Model Comparison Matrix

Comprehensive Valuation Model Comparison

No single valuation model fits every company. Selecting the right methodology based on financial predictability, asset intensity, and dividend policy is the key to sound analysis.

ModelBest Suited ForKey InputsFiling SourceComplexityKey LimitationsAction
S-RIM
사경인 CPA / Ohlson (1995)
Profitable firms with stable book equity & ROEBook equity, forward ROE, required returnBalance Sheet + Income StatementLow (Easy)Not for unprofitable or negative equity firmsCalculate
DCF
Aswath Damodaran / McKinsey & Co.
Predictable cash flows in non-financialsExplicit FCFFs, WACC, terminal growth, net debtCash Flow Statement + WACCHigh (Advanced)Not for banks; high assumption sensitivityCalculate
Graham
Benjamin Graham (1974)
Defensive value stocks with solid assets & profitEPS, BVPS, expected growth, bond yieldIncome Statement + Balance Sheet + Bond YieldLow (Simple)Heuristic limits on modern high-growth techCalculate
NCAV
Benjamin Graham (1934)
Deep value liquid micro-caps & asset playsCurrent assets, total liabilities, preferredBalance Sheet Working CapitalVery Low (Simple)Value trap risk if burning operating cashCalculate
DDM
Myron J. Gordon (1956) / Fuller & Hsia (1984)
Banks, insurers, REITs, dividend compoundersDPS, cost of equity, dividend growthDividend Filings + Cash FlowMediumUseless for non-dividend tech companiesCalculate
Peter Lynch
Peter Lynch
10-25% growth compounders with net cashEPS, growth rate, dividend yield, net cashIncome Statement + Balance SheetLow (Simple)Unsuitable for hyper-growth non-profitable techCalculate
EPV
Bruce Greenwald (Columbia University)
Moated cash cows with no speculative growthNormalized EBIT, maintenance CapEx, WACCIncome Statement + CapEx ReconciliationMediumExcludes all upside from future expansionCalculate
Multiples
Aswath Damodaran / Liu, Nissim & Thomas (2002)
Standard companies with clear peer comparablesEPS/BPS/EBITDA, peer median multipleMarket Pricing Multiples + StatementsLow (Fast)Reflects market bubbles; not pure intrinsicCalculate

Intrinsic vs. Relative Valuation

Intrinsic models (S-RIM, DCF, EPV) price a firm based on fundamental equity and cash generation capability. Relative multiples benchmark against current market prices, which may reflect sector-wide overvaluation.

Where Should I Start?

For profitable operating companies, start with the S-RIM or Peter Lynch PEG model. Use DCF for mature companies with clear CapEx forecasts, and DDM for banks and dividend aristocrats.

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