What is unlevered beta?
Unlevered beta measures a company’s asset volatility without considering its financial leverage.
How do I calculate unlevered beta from levered beta?
Use the formula Ξ²u = Ξ²L / [1 + (1 – T) * D/E], where Ξ²u is unlevered beta, Ξ²L is levered beta, T is tax rate, D is total debt, and E is total equity.
Why is unlevered beta important?
Unlevered beta helps understand a company’s risk profile independent of its debt financing.
What does the tax rate represent in the formula?
The tax rate (T) represents the corporate tax rate that affects the cost of debt.
How do I find my company’s total debt and equity for this calculation?
Total debt includes all liabilities, while total equity is the sum of shareholders’ equity. These figures can be found in your company’s balance sheet.
Can unlevered beta be higher than levered beta?
No, unlevered beta is always less than or equal to levered beta because debt amplifies the impact of market movements.
What are some common uses for unlevered beta?
Unlevered beta is used in valuation models, risk assessments, and comparing companies with different capital structures.