How many times revenue is a business worth? Is it 30? Maybe it’s 50.
Every now and then, you’ll find businesses claiming to be worth millions of dollars. But how is this figure actually calculated? What does it take into account? Is there genuine math behind it, or is it all just smoke and mirrors?
As it turns out, there is a method to this madness. Let’s find out how business valuation actually works to determine how many times revenue a business is actually worth.
How Many Times EBITDA Is a Business Worth?
The most common method of business valuation is called the “multiple of EBITDA.” EBITDA stands for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. It’s a measure of a company’s profitability that strips out all the non-operational aspects of the business.
The multiple of EBITDA is simply a company’s value divided by its EBITDA. So, if a company is valued at $100 million and has an EBITDA of $10 million, its multiple of EBITDA would be 10.
This method is favored by investors because it’s a quick and easy way to compare companies across different industries. It also doesn’t require a lot of detailed financial information, which can be difficult to come by.
The multiple of EBITDA is also used as a starting point in more sophisticated valuation methods. This can be combined with other financial ratios, such as the price-to-earnings ratio, to reveal a more accurate estimate of a company’s value.
Loving this post? Make sure to check out our other article about valuing a business while selling it before you leave!
Revenue Valuation Multiples by Industry
The multiple of EBITDA can vary widely from one industry to the next. For example, companies in the tech industry are often valued at much higher multiples. This is because investors are willing to pay more for growth potential. They’re also willing to take on more risk for the chance of a higher reward.
Companies in the retail industry, on the other hand, are typically valued at lower multiples because they have less growth potential and are considered to be riskier.
The multiple of EBITDA can also vary depending on a company’s stage of development. For example, early-stage companies are often valued at higher multiples because they have more potential for growth.
But this is just one method of business valuation. It’s also important to look at other factors, such as a company’s competitive advantage, growth potential, and financial stability.
Business Revenue FAQ
What multiple of revenue is a business worth?
The multiple of revenue varies depending on the industry and stage of development. Generally, the multiple of revenue is higher for companies in the tech industry and early-stage companies.
What multiples do businesses sell for?
Businesses generally sell for a multiple of EBITDA or revenue. The multiple varies depending on the industry, stage of development, and other factors. When it comes to M&A, businesses usually sell for a higher multiple than their current valuation. Multiples of 8-10 are common in M&A transactions.
How many times profit’s a small business worth?
The multiple of profit varies depending on the industry and stage of development. Generally, a small business is worth 1-2 times its annual profit. However, this number can be higher or lower depending on the circumstances. If the business is in a high-growth industry, for example, it may be worth 3-5 times its annual profit. If the business is in a declining industry, it may be worth less than 1 time its annual profit.
What is a reasonable revenue multiple?
Generally, a reasonable multiple of revenue is 2-3 times. However, the term “reasonable” all depends on the business, the industry, its assets, etc. etc.
How do you value a business based on revenue?
To value a business based on revenue, simply divide the company’s value by its revenue. Ultimately, you’ll need to know the revenue of the company and how many months you’d like to use as the basis for your valuation.
What is the rule of thumb for valuing a business?
Is there a rule of thumb for valuing a business? While there is no hard and fast rule for valuing a business, a common method is to use the multiple of EBITDA.