Broker Opinion of Value Business Valuation
Know what your business could be worth before you decide to sell.
An asking price should have a financial basis. Lion’s Broker Opinion of Value gives you an initial market value range, an explanation of the earnings behind it and a conversation with the advisors who prepared the analysis. Use it to decide whether a potential sale deserves a closer look.
Texas-based Lion Business Advisors. Serving business owners nationwide.
- Three-year earnings recast
- Estimated market value range
- Two-page report and review call
What is a Broker Opinion of Value?
A Broker Opinion of Value, or BOV, is a market-oriented estimate of a business’s potential sale value. Lion’s BOV connects three years of recast tax-return earnings to an estimated value range and implied multiples. It is designed for an owner’s initial sale and exit-planning decisions.
Make the first sale decision with a supported starting point
Set realistic expectations
Compare your expectations with a value range tied to the company’s historical earnings before choosing an asking price.
Understand the earnings being valued
See how reported results connect to adjusted EBITDA or seller’s discretionary earnings and which basis fits the business.
Choose your next step
Use the findings to decide whether to explore a sale, gather more information or commission a deeper valuation.
Who should order a Broker Opinion of Value
- Owners who want an initial current market value range before discussing a sale.
- First-time sellers comparing their expectations with the financial performance of the business.
- Owners who prefer a concise report and advisor discussion before investing in more detailed analysis.
What your BOV includes
Three years of recast earnings
A recast based on business tax returns, with owner-related and other proposed adjustments evaluated within the agreed scope.
An EBITDA or SDE bridge
A connection between reported results and adjusted earnings. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; SDE means seller’s discretionary earnings.
An estimated market value range
A range with implied earnings multiples, making the relationship between the earnings basis and estimated value visible.
Concise market context
A short explanation of the market considerations supporting the initial range.
Likely buyer categories
The types of buyers that may fit the business, such as an individual owner-operator, a strategic acquirer or a financial buyer. Named buyer research is a separate level of analysis.
A two-page report and review call
A senior advisor prepares the valuation and joins you and your Lion advisor to discuss the conclusions and next steps.
A practical use before choosing an asking price
If your expectation is based mainly on revenue or a competitor’s asking price, a BOV brings the discussion back to your company’s earnings. It helps you establish an initial reference point before deciding whether you need the scenarios and deal-structure analysis included in ABA.Choose BOV for an initial range. Choose Advanced Broker Analysis when you need method selection, adjustment judgments, scenarios, sensitivity tables and expected deal structure explained in greater depth.
Explore Advanced Broker AnalysisHow to order and what happens next
- Start your BOV orderTell us about the business, your role and the decision you want the valuation to support.
- Confirm the engagementLion confirms suitability and scope. Sign the engagement, pay the fee and provide the required records.
- Receive the analysisA senior advisor prepares the agreed earnings recast, estimated range and written report.
- Review your next stepDiscuss the findings with the senior advisor and your Lion advisor before deciding how to proceed.
The five-business-day delivery target begins after the engagement is signed, payment clears and Lion accepts the complete required records. Missing information or scope changes may extend timing.
What to have ready
- Three years of complete business tax returns and financial statements.
- Current year-to-date profit-and-loss statement and balance sheet.
- Owner compensation and documentation for proposed add-backs.
- Information about operations, major assets, debt and material business changes.
Broker Opinion of Value questions and answers
How much does a Broker Opinion of Value cost?
Lion’s BOV fee is $1,500 for the scope described on this page. The written engagement confirms the business being valued, intended use and included work. Any additional work requires a separate agreement.
How is a BOV different from the free valuation calculator?
The calculator provides a directional estimate based on your inputs and general assumptions. A BOV includes a review of company records, a three-year earnings recast, an estimated market range and an advisor discussion. It is the next step when you want a business-specific analysis.
Should I choose BOV or Advanced Broker Analysis?
Choose BOV when an initial range and concise explanation will support your decision. Choose ABA when you want more detailed valuation reasoning, scenarios, sensitivity tables and expected deal structure. ABA is Lion’s recommended starting point for most owners seeking a detailed preliminary valuation.
Does a BOV tell me the price a buyer will pay?
It provides an estimated range, not an offer or guaranteed sale price. Buyer diligence, financing, business performance and negotiated terms can affect an actual transaction. The report also identifies the value basis so it is not confused with the owner’s after-tax net proceeds.
Can I use a BOV for a bank, tax matter or legal dispute?
BOV is intended for business sale and exit planning. A certified or lender-specific valuation, or work for a tax or legal purpose, has separate requirements. Tell Lion the intended use before ordering so the appropriate service can be confirmed.
How long does the report take?
The target is five business days after the signed engagement, cleared payment and Lion’s acceptance of the complete required information. Record gaps and scope changes can extend the schedule. Your engagement confirms timing.
Will ordering a BOV put my business on the market?
No. A valuation engagement does not authorize a listing, public marketing or buyer outreach. You can use the report to explore your options without committing to sell. Any sale engagement requires a separate agreement.
When do I pay, and is the fee refundable?
Payment is due in full before work begins. The fee is non-refundable under the accepted engagement, except as required by applicable law. Review the scope and payment terms before ordering; the fee is not contingent on the valuation result or a sale.
Establish your starting range before taking the next step
Order your Broker Opinion of Value and bring a business-specific financial reference point to your next sale conversation.
Still exploring? Try the free valuation calculator for a directional starting estimate.
