What methods should be used for valuing intangible assets?

Before delving into the valuation of an intangible asset, it is imperative to first select an appropriate valuation method. Several factors influence the choice of valuation method for an intangible asset, including, but not limited to, the nature of the asset, the stage of the business’s life cycle, and the availability of data. It is not unusual for valuation experts to employ a combination of methods to arrive at a reasonable valuation range for the intangible assets under consideration. In the following paragraphs, we will explore various valuation approaches.

Key Matters in Valuation

The following lists out the commonly adopted valuation methods for intangible assets valuation:

– Income Approach: Values intangible assets based on the income they are expected to generate in the future. Discounted cash flow analysis is commonly used.

– Market Approach: Values assets based on recent sales or licensing transactions of comparable assets. Useful for brands, patents, trademarks.

– Cost Approach: Totals up the cost to develop, build or recreate the asset. May include R&D costs, registration fees.

– Relief from Royalty: Values the intangible asset based on the royalty payments avoided by owning the asset. Applicable for patents, trademarks, copyrights.

– Premium Profit Method: Estimates the excess earnings attributable to the intangible asset. Subtracts out contributions of other assets.

– With and Without Method: Compares a business’ cash flows with the intangible asset and without it. The difference in value is the intangible’s value.

– Real Options Technique: Accounts for future flexibility and strategy changes allowed by the intangible asset.

– Multi-Period Excess Earnings: Projects the excess earnings from an intangible asset over multiple time periods.

In summary, key valuation methods include income, market, cost, royalty relief, excess earnings, with/without, real options, and multi-period excess earnings approaches. The suitable method depends on the asset type, company stage, and data availability. Using multiple methods provides a better valuation range.

Further Reference

The following lists out the commonly adopted valuation methods for intangible assets valuation:

– Income Approach: Values intangible assets based on the income they are expected to generate in the future. Discounted cash flow analysis is commonly used.

– Market Approach: Values assets based on recent sales or licensing transactions of comparable assets. Useful for brands, patents, trademarks.

– Cost Approach: Totals up the cost to develop, build or recreate the asset. May include R&D costs, registration fees.

– Relief from Royalty: Values the intangible asset based on the royalty payments avoided by owning the asset. Applicable for patents, trademarks, copyrights.

– Premium Profit Method: Estimates the excess earnings attributable to the intangible asset. Subtracts out contributions of other assets.

– With and Without Method: Compares a business’ cash flows with the intangible asset and without it. The difference in value is the intangible’s value.

– Real Options Technique: Accounts for future flexibility and strategy changes allowed by the intangible asset.

– Multi-Period Excess Earnings: Projects the excess earnings from an intangible asset over multiple time periods.

In summary, key valuation methods include income, market, cost, royalty relief, excess earnings, with/without, real options, and multi-period excess earnings approaches. The suitable method depends on the asset type, company stage, and data availability. Using multiple methods provides a better valuation range.