8.17 Photon Inc. is considering acquiring one of its competitors. Photon’s management wants to buy a firm it believes is most undervalued. The firm’s three major competitors, AJAX, BABO, and COMET, have current market values of $375 million, $310 million, and $265 million, respectively. AJAX’s FCFE is expected to grow at 10% annually, while BABO’s and COMET’s FCFEs are projected to grow by 12% and 14% per year, respectively. AJAX, BABO, and COMET’s current year FCFE are $24 million, $22 million, and $17 million, respectively. The industry average price-to-FCFE ratio and growth rate are 10% and 8%, respectively.

Estimate the market value of each of the three potential acquisition targets based on the information provided. Which firm is the most undervalued? Which firm is most overvalued? Show your work.

Answer: AJAX is most overvalued, and Comet is most undervalued.