How We Do Your Valuation
At BridgePoint Business Group, we recognize that a precise business valuation is essential for strategic decision-making. Whether you’re planning to sell, seeking financing, preparing for succession, or evaluating growth opportunities, our Business Market Valuation delivers a detailed, market-aligned assessment of your business’s value. Our process is thorough, transparent, and customized to capture the unique strengths of your business.
Why Get a Valuation? A professional valuation equips you with the knowledge to negotiate effectively, secure optimal financing, or plan your business’s future with confidence.
Our In-Depth Valuation Process
Our Business Market Valuation adheres to standards used by small business lenders and buyers, ensuring credibility and relevance. We evaluate a range of financial, operational, and market factors to determine a fair market value. Below is a detailed breakdown of our process:
1. Cash Flow Analysis
Cash flow is the primary driver of business value. Our analysis focuses on:
- Net Profit/Loss: We review your most recent financials (e.g., 2017 Gross Sales and Net Profit/Loss) to establish a baseline for profitability.
- Add-Backs: We identify discretionary or non-operational expenses to “add back” to the net profit, revealing the true cash flow. These include:
- Owner’s Salary: Compensation that may not apply to a new owner.
- Depreciation and Amortization: Non-cash expenses that don’t impact cash flow.
- Interest: Loan interest payments, which may not carry over to a buyer.
- Personal Expenses: Costs like personal phone or insurance charged to the business.
- One-Time Expenses: Non-recurring costs, such as a major repair (e.g., a roof replacement).
- Adjusted Cash Flow: The sum of net profit/loss and add-backs provides the adjusted cash flow, reflecting the business’s earning capacity.
2. Cash Flow Multiplier
We apply a cash flow multiplier to convert the adjusted cash flow into a market value. The multiplier is determined by:
- Business Scale: Smaller businesses typically have multipliers of 1.5x–3x, while larger, stable businesses may range from 3x–5x.
- Industry Dynamics: We assess growth potential, competition, and risk in your sector.
- Operational Stability: Consistent revenue, strong customer retention, and efficient operations can increase the multiplier.
- Economic Conditions: Broader market trends and buyer demand influence the multiplier.
For instance, a business with a 2017 adjusted cash flow of $150,000 and a 2.5x multiplier would have a cash flow-based value of $375,000. This ensures your valuation aligns with market expectations.
3. Hard Asset Valuation
Tangible assets are a critical component of your business’s value. We evaluate:
- Equipment: We assess the market value of machinery, tools, vehicles, or other operational equipment, using purchase records, depreciation schedules, or appraisals.
- Inventory: We value inventory based on its current marketability, ensuring an accurate contribution to the overall valuation.
These assets are added to the cash flow-based value for a comprehensive assessment.
4. Real Estate Valuation (If Applicable)
If your business owns real estate, we include its market value, based on:
- Owner-provided estimates or recent appraisals.
- Local market data to validate accuracy.
- Separate valuations for the business with and without real estate, offering flexibility for potential buyers.
5. Intangible and Miscellaneous Factors
We account for unique elements that enhance your business’s value, including:
- Brand Equity: A recognized brand or loyal customer base increases marketability.
- Intellectual Property: Patents, trademarks, or proprietary processes add value.
- Contracts: Long-term client or supplier agreements enhance stability.
- Market Niche: A unique market position or competitive edge can justify a higher valuation.
- Goodwill: The reputation and relationships built over time contribute to value.
These factors are identified through consultations and integrated into the final valuation.
Why Choose BridgePoint Business Group?
Our valuations are designed to empower business owners with accurate, actionable insights. Here’s what makes us different:
- Market-Aligned: Our valuations reflect current lender and buyer standards, ensuring relevance.
- Strict Confidentiality: We only communicate with you or authorized individuals, protecting your sensitive data.
- Holistic Approach: We evaluate financials, assets, and intangibles for a complete picture.
- Practical Deliverables: Our reports are tools for negotiation, financing, or strategic planning.
- Proven Expertise: Our experienced brokers deliver reliable, trustworthy valuations.
Your Valuation Report
Your Business Market Valuation report will include:
- Market Value: The current value of your business, with and without real estate.
- Cash Flow Analysis: Detailed breakdown of net profit, add-backs, and multiplier.
- Asset Details: Valuations for equipment, inventory, and real estate.
- Additional Factors: Intangibles or miscellaneous elements affecting value.
- Market Insights: Context on how your valuation fits within industry and economic trends.
This report is widely accepted by lenders and buyers, making it a valuable asset for your business.
Important Note: This valuation is a Business Market Valuation, not a third-party appraisal for legal proceedings. For court-related needs, a certified appraisal may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
The process typically takes 1–2 weeks, depending on the complexity of your business and the availability of financial records. We prioritize efficiency to deliver your report promptly.
You’ll need to provide recent financial statements, tax returns, equipment and inventory lists, and any real estate appraisals. Our team will provide a detailed checklist.
Yes, our valuation reflects the fair market value accepted by buyers and lenders, making it ideal for sales negotiations or listings.
We recommend updating every 1–2 years or after significant changes, such as growth, market shifts, or operational improvements.
Get Started Today
Unlock the true value of your business with BridgePoint Business Group’s Business Market Valuation. Our team is ready to guide you through the process and provide the insights you need to achieve your goals. Contact us now to schedule your valuation.
Request Your Valuation