BizEx

At SMERGERS, we define business valuation as a technique used to capture the true value of the business. Common approaches to business valuation include Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), trading comparables, and transaction comparables method. A company is held by two categories of owners, shareholders and debt holders. The value of a pure business that accrues to both categories of owners is called the enterprise value, whereas the value which accrues just to shareholders is the equity value (also called market cap for listed companies). Companies are compared using the enterprise value instead of equity value as debt and cash levels may vary significantly even between companies in the same industry. During an acquisition, depending on whether it is an asset purchase or a stock purchase, the valuation of appropriate elements of the business needs to be carried out. Investment bankers widely use this method to value a company during an acquisition.

Exclusively created for business transaction professionals by business transaction professionals, ValuTrax™ utilizes a variety of traditional business brokerage valuation methods including market methods, buyer’s test method and multiple of discretionary earnings methods. The Market Data Method based on transactions of businesses in the same industry/SIC code or industry rules of thumb is the most direct method of valuing privately held companies. The Market Data Method is used by both appraisers and brokers. This method uses multiples observed in the sale of similar assets in the market. While the valuation methods used in ValuTrax™ are accepted by the valuation community, business brokers and other professionals who routinely set listing/selling prices for businesses are not required to meet the same standards as formal appraisal practices. ValuTrax™ is intended for use by such professionals.