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First Chicago Method: Explained | TIOmarkets

BY TIO Staff

|July 9, 2024

The First Chicago Method is a unique valuation approach used in the financial world, particularly in trading. It combines the best elements of both intrinsic and extrinsic valuation methods, providing a comprehensive and balanced view of a company's potential worth. This method is often used in merger and acquisition scenarios, private equity investments, and other situations where a detailed understanding of a company's value is crucial.

The First Chicago Method was developed by the First Chicago Bank, hence its name. It was initially used by the bank's venture capital division to evaluate potential investments. Over time, it has evolved and been adopted by various financial institutions and traders worldwide. The method's popularity stems from its ability to provide a more nuanced view of a company's value by considering multiple potential scenarios and outcomes.

Understanding the First Chicago Method

The First Chicago Method is a scenario-based valuation approach. It involves creating three different scenarios for a company's future: a best-case scenario, a worst-case scenario, and a most likely scenario. Each scenario is then assigned a probability, and the expected values from each are summed to provide an overall valuation.

This approach allows traders to consider a range of potential outcomes, rather than relying on a single, static valuation. It acknowledges the inherent uncertainty in predicting a company's future and provides a framework for managing this uncertainty. This makes the First Chicago Method particularly useful in situations where future cash flows are highly uncertain, such as in the case of start-ups or companies in rapidly changing industries.

Components of the First Chicago Method

The First Chicago Method consists of several key components. The first is the creation of the three scenarios. This involves a detailed analysis of the company and its industry, including factors such as market trends, competitive dynamics, and the company's strategic positioning. The scenarios should be realistic and based on solid research and analysis.

The second component is the assignment of probabilities to each scenario. This is often the most challenging part of the process, as it requires a degree of judgment and subjectivity. However, the goal is not to predict the future with absolute certainty, but rather to provide a range of potential outcomes and their likelihoods.

Calculating the Valuation

Once the scenarios and their probabilities have been established, the next step is to calculate the expected value for each scenario. This is done by estimating the company's future cash flows under each scenario and then discounting these cash flows back to their present value using an appropriate discount rate.

The expected values for each scenario are then multiplied by their respective probabilities to obtain a weighted average. This weighted average is the overall valuation of the company according to the First Chicago Method. This final figure provides a more nuanced view of the company's potential value, taking into account a range of possible future outcomes.

Benefits of the First Chicago Method

The First Chicago Method offers several benefits. One of its main advantages is its flexibility. It allows for the consideration of a wide range of scenarios, making it suitable for valuing companies in volatile or uncertain industries. It also allows for the incorporation of both quantitative and qualitative factors, providing a more holistic view of a company's value.

Another benefit of the First Chicago Method is its ability to handle uncertainty. By considering multiple scenarios and their probabilities, it provides a framework for managing the inherent uncertainty in predicting a company's future. This can be particularly useful in situations where traditional valuation methods may struggle, such as with start-ups or companies in rapidly changing industries.

Limitations of the First Chicago Method

While the First Chicago Method offers many benefits, it also has its limitations. One of the main criticisms is the subjectivity involved in creating the scenarios and assigning probabilities. This can lead to biased or inaccurate valuations if not done carefully and objectively.

Another limitation is the complexity of the method. It requires a detailed understanding of the company and its industry, as well as a high degree of financial modeling expertise. This can make it less accessible to less experienced traders or those without a strong financial background.

Application of the First Chicago Method in Trading

The First Chicago Method can be a valuable tool for traders. It can be used to value potential investment targets, helping traders to make informed decisions about which companies to invest in. It can also be used to assess the potential risk and return of different investment scenarios, aiding in portfolio management and risk management.

Furthermore, the First Chicago Method can be used to gain a deeper understanding of a company's value drivers. By breaking down the company's value into different scenarios, traders can gain insights into what factors could drive the company's value up or down. This can help them to identify potential trading opportunities or risks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the First Chicago Method is a powerful valuation tool that combines the best elements of both intrinsic and extrinsic valuation methods. It provides a comprehensive and balanced view of a company's potential worth, making it a valuable tool for traders and financial professionals alike.

Despite its limitations, the First Chicago Method's ability to handle uncertainty and provide a nuanced view of a company's value makes it a valuable addition to any trader's toolkit. With careful application and a solid understanding of its principles, it can help traders make more informed and confident trading decisions.

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TIO Staff

Behind every blog post lies the combined experience of the people working at TIOmarkets. We are a team of dedicated industry professionals and financial markets enthusiasts committed to providing you with trading education and financial markets commentary. Our goal is to help empower you with the knowledge you need to trade in the markets effectively.

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