ARSENAL > Sum of the parts

Sum of the parts

Valuation
Definition
Valuing a multi-business company by separately estimating the value of each segment, then summing. Used for conglomerates (Berkshire, GE, Liberty Media) and holding companies where consolidated metrics obscure value.

The sum-of-the-parts often exceeds the consolidated trading value — the "conglomerate discount." Occasionally used to argue for break-ups (e.g., 3M, GE, Honeywell spinoffs).
← Back to full dictionary