The Multiple-Scenario Valuation Method: When Robust Strategy Meets Valuation Needs

Abstract

In the presence of great uncertainty and volatility, the valuation of single assets or enterprises can be extremely complicated. Over the last few years, the European Securities and Market Authority (ESMA) has analyzed the potential impacts of these uncertainties on the application of the Impairment of Assets (IAS 36) accounting standards and exhorted firms adopting the IAS/IFRS accounting standards to consider multiple scenarios in forecasting information. This study, adopting a theoretical and conceptual perspective, aimed to analyze the theoretical and practical implications of the shift from single-path to multiple-scenario analysis. This paper contributes to the literature in the following ways: first, it suggests a new perspective of analysis that combines valuation needs with a strategic approach (a robust strategy). Second, it contributes to clarifying the antecedents and consequences of the ESMA recommendations. Furthermore, the paper also has practical implications as it highlights some critical issues associated with every valuation process, including the need to cope with growing uncertainty, the necessity of clarifying the great misunderstanding related to the confusion between the multiple-scenario valuation method and sensitivity analysis, and, last but not least, the importance of the relationship between strategy and the valuation process.