A Layperson’s Guide to the

Option Pricing Model

Everything You Wanted to Know, But Were Afraid to Ask
by Travis W. Harms, CFA, CPA/ABV

Executive Summary
The option pricing model is often used to value ownership interests in early-
stage companies.

• Developed in response to the need to reliably estimate the value of

different economic rights in complex capital structures, the OPM models
the various capital structure components as a series of call options on
underlying total equity value.

• Through a detailed example, we explain key concepts including

breakpoints and tranches in a straightforward and non-technical way,
taking the mystery out of OPM terms such as “breakpoint” and “tranche”.

• Relative to the probability-weighted expected return method, the

principal strengths of the OPM include the small number of required
assumptions and auditability. The PWERM, in contrast, offers greater
flexibility and transparency.

The whitepaper closes with some thought on reconciling OPM results with the
market participant perspective.

MERCER CAPITAL
Memphis | Dallas | Nashville
Originally Published on the Financial Reporting Blog, May 2016 www.mercercapital.com
A Layperson’s Guide to the
Option Pricing Model
Everything You Wanted to Know, But Were Afraid to Ask
by Travis W. Harms, CFA, CPA/ABV

The option pricing model, or OPM, is one of the shiniest new tools in the valuation specialist’s toolkit.
While specialists have grown accustomed to working with the tool and have faith in the results of its use,
many non-specialists remain wary, as the model – and its typical presentation – has all the trappings of
a proverbial black box. The purpose of this whitepaper is to clarify the fundamental insights underlying
the model and illustrate its application so that non-specialist users of valuation reports can gain greater
comfort with the model. We will also address some qualitative concerns regarding use of the method in
practice.

What is the Option Pricing Model Used For?

First, a bit of ground-clearing. What does the OPM not do? The OPM is not a method for determining the
value of a business enterprise. The method does not consider the value of the subject business enter-
prise’s assets and liabilities, evaluate the present value of projected cash flows, or concern itself with
a comparison of the subject business enterprise to similar businesses with observable market values.

The OPM becomes useful only after the value of the business enterprise has been determined through
application of valuation methods under the asset-based, income and market approaches. The OPM is
a tool for allocating the total equity value to individual ownership classes in a complex capital structure.
For enterprises with a simple capital structure (i.e., a single class of common equity), the OPM is not
necessary and should not be used. However, when the subject business enterprise features multiple
classes of preferred and/or common equity with differing economic rights, the OPM can be a most
effective tool for differentiating the value of the various ownership classes. Such complex capital struc-
tures are most frequently encountered in early-stage enterprises, which are commonly valued for equity
compensation and portfolio fair value reporting.

© 2016 Mercer Capital 2 www.mercercapital.com

What Is the Fundamental Insight Underlying the OPM?
The “Eureka!” moment behind the OPM is the recognition that the payoffs to complex securities with
arcane features can be mimicked through an appropriately constructed portfolio of component securities
(most commonly fractional call options or digital options with varying strike prices). As a result, what may
seem on the surface to be an impossible valuation task can be mastered if the economic payoffs for a
complex security are untangled and re-cast as a bundle of simple securities that can be more readily
valued. The method holds out the promise of replacing subjective judgment with replicable analysis,
which helps to explain why auditors favor the method.

Consider a simple example. SimpleCo is capitalized with a single class of preferred shares and a single
class of common shares. Upon liquidation or sale of SimpleCo, the preferred shareholders are entitled to
receive $500, with the residual accruing to the common shareholders. The economic terms of the capital
structure are summarized in Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1: Payoff Table – SimpleCo

Total Preferred Common

Equity Shareholders Shareholders
$0 $0 $0

$100 $100 $0

$200 $200 $0

$300 $300 $0

$400 $400 $0

$500 $500 $0

$600 $500 $100

$700 $500 $200

$800 $500 $300

$900 $500 $400

$1,000 $500 $500

Two observations can be made from a brief study of Exhibit 1.

1. Financial engineering does not create value. In every possible state of the world, the sum
of the payoffs to the preferred and common shareholders is equal to the equity value. Creative
pie-slicing does not make the pie any bigger.

2. The payoffs to the common shareholders have the same basic shape as a call option.
The holder of a call option receives no payoff when the stock price is less than or equal to the
strike price. However, the call option holder participates dollar-for-dollar in appreciation above
the strike price.

© 2016 Mercer Capital 3 www.mercercapital.com

 Exhibit 2: Component Securities – SimpleCo

Enterprise Preferred Common

= +
Value Shareholders Shareholders

EV = (EV - $500 Call) + $500 Call

In light of these observations, we can express the value of the preferred and common share as shown
in Exhibit 2 above.

By recasting the preferred and common equity classes into the component securities, the subjective
judgment associated with selecting the appropriate yield on the preferred shares has been eliminated,
as the value of the preferred shares is simply the excess of equity value over the value of a call option
with a strike price of $500.

What Is a “Breakpoint”?
Moving to a more complex example will allow us to explain and define additional vocabulary terms from
the OPM. Exhibit 3 summarizes the capital structure for ComplexCo.

Exhibit 3: Capital Structure – ComplexCo

Conversion/ Fully-
Liquidation Liquidation Exercise Diluted % of
Preference Priority Price Shares Total
Class A Preferred $1,000 Pari Passu $2.00 500 19.6%

Class B Preferred 1,500 Pari Passu $5.00 300 11.8%

Common Shares 0 Residual na 1,500 58.8%

Warrants 0 Residual $10.00 250 9.8%

Total $2,500 2,550 100.0%

While this capital structure is still quite tame relative to many real-world counterparts, it is sufficiently
complex to illustrate the fundamental tools used in OPM applications.

One could construct a payoff table similar to that in Exhibit 1. While certainly possible, doing so can
become a bit cumbersome as the complexity of the capital structure increases. As a shortcut, valuation
specialists identify the relevant “breakpoints” in the capital structure. In the OPM, a breakpoint is an
equity value beyond which the marginal allocation of incremental value to the various equity classes
changes. SimpleCo had a single breakpoint, while ComplexCo will prove to have four. We often see
cases in which a dozen or more can be identified.

© 2016 Mercer Capital 4 www.mercercapital.com

 Exhibit 4: Breakpoint #1 – Class A & Class B Liquidation Preference

Gross Exercise Net % of Marginal % of

Shares Proceeds Price Proceeds Total Proceeds Total
Preference Claims

Class A Preferred $1,000 na $1,000 40.0% $1,000 40.0%

Class B Preferred 1,500 na 1,500 60.0% 1,500 60.0%

As-If Converted Shares $0.00

Class A Preferred 0 0 na 0 0.0% 0 0.0%

Class B Preferred 0 0 na 0 0.0% 0 0.0%

Common Shares 1,500 0 na 0 0.0% 0 0.0%

Warrants 0 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0.0%

Total 1,500 $2,500 $0 $2,500 100.0% $2,500 100.0%

Exhibit 5: Breakpoint #2 – Class A Converts to Common

Gross Exercise Net % of Marginal % of

Shares Proceeds Price Proceeds Total Proceeds Total
Preference Claims

Class A Preferred $0 na $0 0.0% ($1,000) -33.3%

Class B Preferred 1,500 na 1,500 27.3% 0 0.0%

As-If Converted Shares $2.00

Class A Preferred 500 1,000 na 1,000 18.2% 1,000 33.3%

Class B Preferred 0 0 na 0 0.0% 0 0.0%

Common Shares 1,500 3,000 na 3,000 54.5% 3,000 100.0%

Warrants 0 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0.0%

Total 2,000 $5,500 $0 $5,500 100.0% $3,000 100.0%

Breakpoints are identified starting with an equity value of $0. For ComplexCo, the Class A and
Class B preferred shares participate on a pari passu basis, so the first breakpoint is the aggregate
liquidation preference, or $2,500 (the total “Net Proceeds” in Exhibit 4). Additional elements of Exhibit 4
will be explained as we proceed through the example.

For equity values from $0 to $2,500, the Class A preferred shareholders will receive 40% of value, and
the Class B preferred shareholders will receive 60%. For equity values above $2,500, the marginal
proceeds will be allocated differently, as shown in Exhibit 5. This change in allocation is what makes
$2,500 a breakpoint in this example.

© 2016 Mercer Capital 5 www.mercercapital.com

 Exhibit 6: Breakpoint #3 – Class B Converts to Common

Gross Exercise Net % of Marginal % of

Shares Proceeds Price Proceeds Total Proceeds Total
Preference Claims

Class A Preferred $0 na $0 0.0% $0 0.0%

Class B Preferred 0 na 0 0.0% (1,500) -25.0%

As-If Converted Shares $5.00

Class A Preferred 500 2,500 na 2,500 21.7% 1,500 25.0%

Class B Preferred 300 1,500 na 1,500 13.0% 1,500 25.0%

Common Shares 1,500 7,500 na 7,500 65.2% 4,500 75.0%

Warrants 0 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0.0%

Total 2,300 $11,500 $0 $11,500 100.0% $6,000 100.0%

The next change in the allocation of proceeds will occur when the Class A Preferred shares convert to
common. At common share values greater than $2.00 per share, the Class A Preferred shareholders
will elect to convert, as their net proceeds from conversion will exceed the liquidation preference. As a
result, the number of as-if converted shares increases, but the liquidation preference attributable to the
Class A shares is forfeited. The corresponding breakpoint equity value is $5,500.

Breakpoint #3 corresponds to the common share price that will induce the Class B Preferred share-
holders to convert to common shares ($5.00). In other words, the Class B Preferred shareholders will
elect to convert, and be treated as common shareholders when the total equity value exceeds $11,500
(Exhibit 6).

As shown in Exhibit 7 on page 7, Breakpoint #4 corresponds to the exercise of outstanding warrants.

Note that while the warrants will be exercised at $10.00 per share, the warrant holders will pay $10.00
per share to do so, so the net proceeds to the warrants remains $0 at that point, and the equity value
breakpoint is the aggregate “Net Proceeds.”

Beyond the last breakpoint, marginal proceeds can be allocated according to an additional illustrative
payoff schedule assuming some arbitrary share price in excess of the last breakpoint, as shown in
Exhibit 8 on page 7.

What is a “Tranche”?
The next step in applying the OPM is to build a matrix that identifies the marginal allocation percentages
between the various breakpoints. For purposes of the OPM, a “tranche” is the difference between two
adjacent breakpoints. The marginal proceeds within a given tranche are allocated to the various equity
classes in fixed proportions (Exhibit 9 on page 8).

© 2016 Mercer Capital 6 www.mercercapital.com

 Exhibit 7: Breakpoint #4 – Warrants Exercise

Gross Exercise Net % of Marginal % of

Shares Proceeds Price Proceeds Total Proceeds Total
Preference Claims

Class A Preferred $0 na $0 0.0% $0 0.0%

Class B Preferred 0 na 0 0.0% 0 0.0%

As-If Converted Shares $10.00

Class A Preferred 500 5,000 na 5,000 21.7% 2,500 21.7%

Class B Preferred 300 3,000 na 3,000 13.0% 1,500 13.0%

Common Shares 1,500 15,000 na 15,000 65.2% 7,500 65.2%

Warrants 250 2,500 (2,500) 0 0.0% 0 0.0%

Total 2,550 $25,500 ($2,500) $23,000 100.0% $11,500 100.0%

Exhibit 8: Illustrative Upside

Gross Exercise Net % of Marginal % of

Shares Proceeds Price Proceeds Total Proceeds Total
Preference Claims

Class A Preferred $0 na $0 0.0% $0 0.0%

Class B Preferred 0 na 0 0.0% 0 0.0%

As-If Converted Shares $15.00

Class A Preferred 500 7,500 na 7,500 21.0% 2,500 19.6%

Class B Preferred 300 4,500 na 4,500 12.6% 1,500 11.8%

Common Shares 1,500 22,500 na 22,500 62.9% 7,500 58.8%

Warrants 250 3,750 (2,500) 1,250 3.5% 1,250 9.8%

Total 2,550 $38,250 ($2,500) $35,750 100.0% $12,750 100.0%

The marginal tranche allocation matrix summarizes the relative allocation to the various equity classes
within the respective tranches. The allocations were calculated in the corresponding breakpoint tables.
The illustrative upside scenario (Exhibit 8) allows us to confirm marginal allocation percentages for
values in excess of the final breakpoint. Note that the marginal allocation percentages for the final
tranche are equal to the proportion of total fully-diluted shares outstanding from each equity class.

The next step is to determine the value of each tranche. In doing so, we will work from right to left.
Recall from our SimpleCo example that the portion of equity value in excess of a given amount can be

© 2016 Mercer Capital 7 www.mercercapital.com

 Exhibit 9: Marginal Tranche Allocation Matrix

Tranche A Tranche B Tranche C Tranche D Tranche E

Upper Breakpoint $2,500 $5,500 $11,500 $23,000 $35,750

Lower Breakpoint $0 $2,500 $5,500 $11,500 $23,000

Tranche Width $2,500 $3,000 $6,000 $11,500 $12,750

Marginal Allocations

Class A Preferred 40.0% 0.0% 25.0% 21.7% 19.6%

Class B Preferred 60.0% 0.0% 0.0% 13.0% 11.8%

Common Shares 0.0% 100.0% 75.0% 65.2% 58.8%

Warrants 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 9.8%

% of Marginal Proceeds from Breakpoint payoff tables

calculated with reference to a call option on the underlying equity value with a corresponding strike price.
In the case of ComplexCo, the value of the upside in excess of the final breakpoint ($23,000) is equal to
the value of a call option having a strike price equal to that breakpoint value.

What about the value of the next tranche down? Following the same approach, the value of all of the
upside beyond $11,500 is equal to the value of a call option on the underlying equity value having that
strike price. The value of this call option represents the combined value of Tranche D and Tranche E.
Since the value of Tranche E is known, the value of Tranche D can readily be calculated by subtraction.
As shown in Exhibit 10 on page 9, the value of lower tranches is measured following the same proce-
dure. Note that – in keeping with first observation above – the sum of the individual tranche values is
equal to the equity value. Financial engineering can create complexity, but does not create value.

Finally, the tranche values are apportioned to the individual equity classes in accordance with the
percentages from the marginal tranche allocation matrix (Exhibit 9). As shown in Exhibit 11 on page 9,
the value of a particular equity class is the sum of the values of that class’s respective allocations for
each tranche.

The aggregate values are converted to per share amounts in Exhibit 12 on page 10.

On a per share basis, the results conform to expectations regarding the relative value of the various
classes. The higher liquidation preference of the Class B preferred shares causes those shares to be
most valuable. The common shares, which do not have any liquidation preference, are worth less than
either class of preferred shares. Finally, the strike price on the warrants reduces the value of those
instruments relative to common shares.

© 2016 Mercer Capital 8 www.mercercapital.com

 Exhibit 10: Derivation of Tranche Values

Tranche A Tranche B Tranche C Tranche D Tranche E

Stock price (S) $17,500 $17,500 $17,500 $17,500 $17,500

Exercise price (K) $0 $2,500 $5,500 $11,500 $23,000

Time to expiration (T) 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0

Volatility (σ) 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%

Risk-free rate (r) 1.500% 1.500% 1.500% 1.500% 1.500%

Value of call options $17,500 $15,148 $12,426 $8,033 $3,514

Tranche Values $2,352 $2,722 $4,393 $4,519 $3,514

Calculated by subtraction

Exhibit 11: Calculation of Equity Class Values

Tranche A Tranche B Tranche C Tranche D Tranche E Tranche E

Tranche Values A $2,352 $2,722 $4,393 $4,519 $3,514 $17,500

Marginal Allocations

Class A Preferred B 40.0% 0.0% 25.0% 21.7% 19.6%

Class B Preferred 60.0% 0.0% 0.0% 13.0% 11.8%

Common Shares 0.0% 100.0% 75.0% 65.2% 58.8%

Warrants 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 9.8%

Marginal Values

Class A Preferred A x B 941 0 1,098 982 689 3,710

Class B Preferred 1,411 0 0 589 413 2,414

Common Shares 0 2,722 3,295 2,947 2,067 11,031

Warrants 0 0 0 0 344 344

Total $2,352 $2,722 $4,393 $4,519 $3,514 $17,500

Calculated by addition

© 2016 Mercer Capital 9 www.mercercapital.com

 Exhibit 12: Calculation of Per Share Values

Fully-Diluted Value per

Total Value Shares Share
Class A Preferred $3,710 500 $7.42

Class B Preferred $2,414 300 $8.05

Common Shares $11,031 1,500 $7.35

Warrants $344 250 $1.38

Other Economic Features That Can Be Modeled in

Option Pricing Models
The ComplexCo example included the most common economic rights (liquidation preferences, conver-
sion features, exercise prices) found in equity instruments. The OPM can also accommodate dividends,
to the extent they accumulate and affect liquidation preferences and/or conversion. Participation rights
for preferred shares allow preferred shareholders to receive – in addition to their base liquidation prefer-
ence – additional proceeds at liquidation on an as-if-converted basis, often up to some cap, expressed
as a multiple of the liquidation preference. The mechanics of participation rights can vary modestly, but
in any event can be directly modeled within the OPM framework.

More exotic, and less common, features of preferred shares include price or return hurdles that influence
the allocation of proceeds to the equity holders. The OPM can also be accommodated to these features.
So long, as the feature can be reduced to a function of total equity value (i.e., for a given total equity
value, there is one and only one possible allocation of proceeds to the various classes), the feature can
be valued within the OPM framework.

Not all features can be reduced to a function of total equity value, however. The OPM cannot be adapted
to directly value differential voting rights, price protection or ratchet provisions, drag-along and tag-along
rights, pre-emptive rights. Some notable recent late-stage rounds have featured complex anti-dilution
provisions, including guaranteed minimum returns in the event of an IPO that go beyond the protections
offered by traditional price ratchets. When such features are present, valuation specialists need to consider
whether a discrete adjustment to the results of the OPM analysis should be made in measuring fair value.

The OPM allocates the value of the existing capital structure, with the volatility parameter determining
the potential changes in the value of the existing equity classes. Future issuances of additional equity
are assumed to pull their own economic weight (i.e., neither contribute to, nor detract from, the value
of the existing equity classes). As a result, there is no need to make assumptions in the OPM for the
amount, timing, or pricing of future equity raises.

Assessing Reasonableness: Inputs

Beyond the formal elements of the capital structure that define breakpoints and tranche allocations,
the required inputs to the OPM are the traditional Black-Scholes parameters. Exhibit 10 (reproduced on
page 11) displayed the inputs used to allocate the value of ComplexCo.

© 2016 Mercer Capital 10 www.mercercapital.com

 Exhibit 10: Derivation of Tranche Values

Tranche A Tranche B Tranche C Tranche D Tranche E

Stock price (S) $17,500 $17,500 $17,500 $17,500 $17,500

Exercise price (K) $0 $2,500 $5,500 $11,500 $23,000

Time to expiration (T) 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0

Volatility (σ) 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%

Risk-free rate (r) 1.500% 1.500% 1.500% 1.500% 1.500%

Value of call options $17,500 $15,148 $12,426 $8,033 $3,514

Tranche Values $2,352 $2,722 $4,393 $4,519 $3,514

Calculated by subtraction

The OPM inputs can be developed, and tested for reasonableness, in the same manner as in other
applications of the Black-Scholes model.

• Stock Price. The stock price in the OPM is the total equity value of the subject business.
The total equity value is derived through application of traditional valuation methods under the
asset-based, income and market approaches. As will be discussed in a subsequent section, a
known value for a particular component of the capital structure can be used to find the implied
total equity value (the “back-solve” method).

• Exercise Price. The exercise prices in the OPM correspond to the equity value breakpoints
identified in the formal analysis of the capital structure.

• Time to Expiration. In applying the OPM, one must assume a single point estimate for when
liquidity will be achieved, either through dissolution, strategic sale, or IPO. While the actual time
to expiration cannot be known with certainty, reasonable estimates can generally be made by
reference to the subject company’s life cycle stage, funding needs, and strategic outlook.

• Volatility. As with time to expiration, volatility cannot be directly observed. The most common
starting point for volatility analysis is an examination of historical return volatility for a group of
peer public companies. If reliable data is available, implied volatility from publicly traded options
on the shares of such companies may also be consulted. Analysts adjust the observed peer
volatility measures to take into account life cycle stage, remaining milestones, and other quali-
tative factors pertaining to the subject company.

• Risk-free Rate. The risk-free rate corresponds to the assumed time to expiration.

The most challenging assumptions to establish and support in application of the OPM are the time to
expiration and volatility. As discussed in the following section, testing the sensitivity of the OPM output
to variation in these inputs is a critical element of assessing reasonableness.

© 2016 Mercer Capital 11 www.mercercapital.com

Assessing Reasonableness: Output
Report reviewers can quickly confirm the most basic mechanical integrity of an OPM through three easy
preliminary checks: (1) the sum of the aggregate equity class allocations equals the total equity value of
the subject company, (2) the sum of the fully-diluted shares used to calculate value per share equals that
in the capitalization table, and (3) the rank order of the per share value conclusions is consistent with
the liquidity preferences, conversion rights, and exercise prices pertinent to the various equity classes.
These simple checks will not uncover all potential modeling errors, but they do eliminate a good portion
of the most egregious potential pitfalls.

Beyond mere mechanical integrity, an additional step in assessing the reasonableness of the OPM
output is to consider the sensitivity of the resulting allocation to changes in key inputs, principally time to
expiration and volatility. Exhibit 13 below provides such sensitivity analysis for ComplexCo.

We can make a few general observations from the sensitivity analysis in Exhibit 13.

1. Since the OPM is an allocation model, the total value of the equity classes is unaffected by
changes in inputs. The only impact such changes can have is on the relative allocation to
various classes. This is purely a zero-sum game; for one class to increase in value, one or more
other classes must decrease in value.

Exhibit 13: Sensitivity to OPM Inputs

Volatility = 35% Time to Expiration = 4 yrs

Changes in Time to Expiration Changes in Volatility

2 yrs 4 yrs 6 yrs 20% 35% 50%
Total Value

Class A Preferred $3,744 $3,710 $3,696 $3,764 $3,710 $3,698

Class B Preferred 2,345 2,414 2,458 2,304 2,414 2,526

Common Shares 11,221 11,031 10,878 11,290 11,031 10,729

Warrants 189 344 467 142 344 546

Total $17,500 $17,500 $17,500 $17,500 $17,500 $17,500

Per Share Value

Class A Preferred $7.49 $7.42 $7.39 $7.53 $7.42 $7.40

Class B Preferred $7.82 $8.05 $8.19 $7.68 $8.05 $8.42

Common Shares $7.48 $7.35 $7.25 $7.53 $7.35 $7.15

Warrants $0.76 $1.38 $1.87 $0.57 $1.38 $2.19

Difference between
$0.34 $0.69 $0.94 $0.15 $0.69 $1.27
Class B & Common

© 2016 Mercer Capital 12 www.mercercapital.com

 2. The sensitivity results are easiest to interpret for the warrants. As the junior-most security in the
capital structure, the sensitivity to changes in OPM inputs is unambiguous. Increases in time
to expiration cause the allocation to warrants to increase, as do increases in volatility. Further-
more, because the warrants are at the bottom of the capital stack, the sensitivity of value to
changes in inputs is magnified relative to other equity classes.

3. The Class B preferred shares benefit from downside protection, as the proximity of the conver-
sion price ($5.00) to the current common share price increases the likelihood that the liqui-
dation preference will preserve returns to the Class B preferred shareholders. The payoff to
the Class B preferred shareholders is asymmetric since the upside is unlimited through the
conversion feature, while the downside is constrained by the liquidation preference. As a result,
assumptions that increase the dispersion of potential future outcomes (longer time to expiration
and higher volatility) cause the value of the Class B preferred shares to increase.

4. The junior preferred shares (Class A) are directionally aligned with the common shares,
although the fixed liquidation preference dampens volatility relative to the common shares. In
cases of short times to expiration and low volatility, the per share value for Class A approaches
that of the common as the likelihood that the current share price ($7.35) will fall below the Class
A conversion price ($2.00) diminishes to a trivial level.

5. The sensitivity of the common shares, which are situated between the preferred classes and
the warrants, is less predictable. In this case, the warrants have a parasitic relationship to
the common shares, such that increases in the value of the warrants are accompanied by
decreases in common share value. This relationship does not always obtain, however; the rela-
tive proportions of the instruments in the capital structure and the “moneyness” of the various
capital structure components will determine the sensitivity of the common.

With reference to seniority, the equity classes at the “edges” of the capital structure are those that
experience the greatest relative benefit from a skewed outcome. The most senior class benefits (on
a relative basis) from the liquidation preference in a downside scenario, while the most junior class
experiences the greatest marginal benefit from an upside scenario. Since the classes at the “edges” gain
the most from skewed outcomes, they exhibit the greatest sensitivity to volatility and time factors, with
the “interior” classes are less sensitive (Exhibit 14).

Exhibit 14: Seniority and Sensitivity to Volatility

Equity Classes Ranked by Seniority

Class B Preferred Most Senior

Class A Preferred
Muted Sensitivity
Common

Warrants Most Junior

© 2016 Mercer Capital 13 www.mercercapital.com

Strengths and Weaknesses Relative to PWERM
The primary analytical alternative to the OPM is the probability-weighted expected return method, or
PWERM as it is affectionately known. Whereas the OPM is a continuous model, with potential future
outcomes assumed to occur pursuant to a lognormal distribution, the PWERM is a discrete model
which considers a finite number of analyst-selected potential outcomes and associated probabilities. In
contrast to the OPM, the PWERM pulls double duty as both a valuation method and a means of simulta-
neously allocating the resulting value to the various equity classes.

Exhibit 15 on page 15 summarizes a comparison of the two models along a variety of axes.

Reliability of Backsolve Application of OPM

The OPM is not a valuation method. However, if the value of any component of the capital structure is
known – through either a contemporaneous primary issuance or secondary trade – the enterprise value
corresponding to that value can be determined. Using the OPM to work backward from output to an
indication of implied total equity value is known as the “backsolve” method.

As an example, consider the case of ComplexCo at the time the Class B preferred shares were issued
at a price of $5.00 per share (one year prior to the valuation date in our Part 1 example). What was the
implied total equity value of the company at that time? By starting with the known value of $5.00 per
Class B preferred share, we can work backward, developing estimates for all the other assumptions, to
determine the implied total equity value. In this case, we conclude that all assumptions are unchanged
from Exhibit 10, with the exception of time to expiration, which is five years, instead of four. As shown in
Exhibit 16, the resulting total equity value is $7,242 at the issuance date, compared to $17,500 at the later
valuation date from our prior example.

Exhibit 16: Backsolve Method Using the OPM

Fully-Diluted Value per

Total Value Shares Share
Class A Preferred $1,618 500 $3.24

Class B Preferred $1,500 300 $5.00

Common Shares $4,089 1,500 $2.73

Warrants $35 250 $0.14

Total $7,242

This procedure is reasonable and appropriate in many circumstances. In our experience, however, it
is important to keep in mind how the limitations of the OPM (primarily the lognormal distribution of
outcomes) can distort the results of the analysis. When reading “backwards” from the value of a single
equity class to the value of all equity, the effect of such distortions can be magnified. In our experience,
the potential magnitude of such distortion is greatest when the known value is for the most senior

© 2016 Mercer Capital 14 www.mercercapital.com

 Exhibit 15: Comparison of OPM and PWERM

OPM PWERM

Required Assumptions In addition to the breakpoints and Requires more assumptions than the
tranche allocations dictated by the OPM. Analyst must specify amount,
capital structure terms, requires only timing and probability of future liquidity
five inputs. events as well as dilution from future
financing rounds and class-specific
discount rates.

Sensitivity to As shown in Exhibit 13, sensitivity for Since the PWERM is both a valuation
Assumptions many classes is somewhat muted. and allocation method, sensitivity to
Since the OPM is only an allocation changes in inputs is potentially greater
method, the impact of changes in than with OPM.
inputs on allocation is generally tame
compared to that in typical valuation
methods.

Flexibility / Adaptability Small number of required assumptions Can be readily adapted to unique
limits the flexibility and adaptability of features, such as price protection
the model. Cannot accomodate some or ratchets. Offers the flexability to
common features of preferred shares consider a range of potential future
such as mandatory conversion at IPO, outcomes that more closely represent
IPO price guarantees and the like. the market participant perspective
The assumed lognormal distribution of than a lognormal distribution. Allows
outcomes may not be representative the analyst to consider outcomes at
for many development-stage entities. different times, and to model dilution
from future funding rounds (even down
rounds).

Transparency Host of intermediate calculations Generally intuitive, allocation of

and lack of familiarity with breakpoint proceeds for each discrete scenario
analysis on the part of many report is readily checked for conformity to
users contribute to perception that governing documents.
method is a "black box".

Auditability While not necessarily intuitive for While the required inputs correlate to
non-specialists, small number of assumptions that market participants
assumptions and translation of actually make, convincing and docu-
governing documents to formal mentable support for these estimates
structure of model is highly auditable. may prove elusive.

© 2016 Mercer Capital 15 www.mercercapital.com

 security in the capital structure. In many cases, the lognormal assumption causes total loss scenarios
to be under-represented in the probability distribution of potential future outcomes relative to market
participant expectations. When combined with the use of the risk-free rate in a risk neutral framework,
the OPM may assign greater value to the liquidation preference than market participants do. This can
cause the difference between the most senior preferred class and other components of the capital
structure to be exaggerated, resulting in an understated total equity value.

In our view, these distortions can be further aggravated when the equity class used to calibrate the total
equity value accounts for only a small portion of the subject company’s capital structure. In our practice,
we temper the effect of this issue by also giving weight to the total equity value which is the product of
the known per share price and the fully-diluted share count.

Reconciling the OPM with Market Participant Perspectives

There is an irony at the heart of fair value measurement. Fair value is, by definition, a market participant
concept. In other words, a “correct” fair value measurement will reflect the exit price for the subject asset
among a group of relevant market participants. However, some techniques for measuring fair value are
rarely, if ever, used by actual market participants.

In our experience working with market participants in early-stage companies, new financing rounds
are generally priced through a two-step process: (1) negotiate the pre-money total equity value of the
company, and (2) divide that figure by the fully-diluted share count. These market participants clearly
understand that the economic rights associated with senior preferred shares are valuable. However,
they do not develop or express a discrete estimate of that value. We suspect that there are at least two
potential explanations for this. First, the economic rights that benefit the senior preferred shares may
be the required “sweetener” to arrive at the headline total equity value. Second, in many early-stage
companies, the actual benefit of a liquidation preference may be perceived as limited. Certainly, the
scenario that would trigger payout of a liquidation preference, in lieu of participating as common share-
holder following conversion, is sub-optimal. If the most likely outcomes are smashing success (in which
case everyone converts and is treated equally) or abysmal failure (in which case being first in line to get
nothing is not helpful), market participants may be less impressed by the economic rights accruing to the
senior securities than the OPM would seem to be.

Assuming we are right, this perfectly rational behavior on the part of market participants can put those
with the responsibility to measure fair value in a difficult spot. Consider a company that recently closed
a $20 million Class B round, with customary liquidation preferences and conversion rights. The term
sheet states that the pre-money equity value is $100 million. There are 10 million Class A preferred and
common shares outstanding, and the issuance price for the Class B round is $10 per share.

As shown in Exhibit 17, there are three logical possibilities in this case. The only case that is inconsistent
with the OPM is the one that reflects the actual, stated terms of the transaction.

There is no simple solution to this conundrum. However, to our mind it does underscore the appropriate
posture toward analytical tools like the OPM. The fair value measurement tool should serve the market

© 2016 Mercer Capital 16 www.mercercapital.com

 Exhibit 17: Reconciliation to Market Participant Perspective

TEV = $100 million TEV = $100 million TEV < $100 million

Class B > $10.00 Class B = $10.00 Class B = $10.00

per Term Sheet

Consistent Not Consistent Consistent

with OPM with OPM with OPM

participant perspective; the market participant perspective should not be subordinated to the fair value
measurement tool, no matter how insightful and “correct” it may be. As we have noted on our Financial
Reporting Blog, Fidelity reports identical per share values for different equity classes of a given investee
company. In doing so, one is effectively disregarding the differential economic rights of the various
classes. Strictly speaking, such a conclusion is economically untenable. Yet, it likely mirrors how Fidelity,
and other market participants, actually view value.

Conclusion
Use of the OPM in fair value measurement is growing. The model has many attractive attributes, including
its precision, small number of assumptions, muted sensitivities, and auditability. However, the model is
not necessarily appropriate in all circumstances. The underlying assumption of lognormality may not
be appropriate for some companies, and may limit the usefulness of the backsolve technique for deter-
mining implied total equity values. In our view, the model is best used in conjunction with the PWERM.
Finally, as with all fair value measurement models, valuation specialists should carefully evaluate the
degree to which the results of the model cohere with the market participant perspective.

About the Author

Travis W. Harms, CFA, CPA/ABV, leads Mercer Capital’s Financial Reporting Valuation Group.
Harms’ practice focuses on providing public and private clients with fair value opinions and related
assistance pertaining to goodwill and other intangible assets, stock-based compensation, and
illiquid financial assets. In addition to his work with clients on financial statement reporting issues,
Harms performs valuations used for tax compliance, ESOP compliance and other purposes for
clients in a wide range of industries. Harms is a member of The Appraisal Foundation’s working
group to address best practices for control premiums and co-authored the book Business Valuation:
An Integrated Theory, Second Edition, with Z. Christopher Mercer, FASA, CFA, ABAR.

© 2016 Mercer Capital 17 www.mercercapital.com

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Contact Us Travis W. Harms, CFA, CPA/ABV

901.322.9760
Matthew R. Crow, ASA, CFA
901.685.2120
[email protected] [email protected]

Madeleine L. Harrigan
901.322.9756
[email protected]

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