What is a major problem associated with calculating enterprise value?

• A. Underestimating market demand
• B. Only including current assets
• C. Ignoring net operating losses
• D. Considering short-term investments

Answer: (C)

Calculating enterprise value (EV) involves determining the total value of a business, which includes not just its equity but also its debt and cash equivalents. One significant issue when computing EV is related to net operating losses. Ignoring these losses can lead to a misleading representation of the company's financial health and future profitability.

Net operating losses can provide tax shields in the future, essentially allowing companies to reduce their taxable income in profitable years. If these losses are not factored into the enterprise value calculation, it underestimates the potential value that future earnings can generate. Thus, understanding and incorporating net operating losses is crucial for an accurate EV, as they can significantly impact the overall valuation of a company.

Considering this aspect ensures a more comprehensive evaluation of what the company is worth to potential investors or stakeholders. By contrast, factors like short-term investments, current assets, or market demand do not directly reflect the inherent ability of a business to generate long-term value in the same way that net operating losses do.