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Business Valuation Insights
Understanding Seller’s Discretionary Earnings
February 15, 2019 / in Business Valuation / by Exit Strategies
If you have acquired or sold a small company, or had one appraised, you’ve probably heard the term “Seller’s Discretionary Earnings”. Or you may be thinking “Earnings are discretionary? My earnings aren’t discretionary at all!” Let’s examine this often-misunderstood term, and how it compares to EBITDA, another common earnings measure. What is Seller’s Discretionary Earnings? Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (“SDE”) is a calculation of the total financial benefit that a single full time owner-operator would derive …
Manage Working Capital to Increase Business Value
February 8, 2019 / in Business Valuation, Exit Planning / by Jim Leonhard
As you likely know, working capital equals current assets minus current liabilities. Companies that have a high level of cash tied up in current assets (primarily cash, accounts receivable, and inventory) without similar levels of current liabilities are not as attractive as those who tightly manage their working capital. Buyers are often leery of businesses that require high working capital to sales ratios because as sales grow the company must continually invest more cash in …
One Business Appraiser that All Parties Know and Trust
November 10, 2018 / in Business Valuation / by Al Statz
Jointly retaining a single trusted business valuation expert in disputes over value is becoming increasingly common as owners seek ways to streamline the valuation process, protect their companies and control costs. Naming one appraiser in buy-sell agreements is also becoming more popular. In this slightly long-winded rant, I will discuss the pros and cons of using one appraiser that all parties know and trust, and explain why you should give serious consideration to this option. Where …
Business Valuations Can Create Value, Not Just Report It!
October 23, 2018 / in Business Valuation, Exit Planning / by Jim Leonhard
I recently completed a valuation engagement for two shareholders of a California manufacturing company who were going through a buy-sell transaction. After the sale, the buying shareholder called to tell me how my valuation report gave him the confidence he needed to complete the purchase, take on debt, and revamp the company’s business plan. Besides making my day, his call made me think about why almost every business owner can benefit from a valuation. When …
Why You Should Know the True Value of your Business
October 5, 2018 / in Business Valuation / by Exit Strategies
The most common time to know the value of your business is when businesses are sold and ownership changes hands. As an owner, you might be retiring from business due to failing health, divorce, or other family changes and you want to know the value of your business to get a fair price. Another motive might be that you have to raise debt or equity financing to meet sudden cash flow requirements or expansion. In …
The Skinny on Valuation Report Options
June 27, 2018 / in Business Valuation / by Al Statz
Users of valuation services should know the most common types of business valuation reports: Detailed, Summary and Calculation of Value reports.* Detailed and Summary Valuation Reports Detailed and Summary valuation reports can only result from a full valuation analysis, not a limited scope analysis. A Summary report covers the same topics as a Detailed report but in less detail. Both sufficiently document the facts, data and information relied upon and the assumptions and analyses made, …
Protect your Trade Name and Protect your Business Value
March 28, 2018 / in Business Valuation, Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Adam Wiskind
From my experience as an M&A Broker, I can tell you that your company’s trade name will be a valuable asset to most prospective buyers of your business. Your trade name, which identifies your company’s brand and distinguishes its reputation with customers and suppliers, is worth strengthening and protecting if you plan to sell your company some day. It may surprise you that the name of your business, even if it’s not officially registered, receives some …
What are the current expectations for interest rates?
February 21, 2018 / in Business Valuation, News / by Louis Cionci
One of the important factors that effect business value is macroeconomic conditions which include interest rates and the cost of capital. Business owners who want to know what is going to happen to interest rates should be aware of new leadership at the Federal Reserve. On February 5, 2018, Jerome “Jay” H. Powell took the oath of office as the new Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, succeeding Janet Yellen. …
Does My Buy-Sell Agreement Establish Value for Estate Purposes?
December 20, 2017 / in Business Valuation, Buy-Sell Agreements, Exit Planning / by Al Statz
Buy-sell agreements that contain a clause that values stock at less than fair market value can be disregarded for tax purposes. It is important to consider the requirements of Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 2703 when developing an estate plan involving business interests in which 50% or more of the stock is family owned. Section 2703(a) states that a shareholder agreement (entered into after October 8, 1990) that allows for the acquisition or transfer of …
How Would Your Company Survive Without You?
November 1, 2017 / in Business Valuation, Exit Planning / by Exit Strategies
If you are like many business owners, you tend to get caught up in the daily demands of your business: managing sales and production, costs, and the bottom line. What about preservation and protection? Perish the thought, but what would happen to your company if it was unable to carry on due to your death or disability? These concerns may seem like, and may in fact be, remote possibilities. However, by putting them off, you …