F3 Exam Dumps : Financial Strategy

When valuing an unlisted company using a P/E ratio from a similar listed company, we normally reduce the proxy P/E to reflect the extra risk and reduced attractiveness of the unlisted investment.

A. Relative lack of marketability – Unlisted shares are harder to sell and usually take longer to realise, so investors demand a higher return, i.e. a lower P/E. ✔

B. Lower level of scrutiny and regulation – Unlisted companies face less disclosure and governance requirements, so information risk is higher. Greater risk ⇒ lower valuation multiple ⇒ reduced P/E. ✔

C. Smaller and less established – Unlisted companies tend to be smaller, less diversified and less stable, so investors again expect a higher return, implying a lower P/E. ✔

D. Control premium not included – If the proxy P/E excludes a control premium but you are valuing a controlling stake, you would increase the P/E, not reduce it. ✘

E. Higher forecast earnings growth – Higher expected growth justifies a higher P/E, not a lower one. ✘

F. One-off profit item in latest earnings – This should be dealt with by adjusting the earnings, not by cutting the P/E multiple. ✘

So the three factors justifying a reduction in the proxy P/E are A, B and C.

A. Any opportunity to benefit from future exchange rate movements is lost.

True – a money market hedge locks in the effective exchange rate now, so you remove both downside risk and upside potential.

B. It can be tailored to match the size of the payment.

True – you can structure the borrowing/lending and FX transaction to exactly match the foreign currency amount due.

C. It manages transaction risk.

True – transaction risk (uncertainty in the home currency value of a known future foreign-currency cash flow) is what a money market hedge directly addresses.

D. It offers a significantly better outcome than a forward contract.

False – under interest rate parity, a money market hedge and a forward contract should give similar effective rates (ignoring spreads and costs).

E. It avoids the need to find immediate finance.

False – for a payable, you normally borrow or use cash now as part of the hedge, so it does not avoid immediate financing; it actually requires it.

✅ Answer to Q29: A, B, C

C. Helps access to wider sources of finance – A key benefit of listing is easier access to equity and sometimes cheaper debt.

D. Provides an exit route for the founders – Listing 70% allows them to sell down and realise value.

E. Increases the profile and reputation of the business – Public companies usually gain visibility, credibility, and brand recognition.

A is doubtful (agency conflicts can increase with dispersed ownership), and B (higher dividends) is not a guaranteed benefit of listing.