The impact of COVID-19 on values and valuation

Abstract

Valuation is at the core of every investor decision, especially in times of uncertainty. In this paper the author moves from the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic when global markets were in turmoil, through the period when sentiment became clearer in the market and the role that this should play, how valuation methodology evolved as we entered into a period where investor activity returned with the wider economy going through periods of lockdown and restriction easing and then further periods of restrictions. We appear to be in an increasingly polarised marketplace and valuation methodology is increasingly important to ensure a consistent approach is taken. The pandemic has given valuers new tools and refocused the valuation community on how best to value in times of uncertainty — lessons learned that will remain relevant in the future.