Value a Business
Sample Valuation Guidelines

Sample Valuation Guidelines

1. An extremely well-established and steady business with a rock-solid market position, whose continued earnings will not be dependent upon a strong management team.
   A multiple of eight to ten times current profits

2. An established business with a good market position, with some competitive pressures and some swings in earnings, requiring continual management attention.
   A multiple of five to seven times current profits

3. An established business with no significant competitive advantages, stiff competition, few hard assets, and heavy dependency upon management’s skills for success.
   A multiple of two to four times current profits

4. A small personal service business where the new owner will be the only, or one of the only, professional service providers.
   A multiple of one times current profits.