More than 80% of U.S. middle-market companies and private equity firms agree that company valuations will be stable or higher in 2023 after a year of big price adjustments, according to an annual survey by Citizens Financial Group Inc.
Most middle-market companies among the 400 respondents to the Citizens’ 2023 M&A Outlook expect better conditions in 2023 after macroeconomic uncertainty, inflation and steep losses in equities derailed deals in the past year.“When the macro conditions normalize, we see a pipeline of buyers and sellers eager to return to the market,” said Jason Wallace, head of M&A advisory at Citizens Financial Group CFG , in a prepared statement.
However, headwinds in the middle market remain with about 66% of respondents in the Citizens survey agreeing that inflation is making business more challenging. Nearly half said they’re challenged by rising interest rates. Other concerns include labor market challenges, geopolitical instability and loftier commodity prices.
Respondents said they expect higher valuations across every sector but transportation and logistics, as well as aerospace/defense and business services drew the most bullish valuation views. In January, 2022, 86% of the 400 respondents said they expected company valuations to either increase or remain stable, compared to 87% in January 2021. A year ago, 36% said they expect higher company valuations, down only slightly from 38% in 2021.