What to know about business valuation

Whether looking to buy or sell a business or access capital for growth, a nuanced understanding of business valuation do’s and don’ts is a must for company owners working in the waste and recycling sector today.

Waste Today talked with Brad Page, managing director of the Chicago-based William Blair & Co., about what to know about business valuation—and what third parties are looking to see—to maximize growth opportunities.

Waste Today (WT): What are some internal metrics that business owners can look at that may signal it could be a good time to look for capital or look to sell their business?

Brad Page (BP): While every business and situation is different, generally speaking, the best time to raise capital—debt or equity—is when there is a clearly defined use of proceeds that will strengthen the business (for example, upgrading an aging fleet to reduce future maintenance costs or implementing a new safety training program to help the company operate more efficiently). Other productive uses of capital include building new facilities or acquiring a competitor with a complementary customer base or services.

When considering a potential sale of a business, the best time to go to market is when the company is performing well and when future growth opportunities have been identified. This will help maximize value.

WT: How do external economic factors influence a business’s valuation and the ability to sell?

BP: External economic factors can be incredibly important to a transaction either positively or negatively influencing valuation. Macroeconomic factors, such as population trends and economic growth rates of a specific region of the country, can have a major influence.

Additionally, the recent decline in commodity prices has had a negative impact on the financial performance of many waste and recycling companies, and therefore, has hurt valuations.

WT: What are outside parties most interested in when determining a company’s value?

BP: Analysis across industries has shown that the biggest drivers of valuations are a company’s revenue growth rate and margin profile. Going a level deeper, buyers in this industry specifically will pay close attention to the consistency and predictability of the revenue streams, the company’s exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices, and the value of the fleet. In evaluating the company’s customer base, buyers will analyze the length of customer contracts and the breakdown of customer type (i.e., commercial, residential C&D and temporary versus permanent roll-off). Buyers like to see long-term contracts with customers, low levels of concentration among any one customer and a strong safety track record.

WT: What are some steps business owners can take to bolster the value of their business?

BP: Beyond adding high-quality routes that provide predictable revenue streams, owners can increase the potential value of their business by implementing rigorous safety protocols and training programs, modernizing their fleet, and strengthening their management team to build a deep bench. Fostering a positive culture within the company, which should reduce turnover among drivers and other employees, will improve valuation as well.

WT: What kinds of information will business owners need to provide to banks and other counter parties during the valuation process?

BP: Among the most important pieces of information that lenders and other capital providers will want to see are financial statements that detail the company’s historical revenue and profitability, asset values and details about customer relationships. Having audited financial statements is very helpful. Financial statements that have been reviewed rather than fully audited is the next best option.

WT: What resources should a business owner consider using to ensure a proper valuation for their business? Who can provide assistance during this process?

BP: The core team of third-party advisors in a business sale or capital-raising process include investment bankers, accountants and attorneys. It’s important to work with advisors who have deep experience in and knowledge of the waste and recycling industry, because every industry has different nuances and dynamics that can have a major impact on the success of a transaction.

WT: Are there common missteps you see business owners make when it comes to business valuation? How can these be avoided?

BP: Sometimes business owners become overly focused on revenue and don’t pay enough attention to profitability. A company’s revenue growth is one of the most important drivers of valuation, but profitability (i.e., a company’s margin profile) is equally important.

It’s also valuable to remember that buyers, investors and lenders will care more about the company’s future than its past. If you have solid financials now, but you don’t have the right infrastructure, equipment, routes, contracts and systems in place to allow you to sustain those profits and capitalize on future growth opportunities, it’s going to have a major impact on your valuation.

Another mistake owners make that can hurt their valuation is working with just one potential buyer. To maximize value and increase the likelihood of a deal getting done, you want to “clear the market” and create a competitive dynamic that identifies all of the most interested potential buyers, investors or lenders.

Brad Page will moderate a session titled, “Understanding business valuation” at Waste Today’s Capital Markets Conference to be held Oct. 17-18 at the Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile. For more information or to sign up, visit WasteTodayEvents.com.

The author is the editor for Waste Today and can be contacted at aredling@gie.net.