Many owners look at their profit and loss statement and assume it tells the full story of their business value. If the number is strong, they feel confident. If the number is weak, they assume their business has low value. It feels simple, but the...
Many business owners work hard to grow revenue and improve their profit and loss statement. These efforts matter, but they are only part of the valuation story. As we move into 2026, buyers are becoming more selective, and they are watching for risks that may...
A sellable company is not created by luck. It is built with intention, clear planning, and smart decisions long before an owner thinks about selling. As we move into 2026, buyers are looking for companies that can run smoothly, show real stability, and offer room...
Summary of This Guide If you own a small or mid-sized business, your most important number is probably SDE, which stands for Seller’s Discretionary Earnings. SDE is the primary figure that buyers and appraisers use to determine the actual value of your company. Why? Because SDE shows...
Most business owners don’t wake up one day ready to sell; it’s a process. The best sales don’t just happen; they’re built on preparation, clarity, and the right guidance. At Exit On Top, we’ve walked hundreds of owners through the selling process, from early curiosity to...
Summary of This Guide Are you a small business owner thinking about selling your company in the next few years? If you started your business many years ago, the people who want to buy it today are very different. The new generation of buyers, Millennials and...
Summary of This Guide The business world is changing rapidly. In 2026, new computer programs and tools powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) can quickly give you an estimated value for your business. These automated tools excel at performing rapid calculations and analyzing basic financial data. However, finding...
When you schedule your first confidential coaching session with ExitOnTop, you are making one of the smartest moves you can as a business owner. Whether you’re thinking of selling, planning succession, or simply want to increase the value of your business, this session sets the...
When business owners hear about “valuation,” two acronyms often come up: SDE (Seller’s Discretionary Earnings) and EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization). Knowing the difference between them helps you pick the right metric—and avoid undervaluing or overpromising. Below is a basic “Business Valuation 101” explanation of both, when...
Even if your business feels stable, there are certain events and warning signs that mean your valuation, what a buyer would pay you, might be out of date. Recognizing them before a sale, gives you time to make changes and potentially increase the value of...
