How do I calculate what my company is worth?

The basic principle underlying all business valuation calculations is relatively simple: the value of a business is equal to its expected future cash flows, discounted to reflect the time value of money. In other words, the value of your business is based on how much money it's expected to generate in the future, taking into account the cost of waiting for that money to arrive.

There are a number of different factors that can impact the value of your business, including its financial performance, industry trends, location, and the overall economic environment. And, there are a number of approaches to calculate the final value. It's important to consider all of the internal and external factors affecting a company when calculating the business's market value, as they can have a significant impact on the final number. All businesses are different and identifying the right valuation approach for your business is a combination of science and art.

1. Book Value Method: This method values a business based on the value of its assets minus its liabilities. It's a simple and straightforward method that can be useful for companies with a strong balance sheet. However, it doesn't take into account the value of intangible assets such as brand recognition or intellectual property.
2. Discounted Cash Flow Method: This method values a business based on its future cash flows, taking into account the time value of money. It's a more sophisticated method that is often used for companies with a solid financial track record and clear growth prospects. The valuation is based on a projection of future cash flows and a discount rate to reflect the risk involved in waiting for those cash flows.
3. Market-Based Method: This method values a business based on comparable transactions in the market. For example, if similar businesses have recently sold for a certain multiple of earnings, the valuation of your business would be based on a similar multiple of earnings. This method is often used for companies in mature industries with a track record of stable financial performance.
4. Income Capitalization Method: This method values a business based on the present value of its future income. It's similar to the discounted cash flow method, but instead of projecting future cash flows, it's based on the current earnings of the business. This method is often used for companies with a history of stable and predictable earnings.

At Palo Verde Capital, we have a wealth of experience and expertise when it comes to business valuation. As a private equity firm specializing in acquiring majority interest in established main street and lower middle market businesses in the DFW metroplex, we're here to help you get a fair and accurate estimate of your business's value. Whether you're considering a sale or just want to know what your business is worth, we'd love to hear from you.