Posts by brandon_hall

Key Takeaways The Question Behind the Question Many owners begin with a simple question: what is my business worth? The answer depends on how the question is approached. Some assume “business valuation” means any estimate of value. Others get a general pricing opinion from a broker and treat it as the same thing. In practice…

Key Takeaways The Assumption Almost Every Owner Starts With Many business owners begin with a reasonable-sounding assumption: if the business is worth a certain amount, that must be what a buyer will pay. In real transactions, it rarely works that cleanly. A company may carry a well-supported value based on financial analysis, market data, and…

Key Takeaways Why There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Formula When an owner asks what the business is worth, the harder question is how you actually arrive at the number. Many expect a single standard formula. Valuation does not work that way: different businesses are valued differently depending on earnings, assets, industry, risk, growth, and the reason…

Key Takeaways When business owners think about what their company is worth, they usually start with what they can see: equipment, vehicles, inventory, real estate, the cash in the bank. That instinct makes sense. Tangible assets are easy to point to and easy to count. But in most operating businesses, a large share of the…

Key Takeaways When an SBA 7(a) loan is being used to finance a business acquisition, valuation becomes one of the most important parts of the deal process. Buyers want confidence they are paying a fair price. Sellers want the transaction to move forward without unexpected issues. Lenders need support that the value of the business…

For closely held business owners considering succession, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) offers a path to liquidity that few other structures can match: meaningful immediate proceeds, ongoing seller-note cash flow, federal income tax deferral or elimination depending on entity choice, and a transition that preserves the company’s culture, workforce, and independence. The same federal…

Key Takeaways For many businesses, machinery and equipment represent a significant portion of total assets. Manufacturing companies, construction firms, logistics operations, and industrial businesses often invest heavily in physical assets that support daily operations. Because of this, M&E valuation becomes an important part of financial planning, lending, transactions, litigation, and reporting. Whether a company is…

Key Takeaways Many business owners assume value is mostly based on sales, assets, or how much effort they have put into the business over the years. In reality, business value is shaped by a broader set of factors. Two companies with similar revenue can have very different values depending on profitability, risk, growth trends, management…

Key Takeaways If you’re exploring a business valuation or equipment appraisal, you probably want a straight answer on pricing before committing to a phone call. We get that — and we believe you deserve it. At BGH Valuation, we quote most engagements on a fixed-fee basis and share indicative pricing upfront so you can evaluate…

Key Takeaways Understanding the Basics of Business Valuation Whether you’re preparing to sell, planning your estate, onboarding investors, or simply measuring your company’s performance, asking “How much is my business worth?” is a critical step. However, determining business value is rarely simple. A proper valuation considers not only the numbers on your balance sheet but…