The valuation of intangible assets

This work investigates the use of hedonic pricing models to value intangible assets that are owned by firms. This novel approach falls within the neoclassical methodology for the valuation of financial assets, and extends that framework by offering an alternative method by which assets may be compared. The firms performance, as measured by reported financial data and embodied in the DuPont ratios of the firm, is used to derive the characteristics of intangible assets. The shadow prices of these characteristics are estimated and used to derive a market-related value for the intangible assets. Data for firms listed on exchanges in the United States for the years 2000 to 2007 are analysed. Although this study is exploratory in nature, the empirical results support using this approach to value intangible assets.

Autorentext

Michael Cohen is a lecturer in the School of Economics and Finance at Victoria University in Melbourne, where he teaches topics in finance, banking and business management.