Business Valuation Services
We provide expert valuation services for dispute
settlement and litigation.
We leverage deep valuation and business experience and a genuine, client-focused approach to provide the following best-in-class informal and formal business valuation services.
Dispute Settlement and Litigation
We provide business valuation services for dispute settlement and litigation purposes and serve as testifying experts, as necessary.
FAZ Value Proposition
What is Business Valuation?
A business valuation is a general process of determining the economic value of a whole business or company unit. Business valuation can be used to determine the value of a business for a variety of reasons, including the sale or purchase of a business, business exit or transition planning, estate and gift taxation, establishing shareholder or partner ownership, employee benefit plans (e.g. ESOPs), shareholder or partner disputes and divorce proceedings. Business owners will often turn to professional business valuators like us for an objective estimate of the value of the business.
Business Valuation Basics
The valuation of a business is the process of determining the current worth of a business, using objective measures, and evaluating all aspects of the business, the industry and the current operating environment.
A business valuation might include an analysis of the company’s management, its dependence on owners, its business value drivers, its capital structure, its future earnings prospects, as well as the market value of its operating and non-operating assets. The tools used for valuation can vary among valuators, businesses, and industries. Common approaches to business valuation include a review of historical and/or forecasted financial statements, income tax returns, operating expenses for EBITDA normalization purposes, cash flow analysis, and industry benchmarking and comparisons.
Valuation is important for tax reporting purposes. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires that a business is valued based on its fair market value. Some tax-related events such as business sale, purchase or gifting of shares of a company will be taxed depending on a business valuation.
Estimating the fair value of a business is an art and a science; there are several formal models and approaches that can be used and choosing the right one, and then the appropriate inputs, can be somewhat subjective.
Types of Business Valuation
Business valuation analysts who hold the Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) credential supported by the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA) or the Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) credential supported by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) are required to follow standards that differentiate between two types of valuation engagements: Calculation of Value and Conclusion of Value. Similar to the various levels of attest services traditionally offered by CPAs related to financial statements, including compilations, review or audits; business valuation engagements are separated into these two distinct service categories. To provide maximum value and proactive service for our clients we begin our engagements, where feasible, with a Calculation of Value for cost effectiveness and efficiency. The rationale behind our approach will become clear as you read on.
Calculation of Value
- The valuation methods to be used in determining value are discussed and agreed upon beforehand between the client and the valuation analyst.
- Reduced development and reporting requirements compared to a Conclusion of Value engagement.
- Ideal for planning purposes (e.g. strategic planning, transaction (purchase or sale) planning, buy/sell agreements or shareholder/partner litigation and divorce proceedings during the settlement stage).
- Valuation analyst does not opine of the value of the business or business interest, rather, the valuation analyst applies the valuation methodologies agreed upon with the client.
- Generally not defensible in litigation settings because the valuation analyst is not offering an opinion of value, rather, the analyst “calculates” a value based on methods agreed upon with the client.
- Typically costs less than a Conclusion of Value.
- Typically takes less time and is less invasive than a Conclusion of Value.
- Has been found to be useful in litigation situations in which a party to the lawsuit will obtain a Calculation of Value to aid in the settlement process; If a settlement is not reached, the engagement can easily rise to the level of a Conclusion of Value so that the valuation analyst can opine on a value and defend it in court, if necessary.
- Any work performed for the Calculation of Value can typically be leveraged to a Conclusion of Value.
Conclusion of Value
- All three valuation approaches (asset, income, and market approach) are required to be considered.
- Detailed development and reporting requirements must be adhered to by the valuation analyst, making the engagement more time consuming than a Calculation of Value.
- This is the required type of valuation for estate and gift tax filings, 409a valuations and SBA loans. Also typically required for instances in which the valuation analyst will need to defend his or her findings and report (i.e. in litigation).
- The valuation analyst “opines” on the value of the business or business ownership interest.
As you can tell, all “valuation” work is not created equal. For business owners, as well as their attorneys and other advisors, it is important to be aware of the varying levels of valuation service offered so that the appropriate type of report is obtained. You should discuss the purpose of the valuation with the valuation expert as the engagement is forming so that the level of service can be the most cost-effective, efficient and tailored to your specific needs.
The last thing that you want to do when having a valuation performed is pay too much to obtain a Conclusion of Value that is largely unnecessary and will only be used for planning, negotiation or dispute resolution purposes… or conversely …pay too little to obtain a Calculation of Value that will not hold up in a litigation setting or under IRS scrutiny for tax purposes.
Recent posts on Business Valuation
The Cost of Capital in a Business Valuation
In performing a business valuation, deciding whether to use the weighted average cost of capital (WAAC) or a build-up method... read more →
July 9, 2024
Divorce and Value
In the process of valuing a business, especially in divorce, the business owner often comments “but the business is not... read more →
July 9, 2024
Forensic Focus – Ep 1: Testimony & Running Go Hand In Hand?
Host: Charles Amodio, CPA, CFF, MAFF, MBA, Partner and Lead, FAZ Forensics Guest: David Consigli, Jr., CPA, ABV, CDFA, Partner and... read more →
March 5, 2024
10 Factors That Affect The Value Of A Cannabis Entity
There are approximately thirteen states that have legalized recreational use of cannabis. There are an additional twenty-two states which have... read more →
March 5, 2024
The Business Valuation Of The Cannabis Industry
Cannabis companies can be valued differently for a variety of reasons, similar to companies in any other industry. Here are... read more →
March 5, 2024
Analyzing Operating Expenses for Business Interruption Claims: A Comprehensive Guide
Business interruptions can be a significant challenge for companies, leading to financial losses and operational disruptions. When such events... read more →
February 26, 2024