Defence up; film down
May 7, 2025
How macro-economic events can have a very different effect on various sectors
Well, who would have thought it? Tariffs on film! And the urgent need for us to think not just about defending Ukraine, but also the UK.
All in one weekend.
Both these areas are so very interesting from a valuation perspective because they are so broad.
Film is not just a global industry, but also think about the complexity of its supply chain. Producers, directors, actors, music, gaffers and their ilk, cameras, locations, digital production, post production, branding, websites, social media promotion… The list goes on and on. The ramifications on the valuations of companies in all these subsectors are significant and varied.
Then there’s the re-emerging focus on UK defence. Again this is not just about large pieces of metal; think energy, digital security, food, healthcare….
Fundamentally there is a shifting of both risk and opportunity all over the place. When valuing companies, protocols, such as using historical valuation data points from previous transactions, must not be taken as the norm anymore. It is essential to adjust for the new world order going forward.
And valuation exercises are not being made any easier due to the volatility in the listed markets.
At least inflation is no longer an issue; until it is again.
Our services are increasingly in demand, although interestingly not yet from companies in and around the sectors mentioned above; we are waiting for that demand to emerge. But we are seeing a lot of demand for valuations from family companies and their shareholders wanting to move assets around a group/family members and to obtain a defensible tax valuation to support their corporate actions. Encouragingly, there is also a lot of work being done to provide share schemes for employees (of all descriptions). Sectors vary and the valuation approach adjusts accordingly.
There is a lot of interest in our qualitative valuation methodologies which help management teams and shareholders understand exactly where the value sits in a business. In a people led business, although it may be in the team, perhaps it’s actually in the market opportunity? IP is always exciting. I never fail to find this story raises my spirits about how UK entrepreneurs create value Bristol University graduate sells Ziylo firm in deal worth £623m – BBC News.
Having used the maths to determine a company’s valuation, turning the latter 90° and slicing up this value according to what tangible and intangible assets its owns, is always one of the most curious projects we undertake. As, obviously, we have to provide convincing arguments to support what we say.
We are always around to help with a valuation question or project. Just call or email us anytime. FYI the team will be in London on the 12th and 13th May if you want to meet up in person.
