The resulting share price from the discounted cash flow analysis (figures 6 and 7) is $29.89. This figure is within the P/E multiple valuation range (the industry’s standard
practice for valuation) of $28 to $34. The discounted cash flow analysis price per share is slightly higher than the total capital and EBIT multiples. We subjected the DCF price per share to a sensitivity analysis (figure 8) to calculate the effect of a change in growth and a change in the weighted average cost of capital. An adjustment of 0.5 percent to either the WACC or the terminal growth rate resulted in changes to the share price estimate of 20 to 30 percent. The
effect of the WACC rate on JetBlue’s share price highlights the value of the I.P.O. to JetBlue. The I.P.O. will reduce the cost of equity (by introducing liquidity to private equity holders); additionally the improved debt-to-equity ratio will provide JetBlue with increased access to the debt markets. With a carefully calculated capital adjustment, JetBlue can further decrease its weighted cost of capital by using the tax shield benefits of capital debt and the lower cost of debt.