Business Valuation Orlando Florida
How to Find the Value of Your Orlando, Florida 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. The value of a business means different things to different people, but there are some core principles of business valuation that can help you get the right valuation done for your Orlando business. This seems like it could be overwhelming, but it shouldn’t be. Our experts at Redwood Valuation Partners have years of experience in business valuation and are eager to help you through the process from start to finish.
409A Valuation in Orlando, FL plus IRC 409A Valuation, and Purchase Price Allocation
Call Redwood Valuation Partners for your next business valuation (206) 660-1295
Why Do Businesses Get Valuations?
If you want to know exactly how much your business may be worth if you sold it, you should seek a business valuation. Don’t try to go into business negotiations about selling a business before you’ve gotten a valuation from a skilled accountant who’s an expert in the field.
In addition to how much a business is worth, a valuation can show which parts of a business are valuable. There are as many factors involved in the value of a business as there are businesses themselves. It might be surprising to learn that a business with a very high value in Orlando is perhaps not as highly valued in a different city. Likewise, a business that seems like a tiny startup could have a ton of hidden value for the right buyer. It all depends on your perspective.
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. If you are interested in stock compensation, expenses or selling price, you will see a lot of benefits from a well-done business valuation. Ultimately, the reason for a business valuation depends on your particular circumstances. We at Redwood offer a free consultation for clients who need advice getting started with a business valuation.
What Approaches Are There to Business Valuation?
An accounting doing a business valuation will likely take one of three main approaches to assessing the value of a business. These three approaches are not the only possible ways of looking at a business’s value, however. These methods apply to an array of businesses, whether they’re in Orlando or elsewhere. The best approach for your business depends on your reason for getting a valuation and your long-term goals for your company.
Determining Value Based on Assets
There are several asset-based approaches possible for business valuation. The aim of an asset-based approach is to total the investments of a business. The business valuator tries to determine with this method what it would cost to set up another business exactly like the one that already exists. Assets and liabilities are much easier to see through this theoretical new business. Then, the valuator can simply subtract the liabilities from the assets to figure out the worth of the business.
Of course, this approach is deceptively simple. In practice, determining which assets and liabilities to include, and how, is a tricky process. Typically, one of two methods will be chosen for proceeding: either a going concern asset-based approach or a liquidation asset-based approach.
A going concern asset-based approach is a little more straightforward. The accountant looks at the company’s net balance sheet to find the value of its assets and then deducts the value of its liabilities. In the other approach, a liquidation asset-based approach, the accountant first imagines that all the assets and liabilities were paid off, as though the business was liquidated. After a real liquidation, the business would receive cash; this now becomes the business’s value in a valuation.
The specifics of your business may reveal whether this sort of approach is right for you. It is possible that a different method is more suitable for your particular business. As one example, a business that is owned in the name of a single person ”a sole proprietorship” should be advised not to take 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
It can be useful in a valuation to look at the bigger picture and see what a business is worth compared to the rest of the market. For example, you could compare your business to others located in Orlando. Viewing your business side-by-side with other, similar ventures can provide crucial information for figuring out the value of a business.
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. Private and protected information such as non-competition clauses can prove a barrier to obtaining some of the information needed to make a valuation.
Income- or Earning-Based Approach
This approach to business valuation looks at potential and future value in order to draw conclusions. By looking at the income of the business in the present day, it is possible to make a strong prediction about future value.
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. One method to smooth the bumps in the road in this method is to “normalize” a business’s earnings so there are no remarkable costs or windfalls that could skew figures. Sometimes, these predictions are divided by capitalization factors that fluctuate based on the market.
Again, sole proprietorship and the exact style of business can impact the ultimate valuation here. If a business is strongly linked with its owner and that owner sells or leaves the business, an evaluation based on past performance could lose its validity depending on how customers react to the change.
What Kinds of Valuations Exist?
A valuation has benefits beyond just figuring out what a business is worth and there is therefore a lot of variety in types of valuations. There are other value assessments that serve difficult purposes. Others focus on things such as patents and intellectual property.
409A Valuations
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. Such businesses need a 409A valuation because that stock is considered a form of income offered in one year but paid out in a different year.
This may seem overwhelming. It simply means those stocks have to be accounted for. A benefit of this form of business valuation is that it can determine a company’s fair market value. The fair market value determined by this valuation is a benchmark at or above which employees given stock must be able to sell. Other deferred compensation that requires a 409A valuation includes salary deferral arrangements and bonus plans the company issues.
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. A Redwood valuator will know the ins and outs of this type of valuation, as well as the best approach for you and your business as you undergo this process.
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. Perhaps you are interested in finding the likely selling price of your business on the market. 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. At Redwood, we’ve seen our clients’ needs expand as our own business has expanded. We years of experience and a comprehensive team, we are prepared to take on a host of business valuations needs. Perhaps you want to ensure compliance with tax reporting or, conversely, find the fair market value of your business.
IRS regulations, business needs and finance are complex fields that call for knowledge and specialization. While you’re concerned with your business running smoothly, let experts tackle the ins and outs of a getting a valuation done.
IP and Patent Valuations
Intellectual property and patents have separate valuation concerns. Most businesses do have some sort of intangible property that want to protect and valuate, though. Some of our clients have concerns about trademarks and trade secrets, while others want to make sure they stay in compliance with taxes. Other reasons for IP and patent valuations include business planning, mergers and acquisitions and litigation support.
Make sure your patent or intellectual property is protected by understanding what it’s worth on the market. Defining assets that are not necessarily tangible can be complex, though. But the value of IP and patents cannot be understated, especially in recent times when so much of a business’s value comes from these assets in particular.
What is a Purchase Price Allocation?
You may be required to do a purchase price allocation. 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. Purchase price is the crucial outcome of such an evaluation of a business.
This type of business valuation looks at all the different parts of a business to determine its value. It is not always the case that a business is sold as one whole entity; it may be sold in smaller pieces.
What’s the Bottom Line?
Here at Redwood Valuation Partners, you will find the expertise you need for your valuation. Whether your business is in Orlando or somewhere else entirely, we can help you find the value of your business or intellectual property and stay in compliance with the tax code and other laws and regulations.
Often, you will need to know the fair market value of your business. Whether you are looking to assess your value for the sake of selling or have yearly tax considerations, a business valuation will help. Maybe you are seeking a business valuation for tax reasons or to assess the value of a patent. Don’t get overwhelmed by the details. Get experts on your side who know how to cut through the complicated legal language to get you the information you need. Our team has worked for years in business, finance, and tax issues, allowing us to meet the needs of a wide range of businesses.
One of our core values is teamwork, which we believe can help even in the complex world of venture capital and auditing. At Redwood, we have built a team grounded in years of expertise and business knowledge. 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. Along with the obvious, our valuations include customized reports, audit defense, and free consultations. We can assist you from the very beginning if you don’t know where to 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. And if an audit should come up, you can rest easy knowing our audit defense has your back at any time.
In the end, if you need a business valuation, you will likely need help with that valuation. 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 Orlando, FL.
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 Orlando
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
