What is Sensitivity Analysis in Excel?

In the context of DCF valuation, Sensitivity Analysis in excel is especially useful in finance for modeling share price or valuation sensitivity to assumptions like growth rates or cost of capital.

In this article, we look professionally at the following Sensitivity Analysis in Excel for DCF Modeling.

#1 – One-Variable Data Table Sensitivity Analysis in Excel

Let us take the Finance example (Dividend discount modelDividend Discount ModelThe Dividend Discount Model (DDM) is a method of calculating the stock price based on the likely dividends that will be paid and discounting them at the expected yearly rate. In other words, it is used to value stocks based on the future dividends’ net present value.read more) below to understand this in detail.

Constant growth DDM gives us the Fair value of a stock as a present value of an infinite stream of dividends growing at a constant rate.

Gordon Growth formulaGordon Growth FormulaGordon Growth Model derives a company’s intrinsic value if an investor keeps on receiving dividends with constant growth forever. The formula for Gordon growth model: P = D1/r-g (P = stock price, g = constant growth rate, r = rate of return, D1 = value of next year’s dividend) read more is as per below –

Where:

  • D1 = Value of dividend to be received next yearD0 = Value of dividend received this yearg   = Growth rate of dividendKe = Discount rate

Now, let’s assume that we want to understand how sensitive the stock price is concerning the Expected Return (ke). There are two ways of doing this –

  • Donkey way :-)What if Analysis

#1 – Donkey Way

Sensitivity Analysis in Excel using Donkey’s way is very straightforward but hard to implement when many variables are involved.

Do you want to continue making this given 1000 assumptions? Not!

Learn the following sensitivity analysis in excel technique to save yourselves from trouble.

#2 – Using One Variable Data Table

The best way to do sensitivity in excel is to use Data Tables. Data tables provide a shortcut for calculating multiple versions in one operation and a way to view and compare the results of all variations on your worksheet.

#2 – Two-Variable Data Table Sensitivity Analysis in Excel

Data tables are very useful for Sensitivity analysis in excel, especially in the case of DCF. Once a base case is established, DCF analysis should always be tested under various sensitivity scenarios. Testing involves examining the cumulative effect of changes in assumptions (cost of capital, terminal growth rates, lower revenue growth, higher capital requirements, etc.) on the fair value of the stock.

  • Create the table in a standard format. In the first column, you have the input assumptions. In our example, inputs are the expected rate of return (ke). Also, please note a blank row (colored in blue in this exercise) below the table heading. This blank row serves an important purpose for this one-dimensional data table, which you will see in Step 2. Link the reference Input and Output as given the snapshot below.The space provided by the blank row is now used to provide input (expected return Ke) and the output formula. Why is it done like this? We will use What if Analysis; this is a way to instruct Excel that for the Input (ke), the corresponding formula provided on the right-hand side should be used to recalculate all the other input. Select the What-if Analysis tool to perform Sensitivity Analysis in Excel. It is important to note that this is sub-divided into two steps. 1. Select the table range starting from the left-hand side, starting from 10% until the lower right-hand corner of the table. 2. Click Data – What if Analysis – Data Tables Data Table Dialog Box Opens Up. The dialog box seeks two inputs – Row Input and Column Input. Since there is only one input ,Ke, is under consideration, we will provide a single column input. Link the Column InputIn our case, all input is provided in a column, and hence, we will link to the column input. Column input is linked to the Expected return (Ke). Please note that the input should be linked from the source and Not from the one inside the table. Enjoy the Output

In the first column, you have the input assumptions. In our example, inputs are the expected rate of return (ke). Also, please note a blank row (colored in blue in this exercise) below the table heading. This blank row serves an important purpose for this one-dimensional data table, which you will see in Step 2.

It is important to note that this is sub-divided into two steps. 1. Select the table range starting from the left-hand side, starting from 10% until the lower right-hand corner of the table. 2. Click Data – What if Analysis – Data Tables

The dialog box seeks two inputs – Row Input and Column Input. Since there is only one input ,Ke, is under consideration, we will provide a single column input.

Let us take the sensitivity analysis in excel with a finance example of Alibaba Discounted Cash Flow Analysis.

With the base assumptions of the Cost of Capital as 9% and constant growth rate of 3%, we arrived at the fair valuation of $191.45 billion.

Let us assume that you do not fully agree with the Cost of Capital Assumptions or the growth rate assumptions I have taken in Alibaba IPO Valuation. You may want to change the assumptions and assess the impact on valuations.

One way is to change the assumptions and check each change’s results manually. (codeword – Donkey method!)

However, we are here to discuss a much better and more efficient way to calculate valuation using sensitivity analysis in excel that saves time and provides us with a way to visualize all the output details in an effective format.

If we perform the What-if analysis in excelWhat-if Analysis In ExcelWhat-If Analysis in Excel is a tool for creating various models, scenarios, and data tables. It enables one to examine how a change in values influences the outcomes in the sheet. The three components of What-If analysis are Scenario Manager, Goal Seek in Excel, and Data Table in Excel.read more professionally on the above data, then we get the following output.

  • Here, row inputs consist of changes in Cost of capital or WACCWACCThe weighted average cost of capital (WACC) is the average rate of return a company is expected to pay to all shareholders, including debt holders, equity shareholders, and preferred equity shareholders. WACC Formula = [Cost of Equity * % of Equity] + [Cost of Debt * % of Debt * (1-Tax Rate)]read more (7% to 11%)Column inputs consist of changes in growth rates (1% to 6%)The point of intersection is Alibaba Valuation. E.g. using our base case of 9% WACC and 3% growth rates, we get the valuation as $191.45 billion.

With this background, let us now look at how we can prepare such a sensitivity analysis in excel using two-dimensional data tables.

  • Since we have two sets of assumptions – Cost of Capital (WACC) and Growth Rates (g), you need to prepare a table given below.You are free to switch the row and column inputs. Instead of WACC, you may have growth rates and vice-versa.

The point of intersection of the two inputs should be used to link the desired output. In this case, we want to see the effect of these two variables (WACC and growth rate) on Equity valueEquity ValueEquity Value, also known as market capitalization, is the sum-total of the values the shareholders have made available for the business and can be calculated by multiplying the market value per share by the total number of shares outstanding.read more. Hence, we have linked the intersecting cell to the output.

  • Select the table that you have createdThen click on Data -> What if Analysis -> Data Tables

  • Row input is the Cost of Capital or Ke.The column input is the growth rate.Please remember to link these inputs from the original assumption source and not from inside the table.

  • Most pessimistic output values lie in the right-hand top corner, where the Cost of Capital is 11%, and the growth rate is only 1%The most optimistic Alibaba IPO Value is when Ke is 7%, and g is 6%The base case we calculated for 9% ke and 3% growth rates lies in the middle.This two-dimensional sensitivity analysis in the excel tableExcel TableIn excel, tables are a range with data in rows and columns, and they expand when new data is inserted in the range in any new row or column in the table. To use a table, click on the table and select the data range.read more provides the clients with an easy scenario analysis that saves a lot of time.

#3 – Goal Seek for Sensitivity Analysis in Excel

  • The Goal Seek command is used to bring one formula to a specific valueIt does this by changing one of the cells that is referenced by the formulaGoal Seek asks for a cell referenceCell ReferenceCell reference in excel is referring the other cells to a cell to use its values or properties. For instance, if we have data in cell A2 and want to use that in cell A1, use =A2 in cell A1, and this will copy the A2 value in A1.read more that contains a formula (the Set cell). It also asks for a value, which is the figure you want the cell to be equalFinally, Goal Seek asks for a cell to alter to take the Set cell to the required value

Let us have a look at the DCF of Alibaba IPO ValuationAlibaba IPO ValuationAlibaba is the most profitable Chinese e-commerce company and its IPO is a big deal due to its size. With its huge size and network, Alibaba IPO may look at international expansion beyond China and may lead to price wars and intensive competition in the US.read more.

As we know from DCFDCFDiscounted cash flow analysis is a method of analyzing the present value of a company, investment, or cash flow by adjusting future cash flows to the time value of money. This analysis assesses the present fair value of assets, projects, or companies by taking into account many factors such as inflation, risk, and cost of capital, as well as analyzing the company’s future performance.read more that growth rates and valuation are directly related. Increasing growth rates increase the share price of the stock.

Let’s assume that we want to check at what growth rate will the stock price touches $80.

As always, we can do this manually by changing the growth rates to continue to see the impact on the share price. This will, again, be a tedious process. In our case, we may have to input growth rates many times to ensure that the stock price matches $80.

However, we can use a function like Goal Seek in excelGoal Seek In ExcelThe Goal Seek in excel is a “what-if-analysis” tool that calculates the value of the input cell (variable) with respect to the desired outcome. In other words, the tool helps answer the question, “what should be the value of the input in order to attain the given output?” read more to solve this in easy steps.

Goal Seek also informs you that the goal was achieved.

Conclusion

Sensitivity analysis in excel increases your understanding of the financial and operating behavior of the business. We learned from the three approaches – One Dimensional Data Tables, Two Dimensional Data Tables, and Goal Seek- that sensitivity analysis is extremely useful in finance, especially in the context of valuations – DCF or DDM.

You can develop cases to reflect valuation sensitivity to changes in interest rates, recession, inflation, GDP, etc., on the valuation. However, you can also get a macro-level understanding of the company and industry. Thought and common sense should be employed in developing reasonable and useful sensitivity cases.

What Next?

If you learned something about Sensitivity Analysis in Excel, please leave a comment below. Let me know what you think. Many thanks, and take care. Happy Learning!

You may also have a look at these articles below to learn more about Valuations and Corporate Finance –

  • Formula for Price SensitivityRisk Analysis – MethodsExcel Break-Even AnalysisExcel Pareto Analysis