Business Valuation Software Application

Business valuation software to easily build a financial forecast and value any business

Business Valuation provides an economical, efficient and effective business valuation. It combines relative indicators for future performance with basic financial data (Revenue, Variable and Fixed Costs) to value a business. By uniquely applying your intuitive business and market knowledge a 3 year performance forecast with sensitivity analysis, investment return, and a business valuation is calculated. It is compact, easy to use, and requires minimal inputs.

  • Buying or selling a business?
  • How do you verify the value of a business?
  • Try our Business Valuation ...
  • Easy to use, do it yourself Business Valuation.
  • A logical and verifiable approach to valuing a business.
  • Use your business and market knowledge to build a business forecast.
  • Apply a proven methodology to quickly and easy calculate a business valuation.
  • Secure an independent and verifiable business valuation.

Business Valuation

You can Download Business Valuation application free of charge for evaluation. It is available as a standard spreadsheet (.xlsx file developed with Microsoft Excel) and will run on most spreadsheet applications.

An alternative platform for business valuation and analysis is our browser based Business Analysis application. Business Analysis builds a business forecast (up to 10 years), determines business value, calculates your business break-even point and optimum price point. Business Analysis runs directly in your web browser as a web page and consists of 4 analysis modules Business Forecast Analysis, Business Valuation, Business Breakeven Analysis and Business Pricing Analysis. Learn more and give it a try...

Business Valuation with proven results and 1000's of users...

"I have my own accounting firm and I must admit that I am very impressed ... IT IS OUTSTANDING."
"I've been doing 'if/then' scenarios on future options for my company, and it is quite fascinating using your program...You guys were great...exactly what I was looking for..."
"Now that I have purchased the program, I honestly believe the price is ridiculously low for the power, utility and results generated by the program."
"Love this application! It certainly can improve one's comfort level, especially the small business owner, when talking to the financial people."

more client feedback...

Business Valuation includes an Input sheet for basic data and from this applies Sensitivity Analysis to calculate Expected, Optimistic and Pessimistic Business Forecasts with a Valuation Analysis for each.

Input should be based on your subjective views. These are translated into quantifiable values for application operation. There is no need to provide "perfect" answers. Use your industry knowledge to make informed estimates. The goal is to provide a streamline tool to indicate possible outcomes.

Outputs include a 3 year performance forecast with the ability to apply Sensitivity Analysis and produce Optimistic, Expected and Pessimistic forecasts. A Return on Investment and Business Valuation are provided for each forecast. Outputs are presented in tabular and graphical form.

This valuation method can be used for business purchase, sale, or establishment. Unlike many valuation methods this Business Valuation minimizes input requirements and focuses on determining the future value of any business. By building a forecast based on the internal and external factors affecting business performance it is possible to build investment return projections.

In reality a business is simply an investment medium and its value is determined by the future returns it offers. Being able to identify the factors that provide an opportunity to maximize these returns generates a solid base for both setting a valuation and developing plans to enhance business performance.

Existing and potential business owners who appreciate current business investment values can make informed decisions and maximize opportunities when they arise.

Download Business Valuation

downloadzip file Download Business Valuation - Compressed Zip file
businessvaluation.zip

or

downloadexcel file Download Business Valuation - .xlsx file
businessvaluation.xlsx

This application is a spreadsheet developed in Microsoft Excel and will run on Microsoft Excel and most other spreadsheet applications. You can download Business Valuation free of charge for evaluation. In evaluation mode some functionality is restricted. To license your application and fully enable all functions requires the purchase of an application license. If you have not already please consider buying a license to fully enable your application.

If you download the Compressed Zip file unzip/uncompress the downloaded file and save the content .xlsx application file. If you download the .xlsx file simply save the .xlsx file. Open the .xlsx file and follow the instructions. This application does not access or alter your system or system files in any way. To uninstall simply delete the saved files.

Application suitability must be independently assessed and use indicates acceptance of any and all associated risk.

Help Business Valuation

Business Valuation provides an easy to use, self-generated business valuation. This is the current version of our original Business Valuation Model which we initially developed and released in 2000. The concepts and methodology applied introduced a new paradigm in how a business valuation could be approached. This methodology has continually proven its value over the years as evidenced by user feedback and results.

Business Valuation is designed to provide an economical, efficient and effective means to assess the value of a business. The forecast input should be based on your subjective views. These are translated into quantifiable values for model operation. There is no need to provide "perfect" answers. Use your industry knowledge to make informed estimates. The goal is to provide a streamline tool to indicate possible outcomes. A recent business taxation return will assist in determining values for the Performance section. Business Valuation combines Relative Indicators for future performance with basic financial data (Revenue, Variable Costs, and Fixed Costs) to value the business. This valuation method can be used for business purchase, sale, or establishment. It is compact, easy to use, and requires minimal inputs. Outputs include a 3 Year Forecast, Sensitivity Analysis, Investment Return, and calculated Business Valuation in tabular and graphical form.

Business Valuation is an xlsx file developed with Microsoft Excel and will run on current versions of Microsoft Excel and most other spreadsheet applications. It is secure and safe, it does not include any macros or visual basic coding and cannot access your system in any way. In this format you can simply save the file with different file names to use with multiple entities or time frames. The software is divided into sheets accessible using the sheet tabs. All input is via unprotected blue input cells, protected cells contain formula and should not be changed.

You can Download Business Valuation free of charge for evaluation. In evaluation mode some functionality is restricted. To license your application and fully enable all functions requires the purchase of an application license. If you have not already please consider supporting application development and buying a license to fully enable your application.

Specific item help is also provided within the application via hyperlinks to related help information.

Quick Start

  1. All input is on the Input and Analysis Sheets. Click the sheet tabs to access. Blue cells allow input.
  2. Input values include current performance and future performance relative indicators. From these inputs a business forecast and valuation are calculated.
  3. You can save the file with different file names to use with multiple businesses.
  4. Specific item help is also provided within the application via hyperlinks to related help information.

Welcome and Input

The Welcome sheet provides application and license details. When you purchase a license you will receive License Details by email, input your License Details into the blue cells on the Welcome sheet and save the spreadsheet.

The Input sheet collates business data input. Start here.

Current Operating Performance Data

This section reviews the current performance of your business for a full year period. It is designed to assess the level of expenses that vary with your sales (Variable Costs) and those that don't (Fixed Costs). It also allocates a realistic labor cost for the owners effort. The focus is on cash flow excluding assets and taxation. Broad expense categories are provided. Labels in blue cells can be adjusted however they should reflect the original label type to ensure formula are applied correctly. Values can be based on the previous years tax return adjusted for current trading. Inputs do not have to be perfect but should reasonably reflect business operation.

Business Name or Identifier

Input a name for the business. This appears as an identifier on the Output Sheets.

Business Revenue

Input the Revenue generated by the business for the current year.

Expenses

Select your Expense input as Monetary or Percent. This allows you to input your Expenses directly in Monetary (Dollars, Pounds etc) or Percentage terms.

Variable Costs

Variable Costs vary with the volume of product or service you provide. Only include these costs in this section and allocate them into one of the six categories.

Materials & Supplies
Input the annual variable expense for materials and supplies directly related to producing your product or providing your service.

Labor excluding Owner
Input the annual variable expense for labor (excluding the owner) directly related to producing your product or providing your service. Labor expenses should include all associated on-costs and benefits.

Labor Owner
Input the annual value of labor provided by the owner that is directly related to producing your product or providing your service. This variable expense should reflect the effective labor effort and can be estimated as the cost of an employee who could replace the owner. Labor expenses should include all associated on-costs and benefits.

Distribution
Input the annual variable expense for distribution of your product or service. This may include freight costs, packaging, and vehicle running costs.

Marketing
Input the annual variable expense for marketing. Include advertising, promotional publications, sponsorships, client functions, and any marketing or sales expense. Marketing is not essentially a variable expense, however it is assumed that marketing does influence the level of sales and a relationship exists between the level of marketing and the level of sales. It is on this basis that it forms a component of Variable Costs.

Other
Input any annual variable expenses not already accounted for.

Total Variable Costs
This is the sum of the variable expenses. It is expressed as a monetary value and as a percentage of revenue.

Fixed Costs

Fixed Costs are expenses which remain constant (up to a point) while the volume of sales vary. Only include these costs in this section and allocate them into one of the six categories.

Location
Input the annual fixed location expense. Include rent, power and light, maintenance, building insurance, security, and cleaning. If you own the property do not include purchase or finance costs.

Administration
Input the annual fixed administration expense. Include office phone, equipment costs, and stationary.

Labor excluding Owner
Input the annual fixed labor expense (excluding owner). This should include any labor expense not already accounted for in variable costs. Labor expenses should include all associated on-costs and benefits.

Labor Owner
Input the annual value of fixed cost labor provided by the owner. This should include the value of any labor which has not already been accounted for in variable costs. This fixed expense should reflect the effective labor effort and can be estimated as the cost of an employee who could replace the owner. Labor expenses should include all associated on-costs and benefits.

Interest Costs
Input the annual fixed Interest Cost. Include only the interest component of loan repayments. Principle components reflect assets. It is recommended that the business initially be valued with no Finance or Interest component i.e. 100% equity. This ensures the valuation provides the required return on the Total Investment. Once you have established valuation details you can then insert Finance details to determine the impact on the business.

Other
Input any annual fixed expenses not already accounted for.

Total Fixed Costs
This is the sum of the fixed expenses. It is expressed as a monetary value and as a percentage of revenue.

Operating Surplus
Operating Surplus reflects the before tax operating profit/loss of the business for the full years trading. It is calculated as the Revenue less Total Variable Costs less Total Fixed Costs. It excludes asset investment. Assets include property, equipment, and capital reinvestment in the business. These investment components are considered in the Investment section. The Operating Surplus represents the day to day (short term) business performance.

Owner Cash Flow
Owner Cash Flow is the Operating Surplus plus the value of any Labor provided by the Owner. If the owner provides no labor for the business Owner Cash flow and Operating Surplus will be equal.

Forecast Data

This section considers factors that influence future business performance. A relative indicator is used to reflect unit changes in these factors. The base year relative indicator for each factor is defined as 100%. Relative indicators for each of the next three years are applied to reflect likely changes in the unit cost or strength of the factor. Each indicator is relative to the prior year. A 10% increase from the previous year is reflected by a relative indicator of 110%. A 10% decrease from the previous year is reflected by a relative indicator of 90%. Relative indicators for costs reflect changes in the base unit of the expense such as labor costs per hour or material costs per unit.

Relative Indicator

Relative Indicators are required for each factor for Years 1 to 3. If there is no change from the previous year the Relative Indicator is 100%. You have provided Revenue and Costs details for the current Year. Year 1 is the year following the Current Year, Year 2 follows Year 1, and Year 3 follows Year 2.

Level of Competition
Input the percentage relative indicator to reflect the level of change from the previous year. Consider the number of competitors, competitor strategies, potential new entrants. This indicator has an inverse relationship to forecast Business Revenue. All things being equal as the level of competition increases Business Revenue decreases.

Market Strength
Input the percentage relative indicator to reflect the level of change from the previous year. Consider market growth, technology & regulatory impacts and customer needs. Market strength is an indicator of the demand for the type of product or service you provide. This indicator has a direct relationship to forecast Business Revenue. All things being equal as market strength increases Business Revenue increases.

Materials & Supplies Costs
Input the percentage relative indicator to reflect the level of change from the previous year. Consider the potential changes in supplier pricing, sources of supply, your bargaining power, demand for materials, and possible alternative materials. This indicator has a direct relationship to forecast Materials & Supplies expenses. All things being equal as the unit cost of materials and supplies increases this Variable Cost expense increases.

Labor Costs
Input the percentage relative indicator to reflect the level of change from the previous year. Consider market forces and availability of skilled staff. This indicator has a direct relationship to forecast Variable and Fixed Cost Labor excluding Owner, and Labor Owner expenses. All things being equal as the unit labor costs increase these labor expenses increase. It is also used to determine future Owners External Earning Power.

Interest Rates
Input the percentage relative indicator to reflect the level of change from the previous year. This is percentage change not actual values. For a current interest rate of 6% a relative indicator of 110% in Year 1 equates to 6.6%, a relative indicator of 110% in Year 2 takes this to 7.26%. This indicator has a direct relationship to forecast Interest expenses. All things being equal as interest rates increase this Variable Cost expense increases.

Business Market Position
Input the percentage relative indicator to reflect the level of change from the previous year. Consider your position in the market, and the impact of your current actions. This is a measure of your standing relative to the competition as perceived by potential consumers. If things will remain much the same input 100%, indicating no change over the previous year. If you have actions to improve the position of your business by 10% then the input would be 110%. This indicator has a direct relationship to forecast Business Revenue. All thing being equal as market position increases Business Revenue increases. Actions contributing to the business position must be substantiated and implemented to have an impact.

Variable Costs Efficiency
Input the percentage relative indicator to reflect the level of change from the previous year. This should reflect changes in the relationship between your Variable Costs and revenue. If you have actions to improve your Variable Costs efficiency (decrease variable costs) by 10% over the previous year input 110%. Consider changes in processes, distribution or the materials used. This indicator has an inverse relationship to forecast Variable Costs Materials & Supplies, Labor excluding Owner, Labor Owner, Distribution, Marketing and Other expenses. All things being equal as Variable Costs Efficiency increases less materials, labor, distribution and marketing resources are required resulting in a decrease in these expenses. Actions must be substantiated and implemented to have an impact.

Fixed Costs Efficiency
Input the percentage relative indicator to reflect the level of change from the previous year. Consider changes in administration processes and Fixed Cost labor requirements. This indicator has an inverse relationship to forecast Fixed Costs Administration, Labor excluding Owner, Labor Owner, and Other expenses. All things being equal as Fixed Costs efficiency increases less administration and labor resources are required resulting in a decrease in these expenses. It does not apply to Location and Finance expenses. Actions contributing to the business position must be substantiated and implemented to have an impact. You can use the Decision Assistant Model to value your actions and determine their business impact, this is available from the bizpeponline.com web site.

Fixed Costs Flow-on
Input the percentage Fixed Costs Flow-on. This indicates the estimated level of fixed costs adjustment to support revenue variations. Fixed Costs are generally considered a constant expense, however large sustained revenue variations place pressure on fixed costs and usually result in an increased fixed cost expense. This may include larger floor area, more administration costs, or higher financing. The Fixed Costs Flow-on percentage is the amount of increase in Fixed Costs expense for a 100% increase in revenue. An fixed costs flow-on of 20% reflects a 20% increase in Fixed Costs expense for every 100% increase in revenue. This indicator has a direct relationship to all forecast Fixed Cost expenses.

Valuation Data

This section provides data to value the business. Consideration is given to the owners earning power outside the business, the replacement value of business assets and their useful life. Property (Real Estate) valuations are considered constant throughout the period. Annual replacement costs for other business assets are calculated as the Replacement Value divided by the Asset Life. This provides for constant reinvestment to maintain the business. This data is combined with the business forecast to determine a business valuation.

Owners Time Commitment to Business
Input the percentage of work time the owner commits to the business. This is used to determine the owners return for effort and indicates the available amount of owner resource. Available resource will be applied to any forecast labor increase in Fixed, then Variable Costs where the owner currently contributes.

Owners External Earning Power
Input the annual income the owner could earn if employed outside the business. Include any benefits. The actual return from the business must compensate the owner for giving up External Earnings and provide the required return on Investment. A return on Investment only occurs after the owner has been compensated for External Earnings given up.

Replacement Value of Business Assets
Input the replacement value of physical business assets. Exclude property. Consider vehicles, plant and equipment. This forms a component of the total business investment.

Life of Assets (years)
Input the average life of the assets. The Replacement Value of Business Assets will be divided by the Life of Assets to provide an indication of annual asset depreciation expense. This will be used in determining the owners return from the business.

Market Value of Property
Input the estimated market value of property owned by the business. Property values are considered stable over the forecast period and no depreciation is allowed for. This forms a component of the total business investment.

Other Investment in Business
This is the calculated value of any other investment made in the business. It consists of operating capital and goodwill. This forms a component of the total business investment. This amount will be adjusted in-line with your Valuation Analysis.

Total Investment
The Total Investment in the business is the calculated Expected Valuation. It is the sum of Replacement Value of Business Assets, Market Value of Property, and Other Investment in Business.

Financed Amount
This is the amount of finance carried by the business. It is recommended that the business initially be valued with no Finance or Interest component i.e. 100% equity. This ensures the valuation provides the required return on the Total Investment. Once you have established a valuation you can then insert Finance details to determine the impact on the business. The calculated Interest Rate is based on the Financed Amount and the annual Interest Cost from the Performance Data. No principle reduction is considered during the forecast period, only interest expense, principle components reflect assets.

Equity Investment
This is the average annual Return on Total Investment over a three year period.

Sensitivity Analysis

Sensitivity Analysis allows you to adjust your Relative Indicators by a set percentage to generate Optimistic and Pessimistic Forecasts.

Optimistic Input
Input the percentage improvement in Relative Indicators to generate an Optimistic Forecast. If you feel it is "reasonably likely" your Relative Indicators are 20% too low, input 20%.

Pessimistic Input
Input the percentage degrade in Relative Indicators to generate a Pessimistic Forecast. If you feel it is "reasonably likely" your Relative Indicators are 20% too high, input 20%.

Business Revenue
This is the forecast revenue generated by the business.

Optimistic
This is the forecast based on your Optimistic improvement to Relative Indicators.

Expected
This is the forecast based on the Relative Indicators you provided as input.

Pessimistic
This is the forecast based on your Pessimistic degradation of Relative Indicators.

Operating Surplus
This is the Revenue less Variable and Fixed Costs including payment to the owner for labor provided.

Owner Cash Flow
This is the Operating Surplus plus any labor Earnings of the Owner.

Business Return
Business Return is the Owners Cash Flow less a Depreciation Allowance and Owners External Earning Power. A Depreciation Allowance is required for the long term maintenance of the business. It is calculated as the Replacement Value of Business Assets divided by the Asset Lifetime. If the Depreciation Allowance is not reinvested business performance and value will decrease. The Owners External Earning Power reflects the income given up by the owner to work in the business. This must be recouped through the business before there is any return on investment generated.

Valuation Analysis

Simply input your desired Return on Investment to calculate your Business Valuation. If you have applied Sensitivity Analysis 3 valuations will be calculated; Optimistic, Expected, and Pessimistic.

% Return on Total Investment
This is the Business Return as a percentage of the Total Investment. It is an indicator of the quality of the business investment. The higher the Return on Investment the better the investment. However as the level of risk increases a higher Return on Investment is required to compensate for the risk taken. Business Return is the Owners Cash Flow less a Depreciation Allowance and Owners External Earning Power.

Required Return on Investment
This is the Business Return as a percentage of the Total Investment. It is an indicator of the quality of the business investment. The higher the Return on Investment the better the investment. However as the level of risk increases a higher Return on Investment is required to compensate for the risk taken. Business Return is the Owners Cash Flow less a Depreciation Allowance and Owners External Earning Power.

Expected Valuation
This Valuation is based on the Expected Forecast and the required average 3 Year Return on Investment. It represents the Total Investment in the business and is an indication of Sale or Purchase price. Based on the Expected Forecast this is the maximum Investment that should be applied to this business to achieve the required Return on Investment.

Optimistic Valuation
This represents the Optimistic Valuation (high). It provides the required average 3 Year Return based on the Optimistic Forecast. However if the business does not provide a return inline with the Optimistic forecast the return on Investment will be less than required at this valuation.

Pessimistic Valuation
This represents the Pessimistic Valuation (low). It provides the required average 3 Year Return based on the Pessimistic Forecast. If the business provides a return greater than the Pessimistic forecast the return on Investment will exceed that required at this valuation.

Results and Charts

Summary outputs are included on the Sensitivity and Valuation Analysis Sheets. Details are in tabular form on the Results Sheets and graphical form on the Chart Sheets. To display Sheets click the required sheet tab.

Sensitivity Analysis Results

Sensitivity Analysis allows you to adjust your Relative Indicators by a set percentage to generate Optimistic and Pessimistic Forecasts.

Valuation Analysis Results

Simply input your desired Return on Investment to calculate your Business Valuation. If you have applied Sensitivity Analysis 3 valuations will be calculated; Optimistic, Expected, and Pessimistic.

Expected Results

Full tabular results for your Expected Forecast and Return on Investment.

Optimistic Results

Full tabular results for your Optimistic Forecast and Return on Investment.

Pessimistic Results

Full tabular results for your Pessimistic Forecast and Return on Investment.

Forecast Revenue Chart

3 Year Forecast Revenue Chart; Optimistic, Expected and Pessimistic.

Forecast Return Chart

3 Year Forecast Return Chart; Optimistic, Expected and Pessimistic. Return is the Owners Cash Flow less the Depreciation Allowance and Owners External Earning Power.

Operating Surplus Chart

3 Year Expected Operating Surplus Chart including Variable and Fixed Costs.

Surplus & Return Chart

3 Year Expected Operating Surplus on Sales, Return on Sales, and Return on Total Investment percentages.

Business Valuation Software Overview and Benefits...

Additional Business Valuation information...

Selling or Buying a Business?...

License Business Valuation

Please consider supporting application development. Licensing your application will fully enable all functions.

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  $69.00 USD per year

Secure online transaction processing is provided via PayPal. License details are sent by email as soon as your transaction is processed and will fully enable your application.

Application suitability must be independently assessed and use indicates acceptance of any and all associated risk.

Business Valuation

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Much appreciated, I had purchased your valuation software along time ago and found it so useful it was great to find an new version.

Karen Tobeck

I was greatly impressed...

Michelle Lamont

I have been very happy with software purchase and was going to purchase another app... Thanks again for the great software!

Frank Brown

Great Software...

Art Vedner

I have been an proud owner for years ... You are awesome ... thank you very much

Adam P. Von Romer

very enlightening ...

Marvin Vanhise

I have my own accounting firm and I must admit that I am very impressed ... IT IS OUTSTANDING.

Robert B. Wester, Jr

This is the best model I have seen in a few decades.

Darren Stevenson

I am very impressed with the model.

Jozua Fokker

Wow...you're good. Thanks for your help...and the rapid response was greatly appreciated. I think you have a great product; I've been doing 'if/then' scenarios on future options for my company, and it is quite fascinating using your program...You guys were great...exactly what I was looking for...I was very impressed with your customer service...great follow-up and execution. The software is easy to use, as was your web site. Thanks for your software; if I need any business software, I would be happy to look at you guys first. Keep up the good work.

Kevin O'Keefe

...very user friendly...

Abel Acuna

I am very impressed with the functionality of your Business Valuation Model, the lay out and the user friendliness. Your purchasing and registration procedure is also excellent.

Robert de Rooy

...the system works great.

Lyslei Chirico

I recently purchased a copy of this package and have found it to be extremely helpful as a quick valuation tool...This is a great piece of software...

Jim Wendler

The Business Valuation software that runs in Excel saved my company a lot of time in evaluating an acquisition candidate. The instructions are clear and straightforward, and the program worked flawlessly.

Tom Sweet

We are very pleased with your Business Valuation Model.

Steve Geringer

Now that I have purchased the program, I honestly believe the price is ridiculously low for the power, utility and results generated by the program.

Martin Caplan

...a resounding 1 for excellence. I am pleased with the performance of the software, the ease of use and the overall service. I am glad that I went ahead and ordered it. I plan to make heavy use of it during the rest of my MBA program and in my work life. No doubt I will be purchasing other programs from you. You have what I need.

Judy Bottita

...very easy to use.

Karl Hayes

The program is quite easy to use.

Jackquie Grant

...I am in the midst (or shall we say was in the midst) of selling my company for a much lower amount...your software is working wonderfully...i think i shall send you a bottle of your favorite...

Sean Hawley

Love this application! It certainly can improve one's comfort level, especially the small business owner, when talking to the financial people. Seems to me like you can get a quick budget snapshot as well as the business valuation. Thanks again!

Stan Shaw

I am impressed with your business valuation model.

Peter Davies

This spreadsheet has really made my life easy and I have recommended it to my colleagues.

Moses Mwanjirah

...works perfectly.

Hendry Buter

I still love the software.

Jim Dickey

...great model for small biz and start up!

Russell Smith

I am very happy with the Excel valuation model supplied. I think it constitutes good value for money and has been of great help to me in my work. I will be reviewing the other programmes you provide with a view to using those too.

Graham Ireson

...this is an excellent model for me...

Steve Johnson

working well... I've used it to model existing business and to model an acquisition we are working on.

Brian Hansen