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L.3 · INTERMEDIATE · 2 MIN

Adjusting for Differences: Why No Two Companies Are Identical

After selecting comps and calculating multiples, you must adjust for differences. No two companies are identical, and blindly applying a peer median multiple without adjustment is a recipe for mispricing.

Quiz · 5 questions ↓
§ 01
AdjustmentDirectionExample
Growth premiumFaster growers deserve higher multiples25% grower vs. 10% grower
Margin qualityHigher margins = more per dollar of revenue40% EBITDA margin vs. 15%
Capital intensityLower capex = more FCF per dollar of EBITDAAsset-light vs. heavy capex
CyclicalityMore stable = higher multipleSubscription vs. project-based
Geographic riskEmerging market = discountU.S. revenue vs. EM exposure
§ 02

The most rigorous approach: regress multiples against growth rates across your peer group. The regression line shows what multiple a given growth rate ‘deserves.’ If a company trades below the line, it may be undervalued relative to peers.

§ 03
Compare 3 peers on the **Screener**. Plot their EV/EBITDA against revenue growth. Does the company with the highest growth rate also have the highest multiple? If not, investigate why.
§ 04
Company A trades at 15x EV/EBITDA with 20% growth. Company B trades at 12x with 18% growth. Is A expensive?
§ 05

A cheap-looking multiple might reflect real risks (cyclicality, customer concentration, management quality) rather than market mispricing. Always ask: ‘Why is this company trading at a discount?’ before assuming it’s a bargain.

§ 06
Company X trades at 15x EV/EBITDA. Peer A trades at 12x. Both have similar growth + margins. Is X expensive?
Five questions · AI feedback

Sit with the ideas.

Company A trades at 20x EV/EBITDA (peer median: 15x). Company A has 30% EBITDA margins (peers: 20%), 15% revenue growth (peers: 8%), and ROIC of 25% (peers: 12%). Is the premium justified?

Why:
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