Performing a business valuation by industry is an important method for deriving a fair market value for your particular business. Whether you are interested in buying or selling a business, assessing its correct value is of utmost importance. Many factors go into valuating your business and it depends on your industry. For example, if you were in manufacturing, such factors to consider would be your asset turnover rate, your level of specialization relative to your competition and how diversified your customer locations are. As there are multiple factors going into assessing your business’ worth, there are also different ways in which you can get your company’s worth. You can use an external valuator to assess the fair price of a business or do it yourself.

Getting a business assessment is an invaluable tool to help you make sound business decisions now and in the future. Follow these steps to get a business valuation by industry:

1. Use a variety of information resources to find the value of your company’s sector.

2. Learn the tools of the trade with software to find your business’ worth on your own time.

3. Consult business valuation advisors by industry and benefit from face-to-face meetings.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Utilize information from reports to put together a business valuation by industry

Perform a business valuation by industry by consulting trade-specific financial reports and analyses. A general report will show how the overall economy is looking. An industry-specific report will go into detail regarding the performance of the industry sub-division you are in.

I recommend: The Brandow Company has many different levels of industry specific reports of all SIC sub-divisions of businesses, such as market research reports for commercial cooking and food service equipment. U.S. Business Reporter is a good resource to find industry-specific financial information such as the market overview and industry trends for the computer server market.

Appraise a business yourself by using business valuation by industry software

Learn how to value a business by utilizing business valuation software. This can be very helpful if you are ever looking to expand your business, by opening up another location, or if you need to update your current inventory. The factors and formulas created especially for valuating an industry are included, ensuring that you will get as accurate a report as you would if a business valuation advisors by industry did it.

I recommend: Haleo Corporation has a software solution called ValuAdder that uses market comparables for 400 industries, promising you an accurate report for your unique company. The Express Business Valuation software from ValuSource uses market data and industry composition valuation methods to create a customized valuation report for your business.

Meet with local business valuation advisors by industry to get the job done

When looking to value a business, a local professional will have a better idea of your area's economy. This can work in your favor when you are looking to sell your business or purchase a new location, for example. These professionals will also be able to meet with you and go over the unique formulas and calculations that are necessary for a proper business valuation by industry.

I recommend: Halas and Associates is located in Charlotte, North Carolina and has many years of experience in providing accurate business valuations to their customers. Nationwide Valuations has offices all over the country that will complete your business valuation quickly and comprehensively.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  It is a good idea to get a business valuation by industry at least once a year to ensure the state of your business and financials are what you think they are.