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Key Takeaways With the release of SBA SOP 50 10 8.1, effective October 1, 2026, Quality of Earnings reports, commonly referred to as QoE reports, are becoming an important part of the financial due diligence process for certain SBA 7(a) change-of-ownership transactions. Under the new SOP, lenders must obtain a Quality of Earnings report in…

SBA has released SOP 50 10 8.1, effective October 1, 2026. It replaces SOP 50 10 8, and for 7(a) change-of-ownership lending it is a substantial update: the business valuation rules now sit inside a broader financial due diligence framework with new verification duties for lenders, a Quality of Earnings requirement for larger acquisitions, and…

Key takeaways  When a business is sold, the equipment included in the deal can represent a meaningful part of the transaction. But determining what that equipment is worth is not as simple as looking at the balance sheet or the original purchase price.  Machinery, vehicles, furniture, tools, computers, production lines, and other tangible assets can…

Key takeaways  Predictable revenue makes a business easier to understand, forecast, and price. That is why buyers and valuation professionals pay close attention to recurring revenue. Subscriptions, maintenance agreements, service contracts, memberships, retainers, and other repeat arrangements give a buyer visibility into next year that a business selling one project at a time cannot offer. …

Key takeaways  When an SBA lender says it needs an independent business valuation from a “qualified source,” the phrase means something more specific than hiring someone who has valued businesses before. For buyers, sellers, lenders, and advisors in a Small Business Administration (SBA) change-of-ownership transaction, understanding who qualifies matters. Selecting a professional who does not…

Key Takeaways Whether you are preparing to sell your business, planning your estate, bringing on a new partner, resolving a shareholder dispute, or meeting tax or financial reporting requirements, a business valuation starts with one thing: reliable information. One of the most common questions business owners ask is, “What documents do I need for a…

Key Takeaways If you are considering a business valuation, one of the first questions you will probably ask is, “How long is this going to take?” For most engagements, the answer falls somewhere between two and six weeks. The exact timeline depends on several factors, including the type of engagement required, the purpose of the…

Key Takeaways Whether you’re planning to sell your business, transfer ownership to family members, bring on an investor, resolve a shareholder dispute, or simply understand what your company is worth, preparing for a business valuation can make the process more efficient and the resulting analysis more meaningful. Many business owners assume they can request a…

Key Takeaways Many business owners assume a business valuation is something you obtain only when you’re ready to sell your company. In reality, there are many situations where having an up-to-date valuation can be valuable long before a sale is on the horizon. Ownership transitions, estate planning, shareholder agreements, financing, tax reporting, and strategic planning…

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…