Cost of Capital: Estimation and Applications

by Shannon P. Pratt

Book Overview

Cost of capital estimation has long been recognized as the most critical element in business valuation, capital budgeting, feasibility studies, and corporate finance decisions. It is also the most difficult procedure to perform and assess. In Cost of Capital: Estimation and Applications, renowned author and valuation expert Shannon Pratt addresses the most controversial issues and thorny problems in estimating the cost of capital. In a clear, concise, and easily understandable manner, he tackles all of the problems in calculating rates of return, and offers sensible, well-thought-out solutions that apply to small business and midsize companies as well as multibillion-dollar corporations. Dr. Pratt lays out the basic tools that anyone can use immediately when estimating cost of capital or reviewing someone else's estimate. He presents basic theory and explains how it is used in valuation of businesses and business assets, as well as in capital expenditure decision making; and he provides clear explanations for each of the mathematical formulas used. Citing comprehensive sources of information, Pratt also offers clear and complete definitions of all common terminology used in cost of capital estimation. He points out the errors that are common to the process and gives practical advice on how to avoid them when making an estimation and identify them in other people's work. This remarkable book: Describes the development of discount and capitalization rates Offers in-depth coverage of valuation and corporate finance applications Provides needed data for borrowing money Supplies user-friendly models for applications in all contexts. Cost of Capital combines a state-of-the-art treatise on cost of capital estimation with an accessible introduction for the nonprofessional. It begins with an exposition of basic concepts understandable to the layman and proceeds gradually from simple applications to the more complex procedures commonly found in the marketplace. Generously supplemented with tables, graphical diagrams, and step-by-step examples, this book is an indispensable resource for business appraisers, valuation professionals, consultants attached to accounting firms, and executives who must make important decisions based on their understanding of cost of capital estimations.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471197513
• ISBN13: 9780471197515
• Release Date: May 1998
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Best Valuation Tool Available

Pratt took his many years of valuation experience and put it in this one book. The book reviews the theory and practice of how to derive a discount rate for use in a DCF. At present, it's the best book in print for appraisers.

For valuation of nonpublic companies - A good read!

The valuation profession has exploded among CPAs, CBAs and others who attend a few seminars and then undertake to do this complicated work. Many end up doing a shabby job, because they do not understand basic concepts of cost of capital. The understanding of aspiring business appraisers will grow from reading this book, as (I believe) mine did.This book is NOT written by an academician (although I think I recall that Shannon has a PhD in finance). A fair example of an academician's work, reflecting a different approach and serving different needs, is Bradford Cornell's fine work on the equity risk premium.Pratt has authored several classic books on business valuation. He has valued thousands and testified in US Tax Court, state courts and federal courts across the country. He continues to speak to business appraisers across the country. This book summarizes issues he knows need to be better understood by those of us who consult with closely held businesses.This is a short book and an easy read, but packed with good information for those who want to better understand the cost of capital in the context of valuing small businesses.