Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory

A Neumann & Associates, LLC

October 7, 2021

Which Multiplier?

By Achim Neumann

Multiplier

“I know the value of my business, it’s one and a half times sales,” said the business owner and was firmly convinced that any business appraisal would come to the same conclusion and thus, worthless.

However, in reality, applying a single multiplier is simply the worst mistake a business owner can do, in particular, if the selling of the business is the last step in monetizing many years of hard work in building the business.

Indeed, if only a single multiplier – such as sales in this example – is needed to establish a value of a business, then the world would be a very simple place.

But, if of two similar companies with the same sales level, one company were highly profitable, while the second is unprofitable, would buyers indeed value both companies the same by applying a multiplier to sales? Barely!

“Obviously, any savvy investor will look beyond a single multiplier valuation, indeed, most often, investors will look for cash flow being generated by the company as the most important criteria,“ says Achim Neumann, President, A Neumann & Associates, LLC, a New Jersey based Business Brokerage and M&A Advisory firm, helping mid-sized businesses to transfer business ownership.

So what are the “right” ratios to define a company’s value? Accredited, professional business valuation firms use a variety of different metrics in arriving at a Fair Market Value for a business – encompassing Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss data, as well as “real world” transaction closings:

Asset Based Business Valuation:

Cash Flow Based Business Valuation:

  • Single Period Capitalization Method
  • Excess Earnings Method

Market Based Business Valuation:

  • Historic Comparative Closings Based on Revenue
  • Historic Comparative Closings Based on Seller Discretionary Cash Flow
  • Historic Comparative Closings Based on EBITDA

Typically, a valuation firm first develops a market value based on each of these individual approaches, then weights each approach and uses the weighted average as the final Fair Market Value.

How does the valuation firm know the derived value represents the “right” value?

Generally speaking, the valuation firm will “test” the derived value against some plausibility checks. For example, a “Price Justification Chart” will be established to determine, if the derived value provides a realistic ROI for an investor. Further, a multiplier of EBITDA will indicate, if the derived value falls within the band with of previously closed transactions.

In short, a multitude of different metrics are being applied in arriving at a Fair Market Value for a company, and there is no such thing as one-multiplier defining a market value.

As a matter of fact, a single multiplier valuation is almost always wrong in defining the value of a business, and an incorrect value can be the reason for a business owner to leave “a lot of money on the table” (in case of an under-valuation), or to never sell the company while compromising confidentiality in the process (in case of an over-valuation).

And looking from an economic point of view, relying on a simple, one-multiplier valuation makes even less sense, given that the valuation expense is often less than 0.05% of a transaction – an amount, that can easily be re-cooperated in negotiations with a buyer by a well prepared owner with a properly valued business.

So, why rely on a single multiplier value determination and instead of having an accredited valuation in place?

About A Neumann & Associates, LLC

A Neumann & Associates, LLC is a professional mergers & acquisitions and business brokerage firm having assisted business owners and buyers in the business valuation and business transfer process through its affiliations for the past 30 years. With an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, the company has senior trusted professionals with a deep knowledge based in multiple field offices along the East Coast and has performed hundreds of business valuations in its history. The firm’s competitive transaction fees are based on successfully completing transactions. For more information, please contact A Neumann & Associates at 732-872-6777 or info@neumannassociates.com

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“ I appreciate your diligent approach to screening buyers and sellers as well as the high quality CIM that you produce.”

Andrey O, Investor

“Finally enjoying retirement after recently selling my business using the services of A Neumann & Associates. Joe Oddo provided the conduit to a successful transaction. Joe knew when to inject input and when to simply listen and allow the buyers to vent, step back and regroup. The outcome met our expectations and got us to the finish line, which included my staying with the company six months in order for the buyers to get their footing and keep our workforce in the loop. He helped at every step by providing his expert guidance & resources. Thank you!”

Emily Parker Myers, Co-Owner - Myers McRae

“I had been in touch with Karin and Gary from A Neumann & Associates regarding some opportunities and was looking forward to meeting with them. Hence, when they organized a seminar in Princeton, NJ, I was quick to sign up. The seminar was very informative as the team walked the attendees through various scenarios and referenced real life buying/selling situations they had been through. The sessions by Gary, Karin and Achim were crisp and focused and brought clarity to potential seller and buyers. I strongly recommend the team and look forward to continue working with them.”

Gaurav Tyagi

“Thank you for your Event on "How to value, Sell, and Buy A Business for Maximum Profit" and the insight into ANA’s approach on what is involved in the Business Exit for sellers. Garys Hervieiou's "Business Valuation", Achim's "Deal structure" presentation and Karin’s "Preparing the Package" are real street knowledge shared. They answered attendees questions which makes it more interesting for learning from others. Great for small businesses like us. The presentations were totally worth our time and travel for the event to Princeton, NJ from Rockville MD. Ravi Bhutani, President, CIPS”

Ravi Bhutani

“Gary, this is to thank you for an excellent job done in selling our business. We could never have done it without your professional expertise, dedication and time put in without reservation to make it happen. We will gladly and highly recommend you to anybody in our position.  It was a pleasure to work with you.”

Pat Iammatteo, Owner

“Your vetting is simply outstanding, among the best I've seen from a broker.”

Eric H., Investor

“I recently contacted A. Neumann and Associates about getting a valuation of my business done. I spoke with Marc, who explained the process in detail. After meeting with Marc in order to get a clear understanding of my business, and what I was hoping to accomplish. His patience in answering all my questions and his knowledge of the proper way to market my business gave me great confidence that this is the firm I will be using to sell my business for max value. Working with Marc at A Neumann & Associates was very easy and professional. I did not know all that was going to be involved in selling my business but they helped me through the process. What I thought was going to be a just another one of those pushy sales companies was just the opposite. Polite, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to talk to and deal with. I highly recommend this firm to anybody who wants to sell now or down the road. Marc not only knows his stuff, but actually is a real nice guy.”

Double Diamond

“Used A Neumann & Associates to sale my business. could not imagine having done it with out the patience and experience Gary provided. Thanks Gary,”

Dennis Frazier

“Working with Marc and his company was a pleasure. What I thought was going to be a just another one of those pushy sales companies was just the opposite. Polite, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to talk to and deal with. Marc handled most of the interaction and he has one of the greatest demeanors. Again, it was a pleasure working with him and his firm.”

Douglas DiCeglio

“I recently completed an acquisition using A Neumann & Associates. Tony Valentino was very helpful and accessible during the entire process. They do a thorough job vetting both parties and got us to the finish line.”

Srini Mudambi
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If you are considering selling your business, please contact us to learn more about our comprehensive service spectrum. Our experienced professionals will answer all your questions about selling a privately held business in complete confidentiality. Please fill out our contact form, or call us at 732-872-6777. We will contact you directly and will never identify ourselves to your employees.

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