Value Study
The Value Study is Exit Engine's three-method business valuation for owner-led companies — backed by a quality-of-earnings review and a value-gap analysis. You'll know what your business is worth today, what it could be worth, and exactly what's holding the multiple back.
Three methods. One defensible number.
A Value Study is the foundation of every Exit Engine engagement. We don't quote a single multiple — we triangulate three independent valuation methods, then quantify the gap between today's value and what's achievable with focused work.
The three methods
Income approach
Discounted cash flow against industry-adjusted discount rates. Captures the earnings power of the business.
Market approach
Comparable transactions in your industry, size, and geography. Captures what buyers are actually paying.
Asset approach
Adjusted net asset value as a floor. Captures the downside protection in your balance sheet.
What you'll receive
Three-Method Valuation
Today's defensible value range, with sensitivity analysis on key drivers.
Quality-of-Earnings Summary
Normalized EBITDA with documented adjustments, ready to present to buyers.
Value-Gap Analysis
Quantified delta between current value and achievable value, with the specific gaps identified.
Action Plan
Priority-ranked initiatives with estimated impact on multiple, ready to staff into a Value Acceleration Map.
What we need from you
- 3 years of financials — P&L, balance sheet, tax returns
- Customer concentration data — top 10 customers by revenue, last 24 months
- Org chart & comp summary — for owner-dependence assessment
- Two interview hours — one with you, one with your CPA or controller
Owners who go to market without a defensible valuation lose 10–25% in retrades during diligence. Buyers find what you didn't quantify — and price you accordingly. The Value Study lets you set the floor, not react to it.
Questions owners ask about the Value Study.
What is a Value Study?
A Value Study is Exit Engine's three-method business valuation for owner-led companies — income, market, and asset approaches — backed by a quality-of-earnings summary and a value-gap analysis that quantifies the difference between today's value and achievable value. It is Phase 2 of the pathway and the foundation of every engagement.
How long does a Value Study take?
Typically one to two weeks from the time we receive your financials and complete the two interview hours.
What do I receive?
Four deliverables: a three-method valuation with sensitivity analysis on key drivers, a quality-of-earnings summary with documented EBITDA adjustments, a value-gap analysis with the specific gaps identified, and a priority-ranked action plan with estimated impact on multiple.
What information do you need from me?
Three years of financials (P&L, balance sheet, and tax returns), your top ten customers by revenue for the last 24 months, an org chart and compensation summary, and two interview hours — one with you and one with your CPA or controller.
Is the Value Study a certified appraisal?
No. It is an advisory valuation designed to set a defensible value range before you go to market. It is not a certified valuation, appraisal, or fairness opinion, and it depends on the accuracy of the materials you provide.
How much does a Value Study cost?
Exit Engine does not publish fees. Scope and fee are confirmed on a discovery call before any engagement begins, and there is no obligation to continue to later phases.
Do I have to sell after a Value Study?
No. Many owners use the Value Study to build a more valuable, less owner-dependent business whether or not they ever go to market. If the timing is wrong, we say so.
What comes after the Value Study?
Owners who choose to act on the report move to the Value Acceleration Map, which turns the action plan into dated milestones with named owners. The Value Study is the required input to that phase.