A Comparison of Equity Valuation Models: Empirical Evidence from a Sample of UK Companies

Abstract

This paper aims to answer one main question: can the superior models in accounting field be superior in finance field? That is, can models that generate a better approximation to stock price also generate higher returns in the future? To answer this question, I conduct pricing errors analysis and time-series returns analysis. The most important finding is models that approximate stock price better tend to produce higher returns in the future; implying findings in accounting literature have practical implications to analysts and investors. The consistent rankings of models are observed throughout the research: forward earnings multiples perform the best, followed by fundamental valuation models and historical earnings multiples, and book value and sales multiples worst. However, multiples are ranked rather as a group in the UK. Interestingly, residual income models produce similar returns to forward earnings multiples, but the accuracy of their estimates varies depending on their terminal value assumptions.