Learn the difference between SDE and EBITDA, when buyers use each metric, and how they determine the value of your trades business in a sale.
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Business Valuations
As a business owner, it is important to stay informed about the value of your company. That’s why our experienced business advisors provide a wealth of news and resources on business appraisals, valuations, and more!
Brentwood Growth Articles
What Is a Good EBITDA Margin for a Service Business?
“What’s a good EBITDA margin?” It is one of the most common questions business owners ask. And it usually comes from the right place. They want to know if the business is performing the way it should. But there is a problem with the question: There is no single number...
What Determines the Value of a Trades Business?
Trade business owners often assume their company’s value is based primarily on revenue. In reality, buyers care far less about how big a business is and far more about how reliably it produces profit without relying on the owner. Two trades companies with the same...
What Is EBITDA and Why Does It Matter?
If you’ve ever spoken with a buyer, lender, or advisor about selling or growing your business, you’ve probably heard the term EBITDA. It’s often treated as the gold standard for measuring business performance, but many trades business owners aren’t fully clear on what...
What Is My Business Worth to Sell? The Real Factors Behind Business Valuation
Most business owners do not know what their business is actually worth. They may rely on word of mouth, comparisons to recent sales in the industry, or a rough multiple of revenue. But Business Valuation is not about guesswork. It is a calculated process that reflects...
Why Owner Involvement Lowers Your Valuation—And How to Fix It
When buyers evaluate HVAC businesses, one issue tends to stand out: owner dependency. If everything—from operations to customer relationships to key decisions—runs through a single person, that creates risk. And risk drives down value. For business owners planning a...
How to Value a Heating and Air Conditioning Business
Understanding HVAC Business Valuation Valuing a heating and air conditioning (HVAC) business is crucial whether you are planning to sell your HVAC Business, attract investors, or assess its financial health. Several factors influence the value of an HVAC company,...
The Power of Recurring Revenue: Building Predictable Income Streams in Any Industry
Scaling a business successfully requires financial stability, and one of the most effective ways to achieve that is by implementing recurring revenue. Businesses operating with a predictable revenue stream gain a competitive advantage, ensuring long-term...
Cash Flow Mastery: Turning Your Business from a ‘Cash Suck’ to a ‘Cash Spigot’
Cash flow is the foundation of any successful business. Without a firm grasp on how money moves in and out of the company, even profitable businesses can struggle with liquidity issues. Inconsistent cash flow limits a business’s ability to grow, reinvest, and navigate...
The Hidden Cost of Owner Dependency: Why Your Business Needs to Run Without You
Owning a business should bring freedom, financial security, and the ability to step back when needed. Yet many business owners find themselves trapped in daily operations, making every key decision and managing client relationships personally. This high level of owner...
Price Control Equals Profit Control: Building a Moat Around Your Business
For business owners looking to increase the value of their company—whether for future growth, investment, or an eventual sale—pricing strategy is a key driver of profitability and long-term success. Businesses that take control of their pricing gain the ability to...
Determining Your Business’s Market Value
Understanding your business's market value is essential for informed decision-making, whether you're planning to sell, seeking investment, or strategizing for growth. This guide offers actionable steps, practical insights, and detailed methodologies to accurately...
Understanding Your HVAC Company’s Worth
Determining the true value of your HVAC business plays a critical role in the selling process. Whether you're planning for retirement, exploring new business ventures, or evaluating your options, understanding your company's worth helps you make informed decisions....
Will Your Business Be Worth More This Time Next Year?
Remember sitting at your kitchen table late at night, sorting through invoices and trying to figure out next week's schedule? Back then, the focus was survival – getting enough jobs to keep the lights on and fuel in the trucks. The thought of building lasting value...
10 New Year’s Resolutions to Maximize Your Business Value Before Selling
How to Turn Your Trades Business Into a Sellable Asset Remember that first service truck? Maybe it was a used van with hand-painted lettering, or just a personal pickup loaded with tools. Back then, building a company to sell wasn't the goal – making it through the...
Increase Your Market Value and Selling Price by Developing a Unique Selling Proposition for Your Restoration and Remediation Business
Standing out from the crowd in the restoration and remediation space is crucial—especially when you’re considering selling your business. A well-crafted Unique Selling Proposition (USP) can be the key to catching potential buyers’ attention and maximizing your...