What factor can lead to a small business having a higher WACC than a larger business?

A small business often experiences greater exposure to market volatility compared to its larger counterparts. This increased volatility can arise from a variety of factors, including limited market share, reliance on a smaller customer base, and fewer resources to absorb economic shocks.

Investors typically perceive smaller businesses as riskier than larger ones due to their fluctuating revenues and less diversified operations. As a result, investors demand higher returns on investments in these businesses to compensate for the increased risk. This demand for a higher return directly translates into a higher Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC).

In contrast, larger businesses usually have more established operations, diverse product lines, and a broader customer base, which tends to stabilize their cash flows and reduce perceived risks. This stark contrast in market perception and financial stability fundamentally contributes to the difference in WACC between small and large businesses.