Business Valuation Milwaukee Wisconsin
How to Find the Value of Your Milwaukee, Wisconsin Business
Have you ever wondered how much your business is actually worth? Finding that number can be a difficult process involving a whole slew of factors, from where you’re located to what “value” means to you. While the precise “value” of a business is a somewhat nebulous concept, there are consistent methods of assessment that can set you on the right track if you’re trying to find the value of your business. This might seem complicated, but we can help. At Redwood Valuation, we built our foundation on years of experience that we leverage to assist our customers seeking business valuations.
409A Valuation, IRC 409A Valuation, Purchase Price Allocation in Milwaukee, WI
Call Redwood Valuation Partners for your next business valuation (206) 660-1295
Top Reasons to Seek a Business Valuation
If you want to know exactly how much your business may be worth if you sold it, you should seek a business valuation. Anyone hoping to sell a business will be better positioned during negotiations if they have gotten a thorough business valuation before any talks began.
A business valuation shows not just overall worth, but also where that value originates from. Teasing out all the reasons a business is valuable is complicated, though. It might be surprising to learn that a business with a very high value in Milwaukee is perhaps not as highly valued in a different city. In contrast, a business that seems modest and small may actually hold a lot of value for a buyer. It comes down to the details.
It’s imperative, then, that your business valuation is handled by professionals. Getting your business valued requires knowledge of finance, tax law, venture capital and the audit process, as well as of your business. But the benefits of a business valuation come in many forms, from stock compensation to expenses to selling prices. However, any advantages of doing a valuation are up to you and your business. A free consultation from Redwood may help you clarify the reasons for your valuation and the best approach for your particular business.
What Approaches Are There to Business Valuation?
When assessing the value of any business, there are three broad approaches that are considered standard. There could be other approaches to business valuation, but the three described here encompass the most common methods. No matter where your business is located, these methods can help you find your business’s value. The best approach for your business depends on your reason for getting a valuation and your long-term goals for your company.
Looking at Assets
There are several asset-based approaches possible for business valuation. In this approach, a business’s investments are added up to determine value. One way to go about looking at a business’s assets is by figuring out how much it would cost to set up a brand new business that mimics the existing one. This exercise can reveal a lot of information about a business, including its liabilities and assets. The difference between the assets and the liabilities of the company is the business’ value.
It sounds straightforward, but there are hidden complexities. The difficulty lies in the details, where figuring out the worth of a business and sorting through assets and liabilities becomes more complicated. A going concern asset-based approach or a liquidation asset-based approach will help you move forward with this appraisal.
One method is to look at assets with a going concern. Simply put, the accountant can subtract the value of any liabilities from the assets that the business has. A liquidation approach to determining worth is concerned with paying off liabilities before figuring out the value of a business. The net cash received from such a liquidation is the business’ value.
Choosing an asset focused method of business valuation maybe right for your business. There are other approaches if focusing on assets is not right for your situation and goals. For example, a sole proprietorship in which assets are in the name of the business owner are not good candidates for this approach. A corporation, in which all assets are owned by the company as a whole, is a much better candidate for an asset-based approach.
Looking at the Market
Sometimes it is important to take in the whole picture, meaning the entire market, and not just your one business. The value of other businesses in Milwaukee could provide insight on your own. A method that uses comparison to determine value take into account other factors impacting the market as a whole.
An approach that is concerned with the market as a whole takes a much more detailed view of factors outside of just the details of your business’s finances. Some important considerations for this approach include the current fair market value of similar businesses and what price buyers are paying right now for businesses like yours.
This approach encounters difficulties in that often other businesses are not eager to share their worth with competitors. Non-competition clauses and private information can hinder this approach, making it difficult or potentially even impossible to get the information necessary for this type of valuation.
Income- or Earning-Based Approach
An income- or earning-based approach is different from the other two in that it is concerned with future potential. However, this method starts in the present, looking at the earnings of the business today to try to predict its future earnings.
Obviously, this invites an element of risk in that the accountant or valuator is attempting to determine value based on a predication. There is, however, reliable data to back up the value assessment made through this method. Often, a valuator will “normalize” current earnings, removing abnormal costs and windfalls, to try to get a reliable set of figures to work with. Additionally, capitalization factors may indicate abnormalities in the market itself that should be considered during a valuation.
How a business is run and who owns it is an important consideration here, as with other approaches to valuation. How customers view a business is a factor that is not captured in income figures or market values but that can impact a business’s value.
Different Kinds of Business Valuations
The types of valuations possible go beyond those meant strictly for businesses trying to sell. A business valuation is not the only type of assessment that is possible. Someone with a patent, for example, may also seek a valuation of their property.
Getting a 409A Valuation
A 409(a) valuation is conducted for the purpose of evaluating the stocks associated with the company. It is common for employees in many fields to receive stocks as compensation. When compensation comes in the form of stocks like this it is considered a special type of deferred payment that has to be reported.
It’s not as confusing as it seems. What it comes down to is stock options. Businesses who need this form of valuation need it in order to determine the fair market value of their business. Fair market value is especially important here because employees with stock need to be able to sell it at or above that mark. In addition to stock, a 409A valuation is required if your company issues bonus plans, salary deferral arrangements and other agreements involving deferred compensation for employees.
It is important to know whether or not your business is legally required to get this form of valuation. And if you’ve already gotten a 409A valuation, ensure you are getting re-evaluated once a year and/or any time your company closes a new funding round, in accordance with the law.
While you can do a 409A valuation yourself, a skilled accountant can guide you through the process with expertise to make sure you don’t hit any bumps along the way. Experience and expertise are key benefits that only an accountant can offer if you have to work through a 409A valuation.
Valuations for Businesses
Some of the reasons for a business valuation include things such as entity discussions and business negotiations, but they are also useful while planning a business or estate. Maybe you are wondering how much your business can sell for right now. Figuring out your tax liability is another common reason for seeking out a business valuation.
A practiced accountant can help navigate enterprise and equity valuations for businesses. As our clients have expanded, so has Redwood, increasing the size and expertise of our team. We have experienced accountants prepared for whatever your business’ specific valuation needs entail. Business valuation could include tax or financial reporting, assessment of fair market value or for purchase price allocations.
It takes an experienced team to understand the intricacies of business and finance, as well as IRS regulations. While you’re concerned with your business running smoothly, let experts tackle the ins and outs of a getting a valuation done.
Valuations for IP and Patents
Finding the value of intellectual property and patents is a specialized field. However, this type of valuation can impact a wide range of businesses. IP and patents are always under threat from competing trademarks and leaked trade secrets, as well as tax concerns. But you might also seek an IP and patent valuation in order to plan, secure a merger or acquisition, or during litigation.
Make sure your patent or intellectual property is protected by understanding what it’s worth on the market. It is sometimes complicated to find the value of these intangible assets. Despite the difficulty, IP and patents are extremely valuable assets that every business should seek to protect as well as they can.
Purchase Price Allocations (ASC 805)
Purchase price allocations, or ASC 805, may be necessary for your business. This requirement relates to the acquisition of businesses and includes determining the fair market value of the transaction consideration, intangible assets, liabilities and certain tangible assets as of the date of acquisition. This is particularly important for assessing purchase prices in an acquisition.
A purchase price allocation ultimately comes down to determining what various parts of a purchased business are worth, including assets and liabilities. Sometimes a business is sold in pieces and in such cases it’s important to find the value of those pieces before any transaction takes place.
Getting a Business Valuation Done Right
At Redwood Valuation Partners, we are experts in business valuation. Ensure that your Milwaukee business meets the requirements of the tax code and applicable regulations while finding the value of the assets, liabilities and intellectual property you hold.
Fair market value is a crucial piece of information you should have about your business. This may be because you intend to sell your company or because you want to stay in compliance with 409A. Intellectual property can be assessed and protected through a business valuation. Don’t get overwhelmed by the details. A helping hand through the process of business valuation can make the process easier. Our team has worked for years in business, finance and tax issues, allowing us to meet the needs of a wide range of businesses.
We understand the ins and outs of venture capital and auditing and take a teamwork-focused approach. Our valuation associates and analysts have worked in their field for years, becoming respected experts. We know the pressures and stress of running a successful business. That’s why we won’t waste your time; we’ll handle the details while you keep running your business.
Our principles when working with clients include intense focus, long experience and grounded expertise, no matter the cause for the valuation. We go beyond the standard valuation to offer a free consultation, as well as audit defense and customized reports. If you aren’t sure where to start, we can guide you through the process right from the start. Take a deeper look at your business with the customized report we provide as part of our valuations. The comprehensive valuation report will include subjective and objective factors relevant to your particular business. Plus, you can take one less burden off your plate with audit defense that guarantees audit defense at any time without high additional costs.
The bottom line is that a business valuation, for any reason, is best approached with help. Don’t try to tackle this task alone when Redwood is ready and able to help you with the process. A free consultation may be the perfect starting point.
Our clients have direct access to Redwood’s managing partners and directors. You know your business better than anyone, and the valuation process includes subjective assessments that require your input. We guide you through this process, save your time, and allow you to focus on what matters – growing your business. Get a quality company appraisal in Milwaukee, WI.
The Redwood team has performed many IRC 409A Valuation Seattle engagements, and we offer a wide variety of business appraisals to Seattle. Other services include ASC 805 valuation (purchase price allocations), IP valuation, patent valuation, impairment valuation, carried interest valuation, portfolio valuations, IRC 382 valuations, and many other types of stock valuations and business valuations.
With over 50 years of combined valuation experience, we provide top-tier expertise and client service at a reasonable price. Our experience as CFOs and Controllers of venture firms and startups separates us from our competitors who lack the boots-on-the-ground experience that our clients have, which we also share.
If you plan to issue stock options in the next twelve months or have any questions about potential valuations, give us a call for a free consultation and we will give you candid advice about whether a valuation may be needed and how we might help. Our goal is to help our clients achieve their desired goals with minimal burden.
409A Valuation Milwaukee
Redwood Valuation Partners was formed behind an idea of service positioning us as one of the most well-respected companies in the industry. Our expert knowledge of finance, tax, venture capital, and the audit process helps us understand the difficulties of start-ups. We speak your language! Give us a call and learn how we can help. For information on Business Valuations follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook and find us on Google+ too! (206) 660-1295
