Glossary

This IBBA® Glossary is intended to standardize the vernacular for the business brokerage profession, so that business sellers, buyers, brokers and other advisors can communicate more effectively during the business transference process. We are committed to making the IBBA Glossary a thriving and growing resource for all.

Business brokers are encouraged to suggest additions and/or corrections by emailing to: [email protected]. The IBBA Glossary Editorial Board will research and consider all suggestions.

Term

Definition

Term

Accrual Basis Accounting

Definition

A method of accounting wherein income and expenses are recognized, within the statements, when the business first acquires the right to receive the income, or the obligation to pay the expense. Companies with inventories are required to use the accrual method for tax purposes.  (Also see Cash Basis Accounting.)

Term

Acquisition

Definition

One company taking over controlling interest in another company.

Term

Add-backs

Definition

All or a portion of expenses that are added back to net income in an effort to place the figures as close as possible to the economic earnings that were actually derived from the business.

Term

Add-On Acquisition

Definition

Refers to a company that is added by a private equity firm to one of its platform companies, or by a strategic buyer pursuing a consolidation investment strategy.

Term

Adjusted Book Value

Definition

The measure of a company’s valuation after liabilities, including off-balance sheet liabilities, and assets are adjusted to reflect true fair market value.

Term

Adjusted Book Value Method

Definition

A valuation method within the Asset Approach category whereby all assets and liabilities (including off-balance sheet, intangible, and contingent) are adjusted to their fair market values. (NOTE: In Canada on a going concern basis.)

Term

Adjusted EBITDA(Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization)

Definition

Adjusted earnings before taxes, interest income or expense, nonoperating and non-recurring income/expenses, depreciation and other non-cash charges and prior to deducting an owner’s/officer’s compensation, but after replacing that owner’s/officer’s compensation and benefits with the market rate compensation and benefits to replace that owner’s/officer’s functions. This is a measure of a company’s operating performance without having to factor in financing decisions, accounting decisions or tax environments.

Term

Adjusted Net

Definition

See Discretionary Earnings.

Term

Aging Accounts Receivable

Definition

An snapshot of the accounts receivable, usually alphabetized, as of the date of the balance sheet you are using, wherein each account receivable is shown in columnar form as either current, over 30 days, over 60 days, over 90 days, or over 120 days delinquent. The aging report is the primary tool used by collections personnel to determine which invoices are overdue for payment.

Term

Amortization

Definition

This is an accounting technique, used for tax planning purpose, to periodically lower the book value of a loan or an intangible asset over a set period of years. This is accomplished by monthly lowering the intangible asset value on the balance sheet by a specific amount and charging that same amount to expense on the income statement. The amount of amortization taken as a non-cash charge in any given accounting period is almost always based upon number of years approved by the IRS for cost recovery. See also Depreciation, which is the corresponding accounting technique for tangible assets.

Term

Analysis

Definition

The act or process of providing information, recommendations and/or conclusions on diversified situations, processes or problems in businesses, other than estimating value. Also (as a noun), the result of the act or process of analysis.

Term

Appraisal

Definition

The act or process of estimating value. Also, the result of the process of estimating value. The words “valuing” (verb) and “valuation” (noun) are synonymous with “appraisal.”

Term

Asking Price

Definition

The total amount for which a business or an ownership interest is offered for sale. The asking price could be inclusive or exclusive of inventory or other assets.

Term

Asset Sale

Definition

This term has two definitions. The proper definition depends on its usage: A. The means by which a business owner transfers ownership of tangible and intangible assets, and possibly some liabilities, to another owner without transferring the ownership entity. B. The sale of a business enterprise that is no longer a viable ongoing concern at a price based solely upon the value of the tangible assets.

Term

Definition

Term

Balance Sheet

Definition

A financial statement that is one of the three important financial statements used for reporting a company’s financial performance, with the other two key statements being the income statement and the statement of cash flows. The balance sheet is a statement of the financial status of the business on a certain date. More explicitly, it is a financial statement that reports a company’s assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity at a specific point in time, and provides a basis for computing rates of return and evaluating its capital structure. It is a financial statement that provides a snapshot of what a company owns and owes, as well as the amount invested by its shareholders.

Term

Barrier to entry

Definition

Any obstacle that makes it difficult for a business to enter and succeed at generating revenues in an existing marketplace. Barriers to entry can include government regulations, the need for licenses, and having to compete with other larger companies as a small business start-up.

Term

Benefit Stream

Definition

Any level of income, cash flow, or earnings generated by an asset, group of assets, or business enterprise. When the term is used, it should be supplemented by a definition of exactly what it means in the given valuation context.

Term

Blue-Sky

Definition

That portion of a “claimed” value or requested price that cannot be supported, or generally shown to exist, through the application of established valuation methodology. Alternatively, it is that excess value, above the business’ financial value, paid by a strategic buyer based on the buyer’s perceived future value of that business.

Term

Book Value

Definition

Book Value of a company is the difference between a company’s total assets and liabilities. Book Value of an asset is the value at which the asset is carried on a balance sheet, calculated by subtracting its accumulated depreciation from the the original cost of the asset.

Term

Broker’s Opinion of Value

Definition

A special limited appraisal or business valuation.

Term

Business Broker

Definition

A professional intermediary dedicated to serving clients and customers who desire to sell or acquire businesses. A business broker is committed to providing professional services in a knowledgeable, ethical and timely fashion. Typically, a business broker provides information and business advice to sellers and buyers, maintains communications between the parties and coordinates the negotiations and closing processes to complete desired transactions.

Term

Business Brokerage Association

Definition

Organization that contributes to the total enrichment and advancement of the business brokers who are members.

Term

Business Enterprise

Definition

A commercial, industrial, service, or investment entity (or a combination thereof) that provides goods and/or services in pursuit of economic gains.

Term

Business Prospectus

Definition

A disclosure document that provides information about an investment offering to the public, and that is required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or local regulator. A business prospectus contains information about the company, its management team, recent financial performance, risks and other related information that investors would like to know before investing.

Term

Business Risk

Definition

The degree of uncertainty of realizing expected future returns of a business resulting from factors other than financial leverage. See Financial Risk.

Term

Business Valuation

Definition

A process and a set of procedures used to estimate the economic value of an owner’s interest in a business. Valuation is used by financial market participants to determine the price they are willing to pay or receive to effect a sale of a business. See Broker’s Opinion of Value.

Term

Buyer Interview

Definition

Process in which the broker learns the needs and qualifications of a potential buyer.

Term

Definition

Term

Capital Structure

Definition

The composition of the invested capital of a business enterprise and the amount of debt and/or equity employed by a firm to fund its operations and finance its assets. It may also include information about stock, options, warrants and who owns or contributed them.

Term

Capitalization

Definition

(1) the conversion of a single period of income into value (2) the capital structure of a business enterprise (3) the recognition of expenditure as a capital asset vs. a periodic expense.

Term

Capitalization Rate

Definition

Any divisor (usually expressed as a percentage) used to convert anticipated economic benefits of a single period into a value.

Term

Cash Basis Accounting

Definition

A method of accounting wherein income and expenses are recognized, within the statements, when the business receives the income, or pays the expense. (Also see Accrual Basis Accounting.)

Term

Cash Equivalents

Definition

Investment assets that can be quickly converted into cash, typically within 3 months.

Term

Cash Flow

Definition

A business’ net income plus non-cash charges (depreciation, amortization, depletion). Can be defined (if so qualified) as before or after such items as taxes, debt service (interest only or principal & interest), or extraordinary items. (Should not be confused with net cash flow, a.k.a. free cash flow).

Term

Cash Flow Statement

Definition

A financial statement that displays the sources and uses of cash over a period of time. The Cash Flow Statement groups together funds in all activities whether they are in “Operations,” “Financing,” or “Investments.”

Term

Client

Definition

An entity with whom a Business Broker has a fiduciary relationship.

Term

Closing

Definition

The final steps in the sale of the business. The closing entails execution of all necessary legal documents and funding to consummate the transaction.

Term

Closing Attorney

Definition

An attorney who assembles all of the closing documents and coordinates/facilitates the closing process. Also known as Closing Agent.

Term

Co-Brokerage

Definition

An agreement between two or more business brokers or brokerage firms for sharing the responsibilitities for and the fees from the completion of a transaction.

Term

Co-Business Broker

Definition

A business broker who shares services, responsibility and compensation on behalf of a client.

Term

Commercial Real Estate Broker

Definition

Lists and sells physical property (the real estate that a business occupies).

Term

Committed Equity Capital

Definition

Equity investment funds readily available to an investor to make investments according to a predefined investment strategy. Related uses or terms: capital under management, capital available for investment.

Term

Common Size Statements

Definition

Financial statements in which each line is expressed as a percentage of the total. On the balance sheet, each line item is shown as a percentage of total assets, and on the income statement, each item is expressed as a percentage of sales. It is used to make comparisons with other similar businesses.

Term

Confidential Business Review (CBR)

Definition

A CBR is drafted by a brokerage firm or business broker to market a businesss to prospective buyers. It contains information about the business, including its products, markets, competition, and financial performance. The CBR is provided only to qualified buyers who have signed non-disclosure agreements. See Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM).

Term

Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM)

Definition

Sometimes call “the book” or pitchbook is drafted by an M&A advisory firm or investment banker for a sell-side engagement to market a businesss to prospective buyers. It Contains financial information, including analysis of historical results and future projections. See Confidential Business Review (CBR).

Term

Contingency

Definition

A requirement that must be met or removed before a closing can take place.

Term

Control

Definition

The power to direct the management and policies of a business enterprise. Usually defined by the party(ies) that own majority interest in the enterprise which may be overruled by the company’s operating or shareholder agreement.

Term

Cooperating Business Brokers

Definition

Business brokers who share their knowledge, expertise and skills for the benefit of the business brokerage profession, clients, customers and the public good. See also Co-Brokerage and Co-Business Broker.

Term

Cost Approach

Definition

A general way of determining a value indication of an individual asset by quantifying the amount of money required to replace the future service capability of that asset.

Term

Cost of Capital

Definition

The expected rate of return that the market requires in order to attract funds to a particular investment.

Term

Cost of Goods Sold (COGS, CGS)

Definition

A grouping of those expenses applicable to the materials and labor associated directly with the goods or services delivered.

Term

Customer

Definition

An entity to a transaction who receives services and benefits, but has no fiduciary relationship with the business broker.

Term

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Definition

A technology for managing all your company’s relationships and interactions with customers and potential customers.

Term

Definition

Term

Depreciation

Definition

Depreciation is a method of spreading the cost of an asset over a specified period of time, typically the asset’s useful life. The purpose of depreciation is to match the expense of obtaining an asset to the income it helps a company receives. Depreciation is used for tangible assets, which are physical assets such as manufacturing equipment, business vehicles, and computers. Depreciation is a measure of how much of an asset’s value has been used up at a given point in time.In an economic sense, as used in recasting of statements, a loss in value of a fixed asset as a result of wear and tear or obsolescence, which cannot be corrected by normal repairs. In accountants’ financial statements, an expense item that permits the original cost to be written off against income over the assets’ cost recovery period, as dictated from time to time by the Internal Revenue Service or GAAP. The amount of depreciation taken as a non-cash charge in any given accounting period is almost always based upon number of years approved by the IRS for cost recovery. See Amortization which is the corresponding accounting technique for intangible assets.

Term

Discount

Definition

A reduction in value or the act of reducing value.

Term

Discount for Lack of Marketability

Definition

An amount or percentage deducted from the value of an ownership interest to reflect the relative absence of marketability. Discounts for lack of marketability (DLOM) attempt to capture the disadvantages of owning a relatively illiquid investment without a ready market on which to trade it.

Term

Discount Rate

Definition

A rate of return used to convert a future monetary sum into present value.

Term

Discounted Cash Flow Method

Definition

A method within the income approach whereby the present value of future expected net cash flows is calculated using a discount rate.

Term

Discounted Future Earnings Method

Definition

A method within the income approach whereby the present value of future expected economic benefits is calculated using a discount rate.

Term

Discretionary Earnings (DE)

Definition

The earnings of a business enterprise prior to the following items: income taxes, non-operating income and expenses, nonrecurring income and expenses, depreciation and amortization, interest expense or income, one owner’s entire compensation, including benefits and any non-business or personal expenses paid by the business. Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE)and Seller’s Discretionary Cash Flow (SDCF) and Adjusted Net are other terms used.

Term

Divestiture

Definition

Selling of, or otherwise disposal of, a firm’s assets to achieve a desired objective, such as greater liquidity, reduced debt burden or elimination of non-core operations.

Term

Due Diligence

Definition

A process where a buyer inspects a potential transaction. Often includes a detailed review of accounting history and practices, operating practices, customer and supplier references, management references and market reviews.

Term

Definition

Term

Earn-Out

Definition

A contractual provision stating that the seller of a business is to obtain additional future consideration based on the business achieving certain future business goals. An earn-out is a mutually beneficial tool to getting a deal done if it is structured appropriately. Is maximizes the selling price for the seller and it matches the Company’s future earnings with the payments made to the Seller. An earn-out should not provide a financial “burden” on the Company, but should be structured as a sharing of the future earnings. (Earn-outs are prohibited by the SBA.)

Term

Earnings

Definition

The gross operating revenues of the business less the expenses and other deductions applicable to the type of earnings you are defining: Net Income Earnings after the payment of all expenses including income taxes. See Net Earnings.

Term

EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes)

Definition

Earnings of a business prior to interest expense or income, and prior to corporate income taxes paid. This definition recognizes interest as a cost of capital, and not as an operating expense.

Term

EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization)

Definition

Earnings of a business prior to interest (expense or income), income taxes, depreciation and amortization expenses.

Term

EBITDA after Adjustments

Definition

See Adjusted EBITDA

Term

EBT (Earnings before Taxes)

Definition

Earnings of the business prior to income taxes paid.

Term

Economic Benefits

Definition

Any benefit that can be quantified in terms of the money that it generates. Net income and revenues, for example, are forms of economic benefit. Profit and net cash flow are also economic benefits. An economic benefit may also refer to a reductions in costs, such as lower raw material or labor costs.

Term

Economic Life

Definition

The period of time over which property may generate economic benefits.

Term

Elevator Pitch

Definition

Also known as an elevator speech. It is a short overview of a business, products, or services, and typically is used in business settings such as face-to-face networking. An elevator pitch is short and, as the name implies, delivered in the time it takes to complete a typical elevator ride.

Term

Employment Agreement

Definition

The traditional document used in relationships between employees and employers for the purpose of laying out the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of both parties during the employment period.

Term

Enterprise

Definition

See Business Enterprise.

Term

Enterprise Value

Definition

Enterprise value (EV) is a measure of a company’s total value, often used as a more comprehensive alternative to equity market capitalization. EV includes in its calculation the market capitalization of a company but also short-term and long-term debt as well as any cash on the company’s balance sheet. EV is a popular metric used to value a company for a potential takeover.

Term

Equity

Definition

Also known as shareholders’ equity, which represents the amount of money that would be returned to a company’s shareholders if all of the assets were liquidated and all company debt were paid off.

Term

Escrow

Definition

Third-party arrangement to hold and distribute funds (usually by an attorney); agreed upon by both the buyer and the seller.

Term

Excess Earnings

Definition

That amount of anticipated economic benefits that exceeds an appropriate rate of return on the value of a selected asset base (often net tangible assets) used to generate those anticipated economic benefits.

Term

Excess Earnings Method

Definition

A specific way of determining a value indication of a business, business ownership interest, or security determined as the sum of a) the value of the assets derived by capitalizing excess earnings, and b) the value of the selected asset base. Also frequently used to value intangible assets.

Term

Exclusive Agency

Definition

Agency agreement that gives only one broker or brokerage firm the right to sell the business. Seller retains the right to find a buyer independently without having to pay a commission to the listing agent or firm.

Term

Exclusive Right to Sell

Definition

Employment agreement and contract giving the broker the right to receive a commission if the property or business is sold by anyone, including the seller, during the term of the agreement.

Term

Exit Plan

Definition

A strategy to depart an existing situation. The creation of an overall strategy that prepares a business owner and his/her company for the time when that business owner is no longer involved in the operation of the company. Examples of unplanned exits include death, divorce, management disputes, influx of competition, technological obsolescence, loss of a major customer, or other unforeseen economic events.

Term

Definition

Term

Fair Market Value

Definition

The price, expressed in terms of cash equivalents, at which property would change hands between a hypothetical willing and able buyer and a hypothetical willing and able seller, acting at arm’s length in an open and unrestricted market, when neither is under compulsion to buy or sell and when both have reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts. (NOTE: in Canada, the term “price” should be replaced with the term “highest price.”)

Term

Fairness Opinion

Definition

An opinion as to whether or not the consideration in a transaction is fair from a financial point of view. This opinion is usually prepared by an accountant or other financial professional.

Term

Family Succession

Definition

In a family succession or retirement transition, ownership transfers from current owners to other family members. Facilitators are particularly sensitive to estate planning issues, family business dynamics and the need for discretion and trust to makes these transaction seamless and successful.

Term

FIFO (First In First Out)

Definition

An accounting method of valuing inventory, based on the assumption that the “first” unit of an item of inventory purchased (the oldest) is the first unit sold out of inventory. In pricing, the inventory under this valuation method the ending inventory is the aggregate of the cost of the newest, most recently purchased units of each item.

Term

Financial Risk

Definition

The degree of uncertainty of realizing expected future returns of the business resulting from financial leverage. See Business Risk.

Term

Finder’s Fee

Definition

An amount paid to another party for locating and referring a client or customer. Also known as a “referral fee.”

Term

Fiscal year

Definition

Annual period of time to which a business adheres for financial reporting.

Term

Forced Liquidation Value

Definition

Liquidation value, at which the asset or assets are sold as quickly as possible, such as at an auction. Because of insufficient time to sell on the open market, Liquidation Value is typically lower than Fair Market Value.

Term

Definition

Term

Going Concern Value

Definition

The value of a business enterprise that is expected to continue to operate into the future. The intangible elements of Going Concern Value result from factors such as having a trained work force, an operational plant, and the necessary licenses, systems and procedures in place.

Term

Goodwill

Definition

A. Those elements of a business that cause customers to return in sufficient volume to generate profit in excess of a reasonable return on tangible assets. B.That intangible asset that arises as a result of name, reputation, customer patronage, location, products and similar factors that have not been separately identified and/or valued but which generate economic benefits.

Term

Goodwill Value

Definition

The value of a business attributable to goodwill.

Term

Gross Profit

Definition

That portion of net sales that remains after the subtraction of the COGS. See Cost of Goods Sold.

Term

Growth Capital

Definition

An investment made in an operating company by an outside investor to support existing or anticipated expansion of the business. May or may not include a change of equity control but frequently involves the exchange of equity ownership. Also called expansion capital or growth equity.

Term

Definition

Term

Home-Based Business

Definition

A home-based business is any business where the primary office is located in the owner’s home. They don’t have to own the property, but they do need to be running a business out of the same premises they live in for the business to be considered a home business.

Term

Definition

Term

Income

Definition

See Earnings

Term

Income (-Based) Approach

Definition

A general way of determining a value indication of a business, business ownership interest, security or intangible asset using one or more methods that convert anticipated economic benefits into a present single amount.

Term

Income Statement

Definition

A financial statement that is one of the three important financial statements used for reporting a company’s financial performance over a specific accounting period, with the other two key statements being the balance sheet and the statement of cash flows. The income statement primarily focuses on the company’s revenues and expenses during a particular period. Also known as the profit and loss statement, P&L, or the statement of revenue and expense.

Term

Industry Comparison

Definition

Weighted Average Method. Valuation method that uses statistics from comparable businesses.

Term

Industry Risk

Definition

Represents how the market perceives the risk of a specific industry compared to the market as a whole.

Term

Intangible Assets

Definition

Non-physical assets such as franchises, trademarks, patents, copyrights, goodwill, equities, mineral rights, securities and contracts (as distinguished from physical assets) that grant rights and privileges and have value for the owner. See Tangible Assets.

Term

Intellectual Property

Definition

Intellectual property is a broad categorical description for the set of intangible assets owned by a company and legally protected from outside use or implementation without consent. Intellectual property can consist of patents, trade secrets, copyrights, and trademarks or simply ideas. The concept of intellectual property relates to the fact that certain products of human intellect should be afforded the same protective rights that apply to physical property.

Term

Intermediary

Definition

An advisor who assists buyers and sellers of privately held small business throughout the business transfer transaction process. An agency relationship typically exists between the intermediary and either the buyer or seller. The intermediary offers transaction advisory services such as estimating the value of the business; advertising it for sale with or without disclosing its identity; managing the initial buyer/seller interviews, discussion and negotiations; facilitating the progress of the due diligence investigation and generally assisting with the business sale. Intermediaries require special skills – number crunching ability, excellent verbal and written communication skills and the capacity to work very long and grueling hours. For businesses selling below about $2 million, the intermediary is often referred to as a business broker. For businesses selling above $5 million, the intermediary is often referred to as a Merger and Acquisition (M&A) advisor or an investment banker.

Term

Intrinsic Value

Definition

The value that an investor considers, on the basis of an evaluation or available facts, to be the “true” or “real” value that will become the market value when other investors reach the same opinion. When the term applies to options, it is the difference between the exercise price or strike price of an option and the market value of the underlying security.

Term

Invested Capital

Definition

The sum of equity and debt in a business enterprise. Debt is typically a) all interest-bearing debt, or b) long-term interest-bearing debt. When the term is used, it should be supplemented by a specific definition in the given valuation context.

Term

Investment Analysis

Definition

Investment analysis is a broad term encompassing many different aspects of evaluating financial assets, sectors, and trends. It can include analyzing past returns to predict future performance, selecting the type of investment instrument that best suits an investor’s needs, or evaluating securities such as stocks and bonds, or a category of securities, for risk, yield potential or price movements. Investment analysis is key to any sound portfolio management strategy.

Term

Investment Banker

Definition

An individual who works in a financial institution that is in the business primarily of raising capital for companies, governments and other entities or who works in a large bank’s division that is involved with these activities. Investment bankers may also provide other services to their clients such as mergers and acquisitions advice or advice on specific transactions, such as spinoff or reorganization. In smaller organizations that do not have a specific investment banking arm, corporate finance staff may fulfill the duties of investment bankers. Investment bankers require specific skills – number crunching ability, excellent verbal and written communication skills and the capacity to work for very long and grueling hours.

Term

Investment Risk

Definition

The degree of uncertainty as to the realization of expected returns.

Term

Investment Value

Definition

The value to a particular investor based on individual investment requirements and expectations. (NOTE: in Canada, the term used is “Value to the Owner.”)

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Term

Definition

Term

Key Person Discount

Definition

An amount or percentage deducted from the value of an ownership interest to reflect the reduction in value resulting from the actual or potential loss of a key person in a business enterprise.

Term

Definition

Term

Leveraged Buyout (LBO)

Definition

The acquisition of a business utilizing equity or investment capital and third-party debt financing. The assets of the company being acquired are often used as collateral for the loans, along with the assets of the acquiring company. The purpose of leveraged buyouts is to allow companies to make large acquisitions without having to commit a lot of capital. Typically includes a change of control or change of ownership.

Term

LIFO (Last In First Out)

Definition

An accounting method of valuing inventory, based on the assumption that the “last”, most recent, unit of an item of inventory purchased is the first unit sold out of inventory. In pricing the inventory under this valuation method the ending inventory is the aggregate of the cost of the oldest units of each item, purchased within the accounting period.

Term

Limited Appraisal

Definition

The act or process of determining the value of a business, business ownership interest, security or intangible asset with limitations in analyses, procedures or scope.

Term

Liquidation Value

Definition

The net amount that would be realized if the business is terminated and the assets are sold piecemeal. Liquidation can be either “orderly” or “forced.”

Term

Liquidity

Definition

The ability to quickly convert property to cash or pay a liability. Liquidity describes the degree to which an asset or security can be quickly bought or sold in the market at a price reflecting its intrinsic value.

Term

Listing Amendment

Definition

Addresses a change made to the original listing. Also called a Listing Addendum.

Term

Loan Assumption

Definition

Occurs when the buyer assumes all of the rights and obligations of a debt currently in the name of the seller.

Term

Long-term Debt

Definition

The debt due to be paid at a date more than one year in the future. Also, the loans and obligations with a maturity of longer than one year; usually accompanied by interest payments. From a business owner’s perspective Long Term Debt Financing usually applies to assets the business is purchasing, such as equipment, buildings, land, or machinery.

Term

Lower Middle Market -LMM

Definition

The lower end of the middle market segment of the economy, as measured in terms of annual revenue of the firms. Firms with an annual revenue in the range of $5 million to $50 million are grouped under the lower middle market category.

Term

Definition

Term

Majority Control

Definition

The degree of control provided by a majority position.

Term

Majority Interest

Definition

An ownership interest greater than 50% of the voting interest in a business enterprise.

Term

Management Buy-in

Definition

Financing an outside manager or management team to acquire a target company. In a management buy-in (MBI) an external management team partners with a company that has a management void. This could be a private company, a stand-alone company or an orphaned division of a larger company. Managers retain operational control while holding significant equity. This type of action can occur when a company appears to be undervalued, poorly managed or requires succession.

Term

Management Buy-out

Definition

A process whereby management of a company acquires all or some of the ownership of the company they manage either independently or in partnership with a private equity fund/group (PEG). Management buy-outs (MBO) are generally pursued by management teams that have little or no ownership in a business and want to obtain more ownership but lack the financial resources to buy the company from the current owners. In these circumstances, a PEG can provide the financing necessary to facilitate the purchase of the business. The PEG also gives the management team a large equity stake to cement their commitment to continue running the business.

Term

Market (-Based) Approach

Definition

A general way of determining a value indication of a business, business ownership interest, security or intangible asset by using one or more methods that compare the subject to similar businesses, business ownership interests, securities or intangible assets that have been sold.

Term

Merger

Definition

The combination of two or more companies, whether through (1) a pooling of interest in which the accounts are combined (2) a purchase where the amount paid over and above the acquired company’s book value is carried on the books of the purchaser as goodwill or (3) consolidation in which a new company is formed to acquire the net assets of the combining companies.

Term

Minority Interest

Definition

An ownership interest less than 50 percent of the voting interest in a business enterprise.

Term

Most Probable Selling Price

Definition

That price for the assets intended for sale which represents the total consideration most likely to be established between a buyers and seller considering compulsion on the part of either buyer or seller, and potential financial, strategic or non-financial benefits to seller and probable buyer.

Term

Multiple

Definition

Also Known as Enterprise Value (EV) Multiple, is the inverse of the capitalization rate. It is usually the ratio of the price to earnings, particularly for public companies. It can also be the ratio of selling price to DE for a small business. A multiple can be used to estimate the value of a company. Most often, however, a multiple is a generated value as an outgrowth of the valuation of a business.

Term

Definition

Term

Net Book Value

Definition

With respect to a business enterprise, the difference between total assets (net of accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization) and total liabilities as they appear on the balance sheet (synonymous with Shareholder’s Equity). With respect to a specific asset, the capitalized cost less accumulated amortization or depreciation as it appears on the books of account of the business enterprise.

Term

Net Cash Flow

Definition

This is the net income plus all non-cash charges (depreciation, amortization and depletion), less amounts needed for capital expenditures, plus/minus net change in working capital, plus/minus changes in debt. (This would be net cash flow for equity.) Invested capital net cash flow would exclude the net change in debt and adjust net income to include interest expense, net of tax.

Term

Net Earnings

Definition

Refers to after-tax net income, sometimes known as the bottom line or a company’s profits. Net Earnings are the main determinant of a company’s share price, because earnings and the circumstances relating to them can indicate whether the business will be profitable and successful in the long run. See Earnings.

Term

Net Present Value (NPV)

Definition

The value, as of a specified date, of future cash inflows less all cash outflows (including the cost of investment) calculated using an appropriate discount rate. NPV is used in capital budgeting and investment planning to analyze the profitability of a projected investment or project.

Term

Net Profit

Definition

Total revenues less all expenses and other deductible items. Should be identified as pre-tax or post tax.

Term

Net Tangible Asset Value

Definition

The value of the business enterprise’s tangible assets (excluding excess assets and non-operating assets) minus the value of its liabilities.

Term

Net Worth

Definition

Total assets minus total liabilities, as reflected by the balance sheet. Synonymous with net book value or owner’s equity.

Term

Networking

Definition

The exchange of information and ideas among people with a common profession or special interest, usually in an informal social setting.

Term

Non-operating/Non-contributing Asset

Definition

An asset unnecessary to the operation of a business enterprise and the generation of its revenues. (NOTE: in Canada, the term used is “Redundant Assets.”)

Term

Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA)

Definition

Document that requires all information about a business to be kept confidential; also referred to as a confidentiality agreement.

Term

Normalized Earnings

Definition

Economic benefits adjusted for nonrecurring, non-economic or other unusual items to eliminate anomalies and/or facilitate comparisons.

Term

Normalized Financial Statements

Definition

Financial statements adjusted for non-operating assets and liabilities and/or for non-recurring, non-economic or other unusual items to eliminate anomalies and/or facilitate comparisons.

Term

Definition

Term

Open Listing

Definition

An Agreement between a seller and a broker that defines the terms and commissions that the broker would receive upon selling a business or property. However, unlike an Exclusive Right to Sell agreement, this agreement is non-exclusive. Any other broker may also enter into a similar non-exclusive agreement with the seller. The broker who brings in the winning buyer for the property collects a commission.

Term

Open-Ended Contract

Definition

Contract with no expiration date.

Term

Orderly Liquidation Value

Definition

Liquidation value at which the asset or assets are sold over a reasonable period of time to maximize proceeds received. See the contrary Forced Liquidation.

Term

Owner

Definition

A generic term used in business brokerage to represent the proprietor, general partner or controlling shareholder (singular or plural as appropriate) of a business enterprise.

Term

Owner Benefit

Definition

See Discretionary Earnings

Term

Owner Total Compensation

Definition

Total of an owner’s salary and perquisites, after the compensation of all other owners has been adjusted to market value.

Term

Owner’s Salary

Definition

The salary or wages paid to the owner, including related payroll burden.

Term

Ownership

Definition

A generic term used mean 100% controlling ownership; whether or not incorporated, and without the distinction that the owner of an unincorporated business owns the business’ assets, while the owner of a corporation owns the stock of the corporation – that owns the assets. Business ownership refers to the control over an enterprise, providing the power to dictate the operations and functions.

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Definition

Term

Perquisites

Definition

Special additional benefits received because of an employment position. In closely-held businesses these are often a result of the business’ ability to pay for them, more than a result of market rate compensation for the services provided to the business. Perquisites are commonly referred to as “perks.” Perks include items such as company paid vehicles, insurance, travel, memberships, salary in excess of market rate, bonuses, etc.

Term

Portfolio Discount

Definition

An amount or percentage deducted from the value of a business enterprise to reflect the fact that it owns dissimilar operations or assets that do not fit well together.

Term

Premise of Value

Definition

An assumption regarding the most likely set of transactional circumstances that may be applicable to the subject valuation (e.g., going concern, liquidation).

Term

Present Value

Definition

The value, as of a specified date, of future economic benefits and/or proceeds from sale, calculated using an appropriate discount rate.

Term

Principle of Substitution

Definition

A buyer will pay no more than that which he/she would have to to purchase an equally desirable substitute.

Term

Private Equity

Definition

An investment in non-public securities. Also, an investment asset class typically reserved for large institutional investors, such as pension funds and endowments, as well as high net worth individuals. Includes investments in privately held companies, ranging from start-up companies to well established and profitable companies, to bankrupt or near bankrupt companies. Examples of private equity include venture capital, leveraged buyout, growth capital and distressed investments.

Term

Private Equity Fund

Definition

An investment vehicle, typically a Limited Partnership, formed to make investments in private companies via a pool of available equity capital.

Term

Profit and Loss (P L) Statement

Definition

See Income Statement.

Term

Definition

Term

Quality of Earnings

Definition

The quality of earnings refers to the proportion of income attributable to the core operating activities of a business. The amount of earnings attributable to higher sales or lower costs has higher quality, rather than artificial profits created by accounting anomalies such as inflation of inventory. Quality of earnings may be considered poor during times of high inflation. Also earnings that are calculated conservatively are considered to have higher quality than those calculated by aggressive account policies. A key characteristic of high-quality earnings is that the earnings are readily repeatable over a series of reporting periods, rather than being earnings that are only reported as the result of a one-time event.

Term

Definition

Term

Rate of Return

Definition

An amount of income (loss) and/or change in value realized or anticipated on an investment, expressed as a percentage of that investment.

Term

Ratio Analysis

Definition

A ratio analysis is a quantitative analysis of information contained in a company’s financial statements used to evaluate various aspects of a company’s operating and financial performance such as its efficiency, liquidity, profitability and solvency.

Term

Recapitalization

Definition

A financing transaction that allows owners to harvest some of the value they have created in their company while retaining a large ownership stake in the business going forward. For example, recapitalization can involve exchanging one type of financing for another – debt for equity or equity for debt – or when a company issues debt to buy back its equity shares.

Term

Referring Business Broker

Definition

A business broker who provides introductory information which leads to a client relationship.

Term

Replacement Cost New

Definition

The current cost of a similar new asset or property having the nearest equivalent utility to the asset or property being valued.

Term

Reproduction Cost New

Definition

The current cost of an identical new asset or property.

Term

Required Rate of Return

Definition

The minimum rate of return acceptable by investors before they will commit money to an investment at a given level of risk.

Term

Reserve For Replacement

Definition

A financial provision for recognizing the reduction in value of assets over their estimated useful life. This is done by making regular additions to a fund sufficient to meet the estimated cost of additions to and replacements of the fixed assets when they come to the end of their useful life. The useful life could end due to wear, or becoming obsolete. This reserve is seldom “actually” money set aside for when needed. In concept, the reserve for replacement is similar to the charge for depreciation.

Term

Residual Value

Definition

The prospective value as of the end of the discrete projection period in a discounted benefit streams model. It is also the amount that a company expects to receive for an asset at the end of its service life less any anticipated disposal costs.

Term

Return on Equity

Definition

The amount, expressed as a percentage, earned on a company’s common equity for a given period.

Term

Return on Invested Capital

Definition

The amount, expressed as a percentage, earned on a company’s total capital for a given period.

Term

Rollup

Definition

A process used by investors (commonly private equity firms) where multiple small companies in the same market and/or industry are acquired and merged. The principle aim of a rollup is to reduce costs through economies of scale. (also Roll-up or Roll up)

Term

Rule of Thumb

Definition

A mathematical formula developed from the relationship between price and certain variables based on experience, observation, hearsay or a combination of these; usually industry specific. A rule of thumb is a common procedure or practice to empirically value a business. These procedures are based on past valuation experiences and estimates in that industry, rather than using more complex calculations.

Term

Definition

Term

Seller Financing

Definition

When the person selling a business offers financing to a buyer instead of or, in addition to the buyer finding third-party financing.

Term

Seller’s Discretionary Cash (SDC)

Definition

Method that addresses pricing based on what a buyer can afford to pay for the cash flow of the business.

Term

Seller’s Discretionary Earnings

Definition

See Discretionary Earnings.

Term

Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE)

Definition

See Discretionary Earnings

Term

Seller’s Discretionary Cash Flow (SDCF)

Definition

See Discretionary Earnings.

Term

Small Business Administration (SBA)

Definition

Guarantor/backer of loans offered by banks or credit unions. Note: In Canada called Small Business Loan SBL also provides other services for small businesses.

Term

Special Interest Purchasers

Definition

Acquirers who believe they can enjoy post-acquisition economies of scale, synergies or strategic advantages by combining the acquired business interest with their own. Also known as Strategic Buyers.

Term

Standard of Value

Definition

The identification of the type of value being used in a specific engagement (e.g., fair market value, fair value, investment value).

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Definition

Term

Tangible Assets

Definition

Physical assets (such as cash, accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, etc.).

Term

Teaser

Definition

An document circulated to potential buyers of a specific business is for sale without disclosing the identity of the business. The documents, often prepared by an advisor, details information that is designed to entice potential buyers.

Term

Telemarketing

Definition

Telemarketing means contacting people – usually by phone – in order to sell a product or service, gather information, or persuade people to do something.

Term

Transaction Value

Definition

The total of all consideration passed at any time between the Buyer and Seller for an ownership interest in a business enterprise and may include, but not be limited to, all remuneration for tangible and intangible assets such as furniture, equipment, supplies, inventory, working capital, noncompetition agreements, employment and/or consultation agreements, licenses, customer lists, franchise fees, assumed liabilities, stock options, stock or stock redemptions, real estate, leases, royalties, earn-outs and future considerations.

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Term

Definition

Term

Valuation

Definition

The act or process of determining the value of a business, business ownership interest or intangible asset(s) using one or more valuation methods

Term

Valuation Approach

Definition

A general way of determining a value indication of a business, business ownership interest, security or intangible asset using one or more valuation methods. The three common valuation approaches are the market approach, the income approach and the asset approach.

Term

Valuation Date

Definition

The specific point in time as of which the valuator’s opinion of value applies (also referred to as “Effective Date” or “Appraisal Date”).

Term

Valuation Method

Definition

Within the three valuation approaches, there are a number of specific methods to determine value. Each method is a specific way to determine the value of a security, business, business ownership interest or intangible assets and hence estimate its worth.

Term

Voting Control

Definition

De jure control of a business enterprise. De jure means Existing in law, or having formal, legitimate, moral, or rightful effect, force, or possession.

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Definition

Term

Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC)

Definition

The cost of capital (discount rate) determined by the weighted average, at market value, of the cost of all financing sources in the business enterprise’s capital structure.

Term

Weighted Average Discretionary Earnings (DE)

Definition

Valuation method used to determine an average cash flow, taking into account that sales and profits may vary from year to year.

Term

Working Capital

Definition

The excess of the value of the current assets over the value of the current liabilities. This value will be negative if current liabilities exceed current assets.

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