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Weighted Business Valuation
When valuing a business, the appropriateness and weight given to each valuation method often depends on the specifics of the industry, the business’s financial structure, and its growth prospects. However, for a services business with recurring revenue streams, some methods will generally be more relevant than others.
When should each business valuation method be used
The table below indicates the most appropriate circumstances for each business valuation method:
| Business Valuation Method | Most Appropriate Circumstances | Inappropriate Circumstances |
| Return on Investment (ROI) Valuation | Used when investors want a direct understanding of their potential return. Best for investments where the expected ROI is a crucial deciding factor. | For businesses where long-term growth and sustainability are more important than immediate ROI. |
| EBITDA Multiplier | Suitable for businesses in industries where EBITDA is a standard performance metric, especially when comparing similar businesses in mergers or acquisitions. | In industries or businesses where EBITDA does not capture the whole financial picture, such as those heavily reliant on intangible assets. |
| Simple Cash Payback | Best for businesses or projects where the primary concern is a quick return on investment, without significant concerns for longer-term growth or profitability. | For long-term investments or where the investor is more concerned about the overall profitability and sustainability beyond just recouping costs. |
| Revenue Multiplier Valuation | Used frequently in early-stage industries or businesses where profits are not yet realized but there’s significant revenue growth. Also used where profit margins vary widely. | In mature industries or businesses where profitability, not just revenue, is a more critical measure of success. |
| Balance Sheet Valuation | Suitable for businesses with significant tangible assets, such as manufacturing or real estate companies. Less effective for businesses driven by intangible assets. | For businesses where the market value of assets differs greatly from book value, or in industries where intangible assets drive value. |
| Discounted Cashflow Valuation (DCF) | Ideal for businesses with predictable future cash flows, like stable or mature industries. It’s particularly valuable when future projections and growth are central to valuation. | For businesses with highly uncertain or unpredictable cash flows, or where precise future projections are challenging to make. |
| Cash Flow Valuation | Used for businesses in industries where the steadiness of cash flow is a key metric. It’s ideal for mature industries or businesses like rental properties. | Not suitable for startups or businesses with volatile cash flows where historical data may not represent future performance. |
Please note: This table provides a general guideline. In practice, the specifics of each business, its industry, and its current economic environment will often dictate which method or combination of methods is most appropriate.
Advantages & disadvantages of each Business Valuation method
The table below outlines the advantages and disadvantages of each business valuation method:
| Business Valuation Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Return on Investment (ROI) Valuation | – Direct understanding of potential returns. – Simplifies comparison between investment options. | – Over-simplifies business value. – May not consider long-term growth or sustainability. |
| EBITDA Multiplier | – Considers operational profitability. – Standardised metric in many industries, facilitating comparisons. | – May not fully account for capital structure, tax strategies, or non-operational elements. – Less effective for businesses with significant intangible assets. |
| Simple Cash Payback | – Provides quick insight into payback period. – Easy to understand and calculate. | – Ignores the time value of money. – May not consider long-term profitability or risks. |
| Revenue Multiplier Valuation | – Useful for businesses with high growth but no profits yet. – Simplifies comparisons in certain industries. | – Doesn’t consider profitability or costs. – May not represent true business value in mature or profit-driven industries. |
| Balance Sheet Valuation | – Based on objective, historical data. – Reflects tangible asset values. | – Ignores intangible assets and future earning potential. – Book values may not reflect current market values. |
| Discounted Cashflow Valuation (DCF) | – Comprehensive and forward-looking. – Considers the time value of money and future growth. | – Relies heavily on assumptions and predictions, which can be subjective. – Requires extensive data and can be complex to calculate. |
| Cash Flow Valuation | – Reflects a business’s ability to generate cash. – Useful for businesses in stable industries. | – Doesn’t consider the time value of money. – May not be suitable for businesses with highly volatile cash flows. |
