Term · Valuation
EV-to-Equity Bridge
In briefThe EV-to-equity bridge shows, in a transparent way, how one moves from enterprise value to the equity value attributable to shareholders. This ensures hidden financing effects and dilutive instruments do not go unnoticed in a small-cap valuation.
Definition
The EV-to-equity bridge is the transparent reconciliation from enterprise value to the equity value attributable to common shareholders.
How it is calculated
Formula. Enterprise value − net financial debt − minorities − pension deficits − other claims + non-operating assets = equity value.
Why it matters for small caps
The reconciliation prevents hidden financing effects or dilutive instruments from being overlooked in a small-cap valuation.
Common misreadings
- Deducting only bank liabilities is often too crude. Leases, factoring, minorities, options, and excess cash must be treated consistently.
In the process
Frequently asked
What is an EV-to-equity bridge?
It is the step-by-step calculation path from enterprise value to equity value. All claims besides equity are taken into account in the process.
How do you build the bridge?
From enterprise value you subtract net financial debt, minorities, pension deficits, and other claims and add non-operating assets. The result is the equity value.
What error is typical in the reconciliation?
Deducting only bank liabilities usually falls short. Leases, factoring, minorities, options, and excess cash also belong in the calculation, treated consistently.
Related terms
Sources
Primary
NYU Stern – Aswath Damodaran, Valuation Resources
https://pages.stern.nyu.edu/\~adamodar/
https://pages.stern.nyu.edu/\~adamodar/
Methodology
IFRS Foundation – IFRS 3 Business Combinations
https://www.ifrs.org/issued-standards/list-of-standards/ifrs-3-business-combinations/
https://www.ifrs.org/issued-standards/list-of-standards/ifrs-3-business-combinations/
Education only, not investment advice. Ranges and thresholds are didactic orientation values, not an official standard.