Fair Value of Big Data

Five years ago, no one really knew what big data was and now, it seems it’s all anyone can talk about. Big data is the term used for information retailers, government agencies, and other organizations collect from the public that other entities might have a vested interest in purchasing because they produce ancillary products or services that could be marketed to the same individuals. While there has been much concern regarding big data the government collects and its impact on privacy, it’s becoming much more of a concern in the valuation world. Are these datasets assets? Some are valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars that could yield similarly large returns for potential buyers. How does possessing such enormous amounts of customer information affect a corporation from a valuation standpoint? Click the link to a Mercer Capital article that references the Wall Street Journal for the answer.