With the Holidays upon us, we're in the season of goodwill and good tidings. With that segue, we at CBB wish goodwill value in the small to midsize business arena of manufacturers, wholesale and distribution companies, service business, restaurants, and that much of their value is not to be found in its hard assets such as the fixtures and equipment, but in the intangible assets that create its sustainable income.
Essentially, goodwill is the life force of your business. Tangible assets are just "stuff." Uncle Sam even gives you a gift of lower taxes when you are able to allocate a good lump of the business value as goodwill because the proceeds will be taxed as capital gains when it is sold.
Goodwill is defined as the established reputation of a business regarded as a quantifiable asset and calculated as part of its value when it is sold. But how buyers judge that reputation and ultimately gain perspective of those aspects of the business is how much cash flow it generates and the expectation of continued increase in sales and good profits. Is valuing goodwill a science? Is it an art? In reality, both science and art play a role, as valuing goodwill often represents one of the most challenging (and debated) elements of formulating a business valuation for sale purposes.
Buying or selling a business during the festive season can often prove to be very good timing.
Wishing you much joy and happiness this holiday season. May the New Year 2021 bring success and prosperity. We are looking forward to doing business with you in the coming year.