Understanding Fair Value in Detail
Looked closely, fair value meaning involves a much deeper understanding of an asset's intrinsic value rather than merely the price it may bring in. It factors in the current market trends, the current supply and demand, and any prospective growth or decline in the future.
Indian Accounting Standard 113 (Ind AS 113) defines fair value as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in a structured transaction between market participants on the measurement date.
This definition means fair value is based on what buyers and sellers in the market would agree on, not just on the company’s plans or intentions. Fair value calculation always uses current market data whenever possible. However, if such data is not available, other methods may be used to estimate the value.
Additional Read: What is Trading Account: Definition, Types & Benefits
Importance of Fair Value in the Financial Market
In financial markets, fair value plays a solid role by offering transparency and accurate asset pricing. It helps investors and analysts make informed decisions; especially in volatile markets where prices fluctuate frequently.
To be more precise, fair value is an accurate representation of estimating the real worth of assets and what they would sell for under normal market conditions.
In addition, as stated earlier, fair value determines an asset's worth by using the fundamentals. This fundamental analysis helps in assessing the equities’ intrinsic value in order to find out long term investment opportunities. This involves evaluating various economic factors and elements such as interest rates, GDP, employment rates, production, manufacturing, and company earnings.
All in all, fair value calculation helps in preventing market manipulation and promotes more informed investment strategies. By offering a more accurate valuation, fair value calls for more ethical trading practices and helps investors in identifying and capitalising on market opportunities.
Methods to Determine Fair Value
It might be difficult to calculate fair value when there isn't a clear market price in place. However, the following are the main methods to determine what is fair value:
Note: Each method comes with its own set of strengths and applications, based on the availability of market data and the kind of asset.
Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Method
This method determines the value of an asset by calculating the present/ current value of its projected future cash flows. It includes casting both inflows and outflows and then applying a discount rate to reduce them to their present value. This strategy works best with assets like stocks and bonds that yield a consistent income.
Analysis of Comparative Markets
This method is all about evaluating the asset against other similar assets on the market. You can determine the asset's fair value by comparing it with recently sold comparable items. This method is generally used for real estate and other tangible assets, where market comparisons are available.
Cost Approach
The cost approach evaluates value based on the expense of replacing or reproducing the asset, which accounts for depreciation. It is useful for assets like unique or specialised equipment that don’t have any direct market comparisons.
Income Approach
This method determines an asset's worth by projecting its projected revenue. It involves capitalising future income into a present value; which is almost similar to DCF, but specifically emphasises income-producing assets.
Additional Read: Difference Between Demat and Trading Account
Fair Value vs. Market Value
The fair value measures the intrinsic value of an asset. However, market value is estimated by different demand and supply forces.
Moreover, market value generally keeps on fluctuating more than fair value. Fair value on the other hand, is less volatile and remains stable over time.
Because both these terms might come up in the same discussion and concept, it becomes challenging to find out the major difference between the two. That being said, below is a brief tabular distinction of fair value vs market value. Take a look.
Fair Value
| Market Value
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Fair value is derived fundamentally. Hence, the fair value calculation model is applied to the fundamental valuation of an asset or a firm as well.
| Market value is entirely dependent on market conditions. In no terms can it represent the value of an asset accurately.
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This is entirely based on true value and does not get influenced by demand and supply. This is yet another reason why it is applied in accounting purposes.
| This value gets decided after the buyer and the seller meets. Hence, the price is solely based on negotiation and not in terms of logic. Market value is commonly used for trading purposes.
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While estimating the fair value of an asset, certain changes are made for impairment. This helps in calculating the true value of an asset.
| Usually, market value is never the accurate way to calculate the true value of an asset. The sole reason is that it entirely relies on demand and supply which keeps on fluctuating constantly.
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Examples of Fair Value Calculation
To get a better flair of how fair value is calculated, below is a list of a few common examples. Each of these examples are spread across a variety of asset classes to help you get a better idea. However, note that in order to determine an asset's fair value, each method takes certain market conditions and considerations into account.
Stock Valuation
To calculate the fair value of a stock, financial analysts analyse the company’s earnings, potential for future growth, and later, compare these factors with current market conditions. To determine a stock's fair value, methods like price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios and discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis are often used.
Real Estate
A property's fair value is determined by considering a number of variables, such as its location, existing market conditions, and the prices of similar properties that have been sold recently. Appraisers usually calculate the recent sales via comparative market analysis. This process guarantees that the property's value is in line with comparable sales prices and market conditions.
Bond Pricing
For bonds, fair value calculation is based on the bond’s coupon rate, current interest rates, and time to maturity. Using the current market interest rate, the face value of the bond at maturity and the present value of future coupon payments are discounted back to the present value. This also helps in concluding if a bond is trading at a premium or a discount relative to its fair value.
Challenges and Limitations in Assessing Fair Value
Because fair value often requires making speculative predictions about future cash flows and sometimes volatile market conditions, determining it can be subjective. Here are some major challenges that create uncertainty in fair value calculation.
Competitive Advantage
Businesses with a long-lasting edge over their competitors, (being a well-known brand, having innovative technology, or a dominant market position), typically hold higher fair values.
Volatility and Risk
When a stock has higher risk and volatility, investors may seek a higher return to compensate for the increased risk. This is because the volatility could potentially result in a lower fair value.
Revenue and Earnings
An important consideration while assessing a company's fair value is the rate at which its earnings and revenue are growing. Businesses that have robust and steady growth typically come with higher fair values.
Market, Industry, and Economic Conditions
A stock's fair value can be influenced by the general state of the market and industry. Moreover, economic factors like inflation, unemployment, and interest rates, can have a massive impact on how much stocks are worth at fair value.
Financial Health and Debt
A company's fair value can be impacted by its debt levels and financial stability. High debt levels have the potential to lower fair value besides raising the risk.
Regulatory Changes
Certain changes to laws or government policies may have a huge effect on certain businesses and sectors. This can eventually end up affecting their fair values.
Macroeconomic and Global Events
Events that affect the entire world; like natural disasters, trade disputes, pandemics, or geopolitical conflicts, can also have a significant impact on stock valuations.
Conclusion
Fair value is indeed a significant concept in the financial market that offers a more reliable and accurate representation of an asset’s worth. While it does have its own set of challenges, understanding fair value helps investors by ensuring more transparent pricing across financial markets. All in all, it is important to truly differentiate and know the ins and outs of fair value vs market value to grasp the real value of an asset.
Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.
This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.
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