What is the average EBITDA multiple for small business?

The industry of the business being valued can also have an effect on the choice of an appropriate multiple. SDE multiples usually range from 1.0x to 4.0x. The range of EBITDA multiples (for EBITDA between $1,000,000 and $10,000,000) is 3.3x to 8x, with the averages ranging from 4.5x to 6.5x.

What is a fair EBITDA multiple?

An EV/EBITDA multiple of about 8x can be considered a very broad average for public companies in some industries, while in others it could be higher or lower than that. For private companies, it will almost always be lower, often closer to around 4x.

Is 6x EBITDA good?

EBITDA is probably the most common measure of earnings used in the financial industry. After the financial crisis, EBITDA multiples have gone up for some companies and substantially down for many others. A 5 to 6x rule of thumb is no longer considered to be a reliable short hand estimate of value.

What is an average multiplier for selling a business?

The average multiplier for all businesses with a value below one million dollars is between 2.3 and 2.7 depending on the database source. This multiplier is applied or multiplied against what is known as Owner’s Discretionary Earnings.

What do multiples pay for small business?

The multiples vary by industry and could be in the range of three to six times EBITDA for a small to medium sized business, depending on market conditions. Many other factors can influence which multiple is used, including goodwill, intellectual property and the company’s location.

What EBITDA multiple should I use?

Generally, the multiple used is about four to six times EBITDA. However, prospective buyers and investors will push for a lower valuation — for instance, by using an average of the company’s EBITDA over the past few years as a base number.

What is a good EBITDA number?

What is a good EBITDA? An EBITDA over 10 is considered good. Over the last several years, the EBITA has ranged between 11 and 14 for the S&P 500. You may also look at other businesses in your industry and their reported EBITDA as a way to see how you measuring up.

What is a 5X multiple?

The magical 5 multiple is a point of departure for cost of capital typically applied to the purchase of a lower middle market business. A transaction that occurs at a 5 multiple is one that is expected to earn a 20-percent cost of capital (1 divided by 20 percent = 5).