Valuation of a Company in Los Angeles, California

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Valuation of a Company in Los Angeles, California

Valuation of a Company in Los Angeles, California

The value of a privately owned business in Los Angeles depends on a number of factors, including its financial strength and profitability, the strength of the industry, competitiveness, dependency of the business on the owner and future viability of the company.  There are three common approaches used by certified business appraisers in Los Angeles to perform and create a business valuation report, although there may be additional approaches used.  The American Society of Appraisers has developed appraisal standards for the Asset-Based Approach, the Market Approach and the Income Approach for creating a business valuation report.

The Asset-Based Approach to value a business, sometimes referred to as the “Cost Approach,” is asset-oriented.  Each component of a business is valued separately and then summed to derive the total value of the business.  The book value of each asset must first be determined (original cost minus depreciation works for some assets), cash and marketable securities are valued at face value and inventory values vary by type.  The value is estimated based on the cost of duplicating or replacing the individual assets.  The next step is to adjust these values to reflect their fair market value in Los Angeles, which results in an adjusted book value.  Next, deduct liabilities (short-term debt at face value and long-term debt at a discount).  Last, subtracting the liabilities from the adjusted book value results in the business valuation total (aka, Valuation of a Company in Los Angeles).

The Market Approach to value a business is based on an analysis of the purchase price of similar business in the Los Angeles California market.  Financial ratios are used to compare the subject company to other companies and then a set of appropriate multiples are developed to be used in the business valuation.  An earning period is then selected (usually the last 12 months, but may include up to 36 months) and earnings and cash flow are analyzed over these periods using the multiples.  Then, a business value is selected based on how the company compares with the others.

How are businesses value using the Income Approach to value a business focuses on the earnings of the business.  The business value is based on an estimate of the income the purchaser could reasonably expect from the business.  The computations generally determine that the value of the business is equal to the expected future income of the business divided by the rate of return.

There are also several income approach methods commonly used to value a business and create a accurate and defensible business valuation report.  They all use some selected level of earnings and match it to the corresponding conversion factor.  When performed properly, each of the methods should produce similar values.  The Multiple of Discretionary Earnings approach is widely accepted and is conducted in two steps.  First, the discretionary earnings likely to reoccur in the near future is determined by either averaging the last several years or using only the last year, if the most recent year better reflects the projected earnings of the company.  Discretionary earnings are defined as reported pretax earnings, plus the owner’s salary, interest expense, depreciation and any personal expenses run through the business.  The second step is to select a multiplier.  The discretionary earnings value (used in step one) times the multiplier produces the value of the business.

In conclusion, a business valuation expert in Los Angeles will determine a relative weight to be assigned to each of the various methods used or they may decide that the way to value a business in should be derived from a single method.  One or more approaches may not be relevant to the particular situation.  Typically, the rationale will be included for the selection of weighting of the method or methods used in reaching the final value and detailed in a business valuation report.

The information on how are businesses valued, is quite complicated process.  Consult with a professional business valuation expert that has technical and business experience, the ability to select the appropriate valuation techniques, and a thorough understanding of today’s tax laws, corporate finance and market conditions.  An unbiased business valuation serves as a benchmark, minimizes ownership disputes and provides a realistic, credible and defend-able business valuation report for any business owner.

Learn more about Valuation of a Company click here:   fortunebta.com/business-valuations/

If you reside in Los Angeles California contact American Fortune Business Valuation Services to learn how are businesses valued. We have served clients by preparing their Business Valuation Report in the following areas of the USA:  Columbus Ohio, Atlanta Georgia, Lexington Kentucky, Bowling Green Kentucky, Nashville Tennessee, Memphis Tennessee, Cincinnati Ohio, Dayton Ohio, Toledo Ohio, Los Angeles, Cleveland Ohio, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, Baltimore Maryland, Indianapolis Indiana, Chicago Illinois, Detroit Michigan, Flint Michigan, Tampa Florida, St. Louis Missouri, Kansas City Kansas, Des Moines Iowa, Minneapolis Minnesota, Louisville Kentucky, Oklahoma City Oklahoma, Dallas Texas, Fort Worth Texas, Denver Colorado, San Francisco California, Salt Lake City Utah, Phoenix Arizona, San Diego California.

For a accurate, defensible and low cost Valuation of a Company Report in Los Angeles California contact American Fortune Business Valuation Services at 800-244-0480

www.fortunebta.com

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