Every business owner is naturally curious about just how much their business is worth. However, for every business that sells at an attractive price, there are others that struggle to sell, let alone fetch a premium. The question is, what makes a difference?
When you come to sell a business the first question is, what are you selling? In most cases, this is fixtures and fittings, plant and
equipment, stock on hand, and the goodwill of the business. Generally, a buyer won’t want to purchase your liabilities or your business
structure, nor will they want to collect your outstanding debtors. Most business sales become a sale of business assets.
These assets are relatively easy to value with the exception of the goodwill. The value of plant and equipment and trading stock can
generally be agreed. The tension tends to be around the value of the goodwill because goodwill is made up of many intangible assets that
can’t be readily quantified.
We can all agree that there is value in these assets but the question is, how much? Goodwill is basically the value of the future free
cashflow of the business. Based on how your business is structured, it is the value of the profits the business can generate in the
future. This is what a buyer is prepared to pay for.
If a buyer has a reasonable certainty of profits and free cashflow in the future, then this is worth something. By comparison, a start-up
business will have a higher level of risk and no certainty that profits can be generated. In general, a new business may need to trade for a
number of years at a loss before it can establish itself and generate profits. Goodwill is what you are prepared to pay to avoid the
risk and the ‘time to establish’ factor.
So, what influences business value and what will people pay for?
It is possible to get a price that is widely different from the norm. Unique businesses, unique circumstances, and unique opportunities can
always produce ‘an out of the box’ price. If you can build something unique, then you may achieve a price beyond normal expectations. At the
end of the day however, the market will set the price.
If you are planning on selling your business, identify who your buyers might be. There could be a purchaser who is prepared to pay a large
premium to own your business because of the accretive value or because it is pivotal to their growth strategy.
And, even if you are not thinking about selling your business, the reality is that one day you will. If you build your business with this in
mind, then you should look to do the things that will grow your business value from year to year.
Our expert accounting and business consultants can help ensure a smooth transition when you're ready to step out from your business.
It’s a good idea to regularly revisit your personal insurance to make sure it’s giving you the level and type of cover you need at your specific stage of life.
By setting goals, planning ahead and being smart with your savings and debt strategies – you can actively grow your wealth even from a
modest start.
Many investors become concerned when volatility occurs in global financial markets – particularly about the impact on their superannuation and other investments.
If you’re just starting out as an investor, there’s a lot of information to absorb. This fact file defines and explores the pros and cons of each asset class.
Interest rates are the cost of money when borrowed or loaned, and are used to control inflation and economic growth. But why do interest rates rise and fall, and how can they affect you?
Some retirees who need aged care may prefer to stay at home. Whilst others may need or prefer the assistance that a residential aged care facility can provide. .
Gearing can be an effective and tax-efficient way of building your investments over the long-term. While it can increase your investment returns, you need to be aware of the risks involved.
One of the most effective ways to provide some or all of your required level of income in retirement may be via a regular retirement income stream such as an account-based pension or an annuity.
If you have been made redundant, it is important to understand the financial issues involved, your entitlements, and how to make the most of your redundancy payment with the help of your adviser.
Superannuation can be one of the most tax effective ways to build your retirement nest egg. There are a range of strategies you can consider to boost your super savings.
A transition to retirement strategy may give you more flexibility and allow you to take advantage of tax concessions to help you achieve the lifestyle and super balance you want.
If your business currently receives JobKeeper, your arrangements will generally remain unchanged until 27 September 2020. From 28 September 2020, employers seeking to claim JobKeeper payments will need to reassess their eligibility and prove an actual decline in turnover.
Earlier optimism on the virus front started to fade, as a gradual easing of restrictions saw a spike in the number of new cases. This saw new constraints imposed in some areas and prompted the World Health Organisation to suggest the worst of the pandemic may be ahead.
Retirement is a period of life that most of us look forward to. But it can also be a challenging lifestyle adjustment, particularly if you’re someone who’s used to keeping busy.
The Government has announced the $2.5bn JobTrainer package to retrain, upskill and open new job opportunities.
The Mornington Peninsula has no active coronavirus cases and some residents live more than 100km from Melbourne. So why is the region going back into lockdown?
As a business owner, there’s one key thing you need to totally focus on now – keeping your business alive during these difficult times. It’s vital that you build a cash 'war chest' which will allow you keep trading through the coming difficult months. Also, we want to help you to protect the health of your employees and customers / clients.
A financial plan is a powerful thing, but it’s most effective when it’s supported by a solid insurance strategy.
Minimum wage increases by 1.75% plus changes to Paid Parental Leave for the self employed.
Will the Prime Minister’s targeted $250 million package of funding to support cultural and creative projects and initiatives save the industry?
Two major Australian Taxation Office (ATO) initiatives are searching out fraud and schemes designed to take advantage of the Government’s Coronavirus Economic Response Package.
Up against over 580 nominations and 275 certified finalists, Brandon Tilley, accountant at Mornington accounting and business advisory firm, SMART Business Solutions, won the coveted Rising Star Of The Year Award as one of only 35 award winners.
So, you’re one year out from retirement - congratulations! Here are five steps you can take now to ensure you’re ready.
As goals-based advisers, we start off with helping you articulate what’s important to you to develop smart financial strategies to make it all possible.
A Business Recovery Planning session requires you to reconsider all aspects of your business to ensure its best chance of recovery. We'll work with you to develop a concise Business Recovery Plan and clarify the future direction of your business.
News headlines recently stated that casual workers have won the right to paid leave following a decision in the Federal Court. As usual, the devil is in the detail.
Important need-to-know changes for Australian business owners as at 1st July 2020.
The ATO is looking carefully at businesses that appear to have made adjustments to their circumstances to meet the JobKeeper eligibility requirements where, if those adjustments had not been made, the entity would have been ineligible or had lower JobKeeper payments.
This has probably been the most difficult year ever for business owners due to the impact of COVID-19. As a business owner, there are many obligations that you need to consider and action just before and after 30 June.
Success in generating long-term wealth has a lot to do with awareness of the tricks money can play on your mind. How many of these do you recognise?
For many people, super is one of the best ways to grow your wealth, as it provides significant tax concessions to help you save for retirement.
The ATO has released Draft Practical Compliance Guideline PCG 2026/D2, and it’s very clear where they’re focusing next, property development structures, particularly where land ownership and development activities are split.
Tax planning is more than just a financial necessity—it's a strategic advantage for businesses of all sizes. By proactively managing your tax strategy, you can significantly reduce your liabilities, enhance cash flow, and ensure full compliance with ever-evolving tax regulations.
.jpg){kind=tracking}
