🛠️ Machine shops often come with heavy equipment—but don’t confuse asset value with business value. Key valuation drivers: Owner is usually the lead machinist or programmer Jobs are project-based, not recurring CapEx requirements often ignored Customer concentration is common 📌 Rule of thumb: If goodwill walks out with the owner, you’re just buying used machines. … Continue reading 🧠 Valuation Insight: The Machines May Be Worth More Than the Business
7a Business Valuation Field Notes
Welcome to 7(a) Business Valuation Field Notes — a running series of insights, strategies, and quick reads pulled directly from our content library. Designed for SBA lenders, brokers, and business buyers, these posts break down complex valuation topics into practical, bite-sized guidance you can actually use. Whether you’re navigating fair market value, tackling SOP compliance, or trying to make sense of goodwill and cash flow, this is your go-to resource for grounded valuation clarity — straight from the field.
🎁 Resource Drop: Pharmacy Valuation Checklist
📋 Now available: Our Pharmacy Valuation Checklist for SBA 7(a) lenders and valuation reviewers. Includes: ✅ Buyer licensing + pharmacist replacement issues✅ PBM, Medicaid, and reimbursement risk✅ Addback traps (consulting, vendor perks, personal benefits)✅ Red flags: inventory bloat, goodwill tied to DEA license, or owner-only ops 💊 Click here to grab your copy.
⚠️ Red Flag Case Study: The $800K Rx Mirage
An independent pharmacy listed for $800K on $200K in SDE. But: ❌ Seller filled 98% of prescriptions❌ No replacement wage or pharmacist transition plan❌ PBM reimbursements declining 3 years straight❌ $60K in addbacks included 'consulting' to his own C-corp ✅ After market comp, buyer pharmacist wage, and normalization, value = ~$370K 📌 No pharmacist, no … Continue reading ⚠️ Red Flag Case Study: The $800K Rx Mirage
🧠 Valuation Insight: Don’t Let the Scripts Fool You
💊 Pharmacies can post steady revenue—but valuation pitfalls are everywhere. Common traps: PBM reimbursements below cost Owner is the primary pharmacist No non-compete from departing seller Prescription volume inflated by short-term scripts 📌 Rule of thumb: A buyer without a license can’t step into the seller’s shoes—and value must reflect that. ✅ Normalize cash flow … Continue reading 🧠 Valuation Insight: Don’t Let the Scripts Fool You
🎁 Resource Drop: MSP Valuation Checklist
🧾 Hot off the server: Our IT MSP Valuation Checklist—built for SBA 7(a) underwriting of tech service providers. Includes: ✅ Owner dependency & tech labor normalization✅ Contract type + termination clauses✅ Software licensing, RMM tools, and CapEx traps✅ Red flags: no SOPs, no backup staff, or vague SLAs 💻 Click here to grab your copy.
⚠️ Red Flag Case Study: The $1.2M Illusion
A seller priced an MSP at $1.2M based on $325K of “recurring” EBITDA. But: ❌ 83% of contracts were cancel-anytime❌ Owner handled all escalations & major clients❌ Licensing for RMM + security tools not transferrable❌ No backup engineers, SOPs, or client portal 📉 True transferable free cash flow: ~$85K🧮 Revised value: ~$520K 📌 MSPs need … Continue reading ⚠️ Red Flag Case Study: The $1.2M Illusion
🧠 Valuation Insight: IT Managed Services Providers (MSPs)-Not All Recurring Revenue Is Created Equal
🖥️ MSPs often boast “recurring revenue”—but dig deeper. Consider: Are contracts fixed-fee, usage-based, or T&M (time & materials)? Do contracts auto-renew or cancel anytime? Is the owner the primary tech or sales lead? Are software/tools included or personally owned? 📌 Rule of thumb: “Recurring” only matters if it's documented, priced right, and transferable. ✅ Adjust … Continue reading 🧠 Valuation Insight: IT Managed Services Providers (MSPs)-Not All Recurring Revenue Is Created Equal
🎁 Resource Drop: NEMT Valuation Checklist
📝 Now available: Our NEMT Valuation Checklist for SBA 7(a) underwriting. Includes: ✅ Owner driving risk + replacement comp✅ Medicaid and contract payer mix analysis✅ CapEx for fleet age, safety compliance, and GPS✅ Red flags: no EHR integration, denied claims, or solo-driver ops 🚐 Click here to grab your copy.
⚠️ Red Flag Case Study: The $600K Illusion
A NEMT business claimed $175K in adjusted cash flow and wanted $600K. But: ❌ Owner drove 5 days a week❌ Vehicles were over 12 years old❌ Medicaid reimbursement delays not considered❌ No backup drivers or dispatch software Real FCF: ~$42K📉 Revised value: ~$260K 📌 Mileage doesn’t equal value—especially if the wheels fall off post-sale.
🧠 Valuation Insight: NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation) Revenue Isn’t Always on the Meter
🚐 NEMT businesses can appear cash-flow strong—but risk is hiding in the details. Watch for: Heavy reliance on Medicaid or brokered contracts Delayed reimbursements or denials Owner driving the majority of shifts CapEx and repairs for aging fleets not accounted for 📌 Free cash flow means nothing if it’s based on unpaid invoices or a … Continue reading 🧠 Valuation Insight: NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation) Revenue Isn’t Always on the Meter
