Link to Microsoft Excel-Model In order to gain a better understanding of the following analysis and valuation, it is recommended to consider the original excel model, which has been built in a self-explanatory manner and can be found via the following link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/csj7ii75mvzcng7/Valuation of LHA - Master Thesis.xlsx?dl=0 While the main findings and explanations can be found in the text, you are welcome to contact me via e-mail with any questions or if problems with opening the file occur:
[email protected] _______________________________________________________________________________________ Abstract The ultimate goal of this report is to provide the marginal investor with a thorough strategic as well as financial analysis of Deutsche Lufthansa AG leading towards a recommendation whether to buy, sell or hold the company's stock on 30.12.2016. Included in this analysis is an assessment of the credibility of current rumors about Lufthansa's potential engagement in M&A activity with Air Berlin. As consolidation is generally anticipated within the European airline industry, an informed assessment of the rumors' credibility is of relevance for the marginal investor. The applied DCF-valuation model derives at an estimate of 18,41€ for Deutsche Lufthansa AG's fair share price. As the stock is trading for 12,27€ on the valuation date, this report suggests that the market undervalues Lufthansa's stock. The additional constructions of a best and worst case scenario provide a potential range of share prices resembling possible deviations in estimated future growth rates of ASKs, load factors, unit yields, fuel and staff costs.