If you look into the accepted approaches that are used to value businesses, several aspects begin to cloud the above scenario. For instance, appraisers do, and should use historical as well as projected financial analysis to normalize discretionary net profit. Correctly done, the cost of new equipment to handle future increases in revenues for the business in the projected years and a deduction for true (sometimes called economic depreciation or a capital reserve) depreciation for historical years to arrive at a true earnings picture of the company. If the costs of the assets are off, keep in mind that at a capitalization rate of 25%, every one thousand dollars of discretionary net profit can equal 4 times that amount when capitalizing the income, thereby having a drastic impact on the overall value of the company.
Another aspect that one must consider is that many of the calculations in the various approaches take into consideration the value of the assets. Those that are not directly impacted by methodology involving the assets are still derived from capitalization of the income stream, and as stated above can result in some drastic differences in value. One of the most popular methods used by intermediaries and appraisers is a combination of assets plus a multiple of earnings, or mainly just a multiple of earnings associated with the type of business being valued. Almost all accepted methodology relies on the normalized income stream. Again, assets can play a significant role in the overall estimate of value of the business. Depending on the size of the company and the various methods used, an error in valuing the assets can have more of an effect than one might think. Also, although most business appraisers do not value the real estate, one must be thorough to research this asset to determine the fair market rent to be deducted from expenses to allow the real estate to be added to the fair market value of the company as an "Investment Value".
When discussing hard assets, there are various categories such as Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, Vehicles or rolling stock, inventory (both for resale and parts for everyday repairs), Leasehold improvements, as well as Licenses, Patents and Trademarks. Each category of assets has to be analyzed individually and some research is required. Keep in mind that in addition to the fair market value of each item, you may have to arrive at a "Value in Use" of the equipment. "Value in Use" is defined as: "The value of an economic good to its owner/user is based on the production (privacies in income; utility or amenity form) of the economic good to a specific individual. This is a subjective value however, and may not necessarily represent market value."
When valuing Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, several things can happen when trying to research the values. For instance, you will usually encounter two scenarios that stand out when calling used equipment dealers, sometimes auctioneers (although you are mainly looking for fair market value, in some cases auction value is the market), and trade association magazine classified ads as well as the owners own estimate and owners of similar businesses; one is that everyone seems to know the value of the various pieces of equipment or that no one can give you a straight answer until they see the equipment and its condition.
You can adjust the equipment on the Balance Sheet by adding to or deducting from depreciation to reflect the fair market value of the assets. This gives you an economic adjustment that is based on fair market value rather than a taxed based value as set forth by IRS schedules that are usually only for tax purposes and probably do not reflect the true value of the equipment.
The second scenario whereby, hardly anyone knows the value of the equipment until they see it is an indication that age, condition and model has a significant impact on value. Although each (including the owner) dealer or contact may not be sure what the equipment is worth, all will definitely know how long each piece of equipment will last. This is where the "Remaining Useful Life" (RUL) Method applies best. Again, keep notes as to who you talk to and their estimate of useful life of each piece of equipment. Based on a range of life expectancy, you can deduct a fair and reasonable life for each piece of equipment. The calculations are a simple mathematical method of re-doing the depreciation schedule that the accountant has used. Sometimes you will find that the depreciation schedules the accountant has applied accurately represent the true life expectancy of the equipment and therefore do not need adjustment. This is usually true in hi-tech electrical or computerized equipment. In most cases this is not the case and a new depreciation schedule must be established from the research you have collected.
DEFINITIONS OF CONDITIONS
Care must be taken in assignments of condition ratings to accurately reflect the impact on value
EXCELLENT
New/near new or practically new mechanical condition, extremely low hours of use, no defects, and may still be under warranty.
VERY GOOD
Exceptionally good condition. May have just recently been completely overhauled or rebuilt with new or near new materials and/or has had such limited use that no repairs or worn part replacements are necessary. Very low hours of use.
GOOD
In complete 100% operating condition. No known or obvious mechanical defects but may have some minor worn parts that will need repair or replacement in the near future. May have high hours of use but no defects are obvious.
FAIR
Has very high hours or extended use. Defects are obvious and will require repair or general rebuild soon. Not 100% functional or efficient, may be operational or functional but questionable.
POOR
Has seen very hard and long hours of service. Requires rebuild, repair, or overhaul before it can be used. Not operational or functional.
SCRAP
Cost of repair exceeds value or cost or replacing with like equipment. Past useful or functional life and should be sold as scrap.
DETERMINING CONDITIONS
It should be noted that in determining conditions, the appearance of the particular item is important. However, the equipment must be judged on mechanical and electrical working conditions and not just on appearance. Paint, lubrication, and general clean up should be part of general maintenance and should not be used to cover up defective equipment.
The physical condition, deterioration, depreciation or state of repair is a major factor in values. Loss of value due to curable or incurable depreciation is a consideration of market value.
Assuming the current owner paid for leasehold improvements and the local lease market is not providing spaces built to the tenant's specifications, use the following schedules:
A. Long Lived Improvements (10 to 25 year life)
Walls, electrical wiring and plumbing can be valued at the original cost of installation with no deduction for depreciation. (Inflation rates will compensate for depreciation).
B. Intermediate Lived Improvements (5 to 10 year life)
Signs, water heaters, air conditioners, air compressors, furnaces, etc. Use a "straight line" depreciation based on actual useful life.
C. Disposable or fashionable (0 to 5 year life)
Carpeting, blinds, draperies, etc. are subject to rapid wear and fashion trend and will be worth:
75% of original cost if in new condition
50% of original cost if in good condition
25% of original cost if in fair condition
0% of original cost if in worn condition
In the case of vehicles or rolling stock, there are three good sources for price information:
A. Blue Book Value. This guide is available at many bookstores for a nominal fee and is extremely reliable.
B. Classified Ads. Many local publications and newspapers advertise vehicles and the average price from a number of ads will represent the prevailing market.
C. Depreciation Schedule Model. Minimum value is 20% of original cost.
ENTER Mechanical Equipment original value, and then DEDUCT accumulated depreciation. The total is the mechanical equipment value. Remember 20% of cost is the minimum.
Every business has some inventory of stock for internal use or products for resale. The actual value of stocks or inventory is usually determined by a physical inventory completed the day the business sale is consummated. You can use the following sources for information: (A) Have a professional inventory service determines market value. (B) Use last year's tax statement to find your "ending inventory" and "beginning inventory". Be careful, since many people make year-end adjustments to inventory levels for tax purposes. Look for the value on a "Normal Day".
