A value, typically expressed as a factor, used to multiply a business economic benefit to arrive at the business value.

Valuation multiple is a multiplier used to convert a single-point business economic benefit into the business value. The typical economic benefit used in small business valuation is the seller's discretionary cash flow (SDCF). Note that the Valuation multiple is the reciprocal of the Capitalization rate.

Business value estimation as multiple of discretionary earnings

Valuation multiples are used as the key inputs into the Multiple of Discretionary Earnings income-based business valuation method.

Market-derived business valuation multiples

Valuation multiples derived from similar business sales are often used to estimate the likely selling price of a business. These multiples are calculated as ratios which relate some measure of business financial performance to its potential selling price.

Typical valuation multiples used in business appraisal

The most popular multiples are:

• Selling price divided by business gross revenue
• Selling price divided by business net sales
• Selling price divided by cash flow, such as
  Seller's Discretionary Cash Flow or Net Cash Flow

Other common valuation multiples that are also used rely on well-known accounting measures, for example:

• Selling price divided by EBITDA, EBIT or net income
• Selling price divided by gross profit
• Selling price divided by the book value of business assets
• Selling price divided by the market value of total business assets or fixed assets such as Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment
• Selling price divided by the value of owners' equity

Valuation formula multiples derived from historic business sales form the basis of the Comparative Transaction and Guideline Public Company business valuation methods.

Business selling price estimation

You can use these multiples for quick estimation of your business selling price. For example, take the Price to Gross Revenue multiple and multiply it by your business gross revenue.

Using several valuation multiples

To get a comprehensive idea of your business fair market value, consider using a number of valuation multiples at once. The business value results may differ depending upon the business revenues, profits, asset base, cash flow or equity.

For an example of how market-derived valuation multiples are used for business selling price estimation, please see the Valuation Guide article on estimating business market value.