How much can I get when I sell?

Every business owner wants to know the answer to that question.  The issue is how to arrive at an accurate amount that will provide your business with the best chance of being sold at the best price.  Our definition is based on reality:  The business is worth what someone is willing to pay for it provided it is an amount that you, the owner, will accept.  When selling a business, the challenge is to first determine a realistic price range.

Factors That Determine Value  The primary driver of a business’ worth is the amount of Owner Benefit (“OB”) it produces.  That is the amount you realize as the owner and the amount a buyer will expect to also make.  It is net profit plus certain expenses which are “added back” to the profit amount.  These add backs are tax benefits, owner personal benefits and certain other types of expenses.

Tax benefits consist of Depreciation and Amortization expenses (“paper only” expenses), business trips, a business vehicle and similar expenses. Personal benefits include health and life insurance as well as any other personal expenses charged to the business.  In addition, certain other expenses of a one-time (non-recurring) nature are also considered a benefit item. An example would be clean up expense from a broken water pipe.  When put together it is Profit + Tax Benefit Expenses + Personal Benefit Expenses + certain other Expenses = OB

Sold Business Databases

Once the OB is established, it, along with your business’ sales amounts, are used to research large databases of sold like businesses to determine how your business compares to them. The databases Infinity Business Brokers uses are not available to the public. The research produces OB and Sales multiples that are applied to your business.  For example, in Florida, Hair Salons are selling for 1.3 X Owner Benefit or 40% of Gross Sales.   Infinity Business Brokers also factors in any impact from the financial records, competition, industry trends, etc. to finally arrive at the expected price range.  (“Businesses sell for 2 times earnings” is a myth.  Every type of business sells at it own multiples!)

Price Reality Check

Once a potential asking price is established it must pass a reality check.  Business brokers call this check the “Acid Test”.

There must be sufficient OB to accomplish three things:

For example, a business is asking $500,000.  A buyer will put 20% ($125,000) down and finance $375,000 at 6.5% for 20 years producing an annual debt service of $33,551.  He requires a salary of $100,000/year and wants a 20% ROI on his $125,000 cash ($25,000/year).  The OB must be at least ($100,000 + $33,551 + $25,000)  $158,551.

We can accurately establish the real and saleable worth of your business!

Would you like to know how much you might be able to get for your business? Are you curious what businesses like yours have recently sold for? Leave us any questions or comments here and we would be happy to help.

Michael Monnot

941.518.7138
Mike@InfinityBusinessBrokers.com