Business Valuation Philadelphia Pennsylvania
Assessing Business Value in Philadelphia
Have you ever assessed the value of your Philadelphia business? There are a number of intricate details that you have to evaluate in order to find your business’ fair market value. The value of a business might change depending on who you ask, but luckily there are certain consistent principles applied to any business valuation that is performed. 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 Business Valuation Services in Philadelphia
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.
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 Philadelphia is perhaps not as highly valued in a different city. By the same token, hidden value may lurk in a business that doesn’t seem as impressive at first glance. The particulars of a business will determine the outcome.
That’s why expertise is crucial in a business valuation. In addition to understanding your business, an accountant doing a valuation should know the ins and outs of finance, venture capital, tax law and other fields. The advantages of doing a business valuation correctly include understanding your selling price and stock compensation. But the reasons and advantages of a valuation are different for every circumstance. We at Redwood offer a free consultation for clients who need advice getting started with a business valuation.
Different Ways of Approaching Business Valuation
There are three main approaches to business valuation that an accountant or business valuator will use. 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 Philadelphia or elsewhere. The right approach for you depends on you, your business and what you hope to get out of a valuation.
Looking at 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. An accountant going forward with an asset-based mindset is theoretically attempting to imagine what it would cost to set up another, identical business. This reveals what that original business is worth (what kinds of assets it has) and what liabilities it has. The difference between the assets and the liabilities of the company is the business’ value.
It sounds straightforward, but there are hidden complexities. This process gains complexity when the accountant has to decide which assets to include. 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. Value here is determined based on the value of the assets the accountant finds in the business contrasted with the cost of any liabilities. A liquidation approach to determining worth is concerned with paying off liabilities before figuring out the value of a business. After a real liquidation, the business would receive cash; this now becomes the business’s value in a valuation.
The type of asset-based approach you choose depends on your business. It is possible that a different method is more suitable for your particular business. There are certainly some businesses, such as those that are in a sole proprietorship, that would be well-advised to take a different approach. By contrast, corporations spread out the ownership of assets throughout the company and could benefit more greatly from a valuation based on assets.
Looking at the Market
A market-based approach looks at the market as a whole and not solely at your business. The value of other businesses in Philadelphia could provide insight on your own. The goal is to see what your business would be worth by comparing it to other similar businesses.
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. An accountant using this approach will try to determine the fair market value of your business and what a buyer is likely to pay for it in the current climate.
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.
Making a Valuation Based on Income or Earnings
An income- or earning-based approach is different from the other two in that it is concerned with future potential. An income-based approach tries to use current income and earnings to predict how much a business will be worth in the future.
Of course, assessing value this way comes along with the risk of assumptions and predictions that invite uncertainty. 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. The market itself can produce spikes and dips that require an additional capitalization factor to be figured into the assessment.
There are, as with other methods, additional considerations here, such as the type of business you run. 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
Not all valuations are the same and not all valuations are confined strictly to businesses. Business valuations are just one type of valuation that is possible. A different reason for a valuation could include something such as intellectual property.
Getting a 409A Valuation
This type of valuation is concerned with the stocks connected to your business. Stocks are frequently given to employees and contractors as part of their earnings from working. Such businesses need a 409(a) 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. 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. Any employee offered stock as part of their compensation must be able to buy equity in your company at or above the fair market value determined through this valuation. Other deferred compensation that requires a 409A valuation includes salary deferral arrangements and bonus plans the company issues.
Often, you will know you need this type of valuation because it will be legally required of your business. 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.
It is advised that you don’t try to do a 409A valuation yourself, even though you can, and instead, let an accountant deal with unforeseen difficulties that you aren’t prepared to handle. They can also help you choose the best approach to this valuation for your circumstances and business needs.
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. Or you might be hoping to assess your tax liability by looking at your business’ value.
Whatever the reason, a skilled valuator can help you get equity and enterprise valuations. Redwood’s expert team has grown to keep pace with our increasing client needs. 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.
The intimate details of IRS regulations, business, and finance can be a complex maze to try to sort through. You know your business, but evaluating your business against all applicable laws, regulations, and financial considerations takes an expert in the field of business valuation.
Valuations for IP and Patents
Patents and intellectual property also require their own valuations. However, this type of valuation can impact a wide range of businesses. Some of our clients have concerns about trademarks and trade secrets, while others want to make sure they stay in compliance with taxes. But you might also seek an IP and patent valuation in order to plan, secure a merger or acquisition, or during litigation.
Once you have a patent or intellectual property that has value, you need to make sure it is protected. These assets can be difficult to appraise as they are often intangible and difficult to define. 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.
This type of business valuation looks at all the different parts of a business to determine its value. In a transaction, a lot of smaller pieces of a company can be traded and purchased and it’s important to understand the value of all of these.
The Last Word on Business Valuations
Here at Redwood Valuation Partners, you will find the expertise you need for your valuation. Whether you are comparing your business to others in Philadelphia or looking elsewhere, a business valuation can show you the fair market value of your business and assets and keep you in compliance with any tax code regulations.
Knowing the fair market value of your business can help your future. Whether you are looking to assess your value for the sake of selling or have yearly tax considerations, a business valuation will help. You also could seek a business valuation in order to protect a patent. Assets and liabilities are complicated. Get experts on your side who know how to cut through the complicated legal language to get you the information you need. Whether it’s finance, tax issues or business, our accountants are prepared to navigate the technicalities with you.
One of our core values is teamwork, which we believe can help even in the complex world of venture capital and auditing. Our team consists of experts who have worked in their specialties for years. 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.
Whether you want a valuation for selling, taxes or any other reason, we can promise client focus and years of experience when working alongside you. Along with audit defense, we will give you a free consultation before beginning your valuation, which comes with a customized report. We can assist you from the very beginning if you don’t know where to start. And our customized reports will include all the detail you need to make business decisions based on your valuation. Get a deeper look at your business that includes objective factors as well as subjective ones during the assessment. Finally, you will have nothing to fear from audits, as our audit defense is prepared to protect you should the occasion arise.
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. Begin your process with a free consultation.
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 Philadelphia, PA.
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 Philadelphia
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
