's worth as perceived by the market. A higher Market Cap typically indicates that a company is larger and more established, while a lower Market Cap suggests a smaller or less mature company. Market Cap is widely used by investors to compare companies within the same industry or sector and to assess investment opportunities based on the relative size and growth potential of different stocks.

Difference between Enterprise Value and Market Capitalisation

Before checking into the specifics of Enterprise Value (EV) and Market Capitalisation (Market Cap), it is essential to understand their significance in the realm of company valuation. These two metrics serve as fundamental tools for investors, analysts, and corporate strategists to assess the worth of a company. While both EV and Market Cap provide insights into a company's valuation, they approach it from different angles, incorporating various factors to paint a comprehensive picture. Let's explore the key differences between Enterprise Value and Market Capitalisation to appreciate their distinct roles and implications in evaluating companies.
Difference between Enterprise Value and Market Capitalisation
Aspect Enterprise Value (EV) Market Capitalisation (Market Cap)
Definition Comprehensive measure of a company's total value, considering debt, cash, and equity. Measures the total value of a company's outstanding shares of common stock in the market.
Calculation EV = Market Cap + Debt + Minority Interest - Cash Market Cap = Share Price x Total Outstanding Shares
Components Includes market value of equity, debt, minority interest, and cash. Considers only the market value of a company's equity (common shares).
Focus Focuses on the total value of the company, including debt and cash positions. Focuses solely on the value of equity, representing ownership in the company.
Representation Represents the true takeover value of a company. Represents the value of the company from the perspective of equity shareholders.
Financial Perspective Considered from a buyer's perspective in a potential acquisition. Reflects the market sentiment towards the company's stock.
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Difference Between Enterprise Value and Market Capitalisation FAQs

How do you calculate Enterprise Value (EV) from Market Capitalisation (MC)?

To calculate Enterprise Value, start with the current shareholder price, which for a public company is represented by Market Capitalisation. Next, add outstanding debt and then subtract available cash.

What is the formula to calculate EV?

The formula for calculating Enterprise Value (EV) is as follows: EV=MC + Total Debt − Cash

Does Market Capitalisation include debt?

No, Market Capitalisation solely represents the dollar value of all outstanding shares of a company and does not include any debt obligations.
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