Checklist for Valuation

One of the first things you need to accomplish when you decide to sell your business is a valuation. A valuation will inform you on how to properly price your business depending on multiple factor. Although it is recommended that you hire a business broker or a licensed individual to price your business, below is a checklist for valuation to help you get started:

1. Start with the business

–  Value Drivers:  Size, growth rate, management, niche, history
–  Value Detractors:  Customer concentration
Poor financials
Outdated M&E
Few assets
Lack of agreements with employees, customers, suppliers
Poor exit possibilities
Small market
Potential technology changes
Product or service very price sensitive

2. Financial analysis: Market Value – comparables
Multiple of Earnings – based on rate of return desired

3. Structure and terms: 100% cash at closing could reduce price 20%

4. Second opinion: Even professionals need a sounding board

5. Indications of high value:
– High sustainable cash flow
– Expected industry growth
– Good market share
– Competitive advantage – location/exclusive product line
– Undervalued assets – land/equipment
– Healthy working capital
– Low failure rate in industry
– Modern well-kept plant

6. Indications of low value:
– Poor outlook for industry –
foreign competition
price cutting
regulations
taxes
material costs
– Distressed circumstances
– History of problems – employees, customers, suppliers, litigation
– Heavy debt load