Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Examination Content OutlineReal Estate Investment and Business BrokerageMedium

A business broker is valuing a small restaurant for sale. The restaurant's annual net income is $120,000. Similar restaurants in the area have recently sold at a multiple of 3.5 times their net income. What is the estimated value of the restaurant using this method?

  1. A$480,000
  2. B$525,000
  3. C$342,857
  4. D$420,000
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. $420,000

The valuation method described is the multiplier method, where the estimated value is found by multiplying the business's net income by the industry-standard multiplier. Value = Net Income * Multiplier. So, $120,000 * 3.5 = $420,000.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. This is incorrect. This might result from using an incorrect multiplier.
  • B. This is incorrect. This might result from an addition error or using a different valuation method.
  • C. This is incorrect. It might result from dividing net income by the multiplier.

Business Valuation Multiplier Method

A business valuation technique that estimates a business's value by multiplying its earnings (e.g., net income, gross revenue) by an industry-specific factor or multiple.

  • Often used for smaller businesses or those with consistent earnings.
  • Multipliers are derived from comparable sales data.
  • Simpler than discounted cash flow but less precise for unique businesses.

Memory trick: Value a business: income, assets, or comps.

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