Why Cash Flow Must Justify the Price: The Real Test Behind SBA Valuations

Key Takeaways In SBA transactions, there’s plenty of talk about valuation reports, projections, financing structures, and buyer strength. All play a role—but none of them ultimately determine whether a deal gets approved. The central test never changes: Does the business, as it exists today, generate enough cash flow to justify the purchase price? Even though…

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Understanding Fair Market Value vs. Investment Value in Business Valuations

Key Takeaways In business valuation, precision begins with knowing which standard of value applies. The same company can be worth very different amounts depending on the purpose of the valuation and the perspective being taken. For example, a business valued for tax reporting must meet very different criteria than one being purchased by a strategic…

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SBA SOP 50 10 8: Key Changes and What They Mean for Business Valuations

Key Takeaways On April 22, 2025, the Small Business Administration (SBA) released SOP 50 10 8, with an effective date of June 1, 2025. A revised version with technical updates followed on May 29, 2025, clarifying many of the initial changes. This latest update represents a shift back toward more traditional SBA underwriting requirements, with…

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Gift Smart, Save Big: Using Business Valuations to Slash Estate Taxes

Updates below due to the Big Beautiful Bill signed into law as of July 4th, 2025. Key Takeaways For owners of closely held businesses and the attorneys who advise them, the 2025 estate and gift tax landscape presents a powerful opportunity. With lifetime exemptions nearing historic highs, now is the time to act strategically. Gifting…

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