Introducing Your Business Valuation Experts
At GCF, we bring the nation’s most rigorous valuation process to every engagement, and our deliverables are designed to withstand even the toughest scrutiny. As business valuation experts, we apply our expertise and high standards to a range of valuation and consulting services.
Business Valuations
Complete Appraisal—Self-Contained Report
The valuation of a business delivered in a comprehensive, detailed report. If a valuation is in dispute and goes to court, or if you need a business valuation that could be challenged for any reason, this report explains in full detail how the valuation was determined. This documentation meets or exceeds American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and Institute of Business Appraisers (IBA) standards for reporting.
Business Valuation Services / Summary Appraisal
While meeting the same high standards—and requiring the same level of investigation and analysis—as the full report described above, this Summary Report delivers the salient information required by many institutions. The IBA endorses this report, calling it “an instrument of brevity.” Our summary reports typically run 40 - 60 pages in length.
Calculation of Value (Available to SBA Lenders Only)
Sometimes you need a basic understanding of a business’s value. In these circumstances, our Calculation of Value provides a rough estimate of value without incurring the cost and time of a full valuation. A calculation of value is NOT an appraisal because the appraiser is not coming to a “conclusion of value.” Instead, it provides an approximate value based on a limited amount of investigation and due diligence. While a Calculation of Value does not meet USPAP or IBA Standards, it can be a very valuable tool when precision and extensive documentation are not required.
Appraisal Review
Sometimes a second opinion is in order. During an Appraisal Review, we examine and critique a valuation report from another appraiser. We typically write up our observations and recommendations in a letter.
Machinery and Equipment Appraisal
In certain situations, machinery and equipment can be a significant component of a business’ value. That’s why we offer rigorous, accurate, and defensible appraisals of key machinery and equipment assets in a business.
Quality of Earnings Analysis
A Quality of Earnings (QoE) report provides critical information about a company’s financial performance, delivering insight into its ability to generate cash flow now and into the future. The main focus is the quality of future EBITDA.
Deal Ready Financials℠
Delivering CPA-prepared carve-out reports designed for SBA transactions and partial business sales. By isolating the financial performance of the specific entity being sold—and separating it from the parent company—these reports provide clean, lender-ready financials with verified income, expenses, and normalized EBITDA/SDE. The result is greater clarity, reduced risk, and smoother closings for lenders, buyers, sellers, and advisors involved in complex carve-out transactions.
ADD-BACK TRACING®
Ensure accurate cash flow calculations by identifying and verifying qualified add-backs, such as owner benefits and discretionary expenses. With an unbiased third-party opinion, our report enhances credibility and simplifies one of the most time-consuming aspects of business valuation.
Other Consulting Services
Our business valuation specialists also provide a variety of business valuation consulting services, including:
- Working Capital Analysis
- Field Exam / Audit
- Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) support
- Gifting and estate tax services
Learn more about business valuation services:
Download our free guide: How to Navigate the Business Valuation Process Successfully
Read: Why & When You Need a Business Valuation
Read: Different Types of Business Valuations
Start the Process
Are you ready to learn more about the value of your business? Contact us to get started.
Business Valuation Accreditation
Your GCF Business Valuation appraisal team has one or more of the following accreditations:
Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) – is recognized as having achieved the highest level of education, training, and report writing for business valuations. The ASA designation is the gold standard for a business valuation professional. (source: American Society of Appraisers)
Certified Business Appraiser (CBA) – a very prestigious credential in the eyes of all who are familiar with it as it earned the reputation of being a difficult credential to obtain. (source: National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts®)
Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA)
Accredited in Business Valuation by the American Institute of CPAs (ABV by AICPA) – a credential granted exclusively by the AICPA to qualified valuation professionals who demonstrate expertise in valuation through knowledge, skill, experience, and adherence to professional standards. (source: American Institute of CPAs)- Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) – credential is granted exclusively by the AICPA to CPAs and qualified valuation professionals who demonstrate considerable expertise in valuation through their knowledge, skill, experience, and adherence to professional standards. (source: American Institute of CPAs)
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
GCF’s Machinery and Equipment Appraisal Accreditations
Expert Equipment Certified Appraiser (EECA) – Our appraisers are recognized with a deep understanding of valuation principles and extensive experience by the Institute of Equipment Valuation.
- Certified Machinery and Equipment Appraiser (CMEA) – a CMEA professional has the expertise and certification to conduct a third party machinery and equipment appraisal.
Over 25 years of experience and expertise in business valuations and appraisals. An accredited appraiser receives extensive training, remains in good standing, and follows specific industry practices to determine the value of a business.
The GCF Business Valuation Process
