💼 We reviewed a valuation where the buyer projected 30% growth and a 2x revenue jump post-acquisition. The valuation? Based on unsupported projections as if the company were a startup. But: Mature business in a mature industry Historic growth = 2–3% No new contracts No capital investment We valued the business based on historic free … Continue reading 📊 Case Study: Startup-Level Projections in a Mature Business

📉 Projections are a tool—generally not a justification for 7a valuations. The SBA favors valuation based on historical performance, not hypothetical growth. But we’ve seen appraisals that: Use unsupported forecasts to support value Apply multiples to “future EBITDA” Ignore risk adjustments 📌 If the value is based on what the business might do or what … Continue reading 🧠 Sin Spotlight: Projections ≠ Valuation Basis

🧾 We built a CapEx Adjustment Worksheet to help lenders and analysts test if CapEx has been normalized. It includes: ✅ CapEx drivers✅ Normalization considerations ✅ Common appraisal errors✅ SBA considerations for capital assets 📩 Click here to grab your copy.

💼 A service company showed $480K in free cash flow—but had deferred equipment replacements for 3 years. When we normalized CapEx to $90K/year?⚠️ True FCF = $390K📉 Value dropped 20%—and the lender avoided a post-closing cash crunch. Cash flow without reinvestment isn’t sustainable. It’s short-term optimism.

🧯 Deadly Sin: Ignoring Capital Expenditures A business that looks cash-rich today might fall apart tomorrow if it’s not reinvesting. CapEx needs are often: 🔧 Buried in “repairs and maintenance”📉 Ignored in cash flow estimates📉 Excluded from projections 📌 SBA-compliant valuations must deduct reasonable ongoing CapEx to calculate real free cash flow. Otherwise, you're lending … Continue reading 🧠 Sin Spotlight: CapEx Gets Ignored Too Often

📘 We’ve built a Goodwill Evaluation Guide for SBA lenders. Inside: ✅ Definitions ✅ Transferability checklist✅ Real-world examples by industry✅ Tips for credit memos 📩 Click here to grab your copy.

We reviewed a $1.4M valuation for a solo dental practice. Cash flow looked great… but: No associate No buyer in place 90% of patients came to see the doctor, not the brand We applied a personal goodwill risk premium. Value adjusted. Structure changed. Deal closed—but safely. 📌 If the business is built on a name, … Continue reading 📊 Case Study: Doctor-Owned Practice

🧯 Deadly Sin: Overvaluing Personal Goodwill If the business relies on the seller’s relationships, charisma, or technical expertise—it may not transfer. And if the valuation assumes those intangibles stick around, the lender’s at risk. ✅ Enterprise goodwill = transferable🚫 Personal goodwill = fragile 📌 If the cash flow walks out the door with the owner, … Continue reading 🧠 Sin Spotlight: Goodwill That’s Too Personal

📘 New lender tool: Our Rent Normalization Memo Template Includes: ✅ What “market rent” means ✅ Where to find rent comps✅ How to adjust cash flow✅ Sample memo language for credit files 📩 Click here to grab your copy.

A $1.8M valuation looked solid—until we saw the seller was charging their business just $1,000/month for a property worth $4,500/month in rent. ⚠️ That $3,500/month gap = $42K/year = ~$250K in overstated value We adjusted the rent. Value dropped. The loan structure changed—and the deal stayed alive. 📌 Always ask: Is the rent realistic post-sale?