Business Valuation – Frequently Asked Questions
100 clear questions and answers on company valuation. For fast, investor-ready reports, see Bisvalue’s valuation services.
Fundamentals & Methods
What is a business valuation?
An estimate of market value based on cash flows, assets, risk and market evidence. Explore packages in Bisvalue valuation services.
Why do companies get valued?
Sales, acquisitions, fundraising, incentive plans, tax, disputes and strategy planning. Overview in our services.
What are the main valuation approaches?
Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), market multiples (comps) and asset-based methods. Intro in the Bisvalue valuation model.
What is DCF?
Discounting future free cash flows using an appropriate cost of capital. How we apply it in the model.
When is DCF most appropriate?
When cash flows are forecastable and value drivers are clear. If unsure, contact Bisvalue.
What is a multiples valuation?
Applying EV/EBITDA, EV/Revenue or P/E of comparable companies to your metrics. Framework in the model.
What are transaction multiples?
Multiples observed in comparable M&A deals, used as references. Context in the model.
What is an asset-based valuation?
Focuses on adjusted net assets; useful for capital-intensive or loss-making businesses. More in the model.
Is there one “best” valuation method?
No. Professionals triangulate and weight methods. See reasoned ranges in Bisvalue reports.
EV vs equity value — what’s the difference?
Enterprise value includes net debt; equity value = EV − net debt (± adjustments). Basics in the blog.
What is “normalized” EBITDA?
EBITDA adjusted for non-recurring and non-operating items. Examples in the model.
How is working capital treated?
A normal level is required to operate; deviations at closing often adjust price. Assumptions in each Bisvalue valuation.
Why adjust for IFRS/GAAP differences?
To ensure comparability across accounting standards. Approach in the model.
How is leasing handled?
Consistent treatment (often capitalised) for fair comparisons. Notes in the model.
What is run-rate?
Annualised level extrapolated from a recent period; beware of seasonality. More in the blog.
How often should a company be valued?
For material events or annually for planning and incentives. Quick updates via Bisvalue.
What inputs are needed for a valuation?
History, budget/forecast, customer/product data, contracts, cap table, KPIs. Checklist in our services.
What is net asset/substance value?
Assets minus liabilities at market value. Where it fits in the model.
How is sum-of-the-parts (SOTP) used?
Value business units separately and add them up. Explanation in the model.
When is a quick “rule-of-thumb” valuation enough?
Only for early conversations; not for binding decisions. For robust analysis, order a report.
Risk, Cost of Capital & Markets
What is WACC?
Weighted average cost of capital from debt and equity. Parameter logic in the Bisvalue model.
How do rates and inflation affect value?
Higher rates/inflation increase discount rates and compress multiples. Market context in the blog.
What is beta?
A measure of market sensitivity used in the cost of equity. Usage in the model.
How do you estimate the risk-free rate?
Government bonds in the relevant currency and maturity. Disclosed in each valuation.
What is country/market risk premium?
Extra return for political/economic risks of a country or region. Integrated in the model.
How should currency be handled?
Forecast and discount in the same currency with consistent assumptions. More in the blog.
How does ESG risk influence value?
It can affect discount rates, margins and demand. Considered in Bisvalue reports.
What is an illiquidity discount?
Private shares often trade at a discount for lower liquidity/exit options. Treatment in the model.
Control premium and minority discount
Control positions may earn a premium; minority stakes often carry discounts. Discussed in reports.
How does competition impact value?
Intense rivalry compresses margins/multiples; moats support premiums. Strategy in the blog.
How to assess brand strength?
Pricing power and defensibility often translate to higher multiples. Drivers covered in services.
How to handle new/volatile sectors?
Use higher risk premia and wide scenarios; be cautious with multiples. For complex cases, Bisvalue Support.
Do board/owner track records matter?
Proven execution and good governance reduce risk and support premiums. Reflected in valuations.
What is a Quality of Earnings (QoE) review?
Independent assessment of the quality and sustainability of earnings. In M&A, combine with a Bisvalue valuation.
How does leverage affect value?
More debt raises risk and cost of capital but can boost ROE; net debt bridges EV and equity. Adjusted in the model.
Why is data quality critical?
Poor data → poor valuations; robust datarooms and traceability are essential. Guidance via Contact.
How does digitalisation impact value?
Scale and lower unit costs can lift multiples. Practical takes in the blog.
What is terminal growth?
Long-term growth rate beyond the explicit forecast; keep conservative and justified. Foundations in the model.
What forecast horizon should I use?
Typically 3–7 years depending on visibility and phase. Stated in each report.
Sensitivity vs scenario analysis
Sensitivity tests single assumptions; scenarios weight full futures (base/bull/bear). Both are included in Bisvalue valuations.
Models & Parameters
How is tax treated in DCF?
Model NOPAT (after tax) and a realistic long-run tax rate. Assumptions disclosed in our reports.
What is “normalized” capex?
Sustaining investment needed to maintain capacity. Placement in the model.
How to handle seasonality?
Use LTM/TTM and normalise outliers. Choices discussed on the blog.
How to select comparables?
Match business model, geography, size and growth. Logic in the model.
What if there are no “perfect” peers?
Use a basket of partially comparable peers and triangulate with DCF. Trade-offs in the model.
Off-balance-sheet obligations
Identify/capitalise commitments for fair comparability. Adjustments in reports.
Working capital mechanism in SPAs
A target is agreed; deviations at closing adjust price. Mechanics in the model notes.
What is an earn-out?
Contingent consideration tied to future performance that shares risk. For scenarios, use Bisvalue valuations.
How are intangibles valued?
Methods like relief-from-royalty or excess earnings for IP, brand and relationships. Treatment in reports.
How to value options/warrants?
Black–Scholes or binomial using volatility, term and rates. Parameters in the model.
Pre-money vs post-money value
Pre is before new capital; Post = Pre + new money. Concepts covered in the blog.
Impact of preferred shares
Preferences (liquidation, dividends) affect ordinary equity value. Reflected in reports.
Customer concentration
High concentration raises risk and can compress multiples. Treatment in the model.
Why document assumptions clearly?
Transparency improves credibility and follow-up. Disclosure structure in our valuations.
What is a reasonable valuation range?
Valuation is an interval, not a single point. Ranges motivated in Bisvalue reports.
Extraordinary events
Normalise history and use scenarios; don’t over-credit one-offs. Examples on the blog.
Crediting pipeline/backlog
Weight by probability and quality before recognising value. Criteria in the model.
How to value loss-making companies?
Focus on revenue/gross-profit multiples, unit economics and path to cash; triangulate with DCF. Patterns on the blog.
How to value micro/small companies?
Simpler models with wider ranges; owner/customer dependence weighs more. For practical ranges, request a valuation.
When is an independent opinion required?
Transactions, incentives, minority dealings, disputes or regulated processes. Start via Contact.
Industries & Business Models
How are SaaS companies valued?
EV/Revenue, Rule of 40, churn/LTV and DCF; net revenue retention is key. Guides on the blog.
How is e-commerce valued?
Gross margin, logistics, inventory turns and loyalty; profitability drives multiples. Framework in the model.
Professional services/consulting
Utilisation, rate cards, people risk and share of recurring revenue. Reflected in reports.
Industrial/manufacturing
Capital intensity, order book, margin cycles and pricing power. More in the model.
Marketplaces
GMV, take rate, network effects and retention; often revenue/GP multiples. Guides on the blog.
Asset-light vs asset-heavy
Asset-light models often get higher multiples; asset-heavy lean more on substance. Trade-offs in reports.
Scale-ups
Blend revenue/GP multiples with DCF and cohort analysis. Investor-ready ranges via Bisvalue.
Holdings/investment companies
NAV approach with discounts/premiums by quality and liquidity. Framework in the model.
Negative equity
Focus on going-concern, future cash generation and financing; asset-based methods may dominate. Edge cases with Support.
IP-intensive businesses
Royalty benchmarks, protection strength and monetisation paths. Treatment in reports.
Seasonal businesses
Use TTM and explicit seasonal profiles; avoid over-valuing peaks. Tips on the blog.
Do long-term contracts increase value?
Longer terms and low churn reduce risk and support higher multiples. Contract quality reflected in valuations.
Supplier dependence
Single-source raises risk; alternatives and strong contracts mitigate. Treatment in the model.
Project-driven businesses
Project margin, backlog, conversion and cash cycle drive value. Weighting rules in the model.
Platforms/ecosystems
Network effects, developer community and partnerships; premium if durable. Strategy angles on the blog.
When to use real-options analysis?
Phased entries/R&D where managerial flexibility has option value. Consult Bisvalue.
Pricing power & gross margin
Stronger pricing power and higher gross margin tend to support higher multiples. Cases on the blog.
Inventory-heavy models
Age, turns and obsolescence shape invested capital and risk. Lenses in the model.
Backlog credit (industry/construction)
Credit visibility, mix and delivery probability; be conservative on early orders. Treatment in reports.
Transactions & Due Diligence
What is due diligence and how does it affect value?
Financial, legal, technical and commercial reviews can adjust price, terms or structure. Combine with a Bisvalue valuation.
What is a fairness opinion?
An independent view on whether a proposed price is financially fair. Start via Contact.
How are earn-outs used in M&A?
They share risk by linking part of price to future performance. Alternatives modelled in reports.
Working-capital adjustment at closing
A target is agreed; deviation adjusts the purchase price. Mechanics in the model.
Warranties and off-balance liabilities
Identify and adjust EV/cash flow for real commitments. Disclosed in each valuation.
Regulatory approvals
Timing and conditions influence risk, synergies and deal certainty. For regulated scenarios, Support.
Why a well-structured dataroom?
It speeds reviews, reduces risk premia and builds trust. Checklist via Contact.
How to value minority shareholdings?
Often discounted for lower control and liquidity. Treatment in the model.
Indicative vs binding offer
Indicative is non-binding and information-limited; binding follows due diligence and agreements. Process on the blog.
How to choose advisers?
Sector/region experience, independence and clear methodology. For valuation, use Bisvalue.
Governance, Reporting & Compliance
What does a valuation report include?
Methods, assumptions, parameters, scenarios, sources and limitations. Structure in Bisvalue services.
How often should the board review value?
At least annually or at material changes. Bisvalue provides fast periodic updates.
How is independence ensured?
Separate interests, disclose conflicts and apply consistent methods. Approach at About.
Do IFRS/GAAP affect valuation?
Yes; comparability requires cross-standard adjustments. Alignment in the model.
How to communicate results externally?
Show ranges, key assumptions and uncertainties; avoid false precision. Tips on the blog.
Most common valuation errors
Over-optimistic forecasts, inconsistent assumptions, weak data and single-method bias. Bisvalue mitigates these in reports.
How does ESG reporting influence value?
Better ESG data can reduce cost of capital and attract investors. Practical angles on the blog.
How to treat grants/subsidies?
Disclose separately and assess durability; avoid over-valuing temporary support. Treatment in reports.
Internal value for incentive plans
Independent estimate for shares/options under local rules. Start via Contact.
How to keep the model up to date?
Roll LTM, refresh WACC/multiples and market data regularly. Annual reviews via Bisvalue.
Audit documentation
Data sources, workbooks, parameter rationale and approvals. Audit-friendly pack in services.
Transfer pricing and valuation
Intra-group pricing affects profitability and comparables. Discuss via Contact.
When does tax law require a valuation?
Transactions, restructurings, stock option grants or cross-border moves often need support. We prepare tax-ready reports.
Controls to avoid “model drift”
Versioning, peer review, parameter dashboards and periodic back-testing. Method in the model.
How to present synergies in valuations?
Separate from stand-alone value with realistic timing and costs. Synergy value shown in reports.
How to explain uncertainty to non-finance audiences?
Use clear ranges, scenario narratives and key sensitivities. Examples on the blog.
SMEs: point estimate or range?
Ranges are safer; SMEs have higher variance. Bisvalue provides decision-ready ranges.
Post-merger KPIs and the valuation link
Track synergy capture, margin uplift and capital efficiency vs the deal model. KPI bridges on the blog.
Governance practices that strengthen valuations
Independent oversight, consistent methods, strong data and periodic re-valuations. Set up your process with Bisvalue.