Valuation of Tesla, Inc.

Christoph Markus Schüller

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Valuation is the process of determining the intrinsic value of any asset. However, for companies that are considered to be rather young, in a period of growth, highly complex in its business model or under financial distress, among others, this process turns out to be rather difficult and not very precise in its outcomes. Tesla is one of those companies showing characteristics of a strongly growing, complex business which is currently also undergoing financial difficulties. This thesis investigates possible ways of approaching these matters and aims to set a valuation framework which provides an adequate and reasonable path of valuing those businesses. Therefore theoretical background and extensive information about business model and market trends was gathered to set the fundament for the practical valuation approach of the company. The thesis applies a discounted cash flow valuation based on free cash flows to the firm in order to retrieve Tesla’s intrinsic value. The findings of the thesis allow conclusions about Tesla’s business model, competitive position in the market and consequently the reasonability of Tesla’s current share price. For companies considered to be rather similar in their characteristics, this thesis provides a valuation framework which can be applied to retrieve a first impression of those companies’ intrinsic value.

Abstract:

Valuation is the process of determining the intrinsic value of any asset. However, for companies that are considered to be rather young, in a period of growth, highly complex in its business model or under financial distress, among others, this process turns out to be rather difficult and not very precise in its outcomes. Tesla is one of those companies showing characteristics of a strongly growing, complex business which is currently also undergoing financial difficulties. This thesis investigates possible ways of approaching these matters and aims to set a valuation framework which provides an adequate and reasonable path of valuing those businesses. Therefore theoretical background and extensive information about business model and market trends was gathered to set the fundament for the practical valuation approach of the company. The thesis applies a discounted cash flow valuation based on free cash flows to the firm in order to retrieve Tesla’s intrinsic value. The findings of the thesis allow conclusions about Tesla’s business model, competitive position in the market and consequently the reasonability of Tesla’s current share price. For companies considered to be rather similar in their characteristics, this thesis provides a valuation framework which can be applied to retrieve a first impression of those companies’ intrinsic value.

Keywords

Personal Brand Value, DCF-Model, Valuation

Keywords

Multiples, Elon Musk, DCF-model, Valuation, Tesla, Personal Brand Value

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 12. 9. 2017

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 13. 6. 2018
• Supervisor: Tomáš Krabec
• Reader: Silvie Jeřábková

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme:
Finance and Accounting