As the financial year closes and a new one begins, it’s the perfect time to assess the true value of your business. Whether you’re planning for growth, succession, investment, or just ensuring you’re on solid ground, understanding how to value your business correctly is critical.
At Lowrys Accountants, we work with Darwin businesses and those across the Northern Territory to help them take stock and plan ahead with confidence. Here are the essential business valuation strategies every business owner should consider this EOFY.
Why EOFY is the Right Time for Valuation
The EOFY isn’t just about submitting tax returns – it’s a strategic checkpoint. Valuing your business now allows you to:
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Reflect on the past year’s performance.
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Reassess your goals for the new year.
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Prepare for funding, exit planning, or restructuring.
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Support tax planning and compliance with up-to-date financial insights.
1. Understand the Three Core Valuation Methods
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but the three main valuation methods include:
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Asset-Based Valuation
Ideal for asset-heavy businesses, this method considers the value of all business assets minus liabilities. It’s useful for businesses preparing for liquidation or restructuring. -
Market-Based Valuation
This approach compares your business with others in your industry. It’s often used in mergers and acquisitions or when benchmarking growth. -
Income-Based Valuation
Perfect for businesses with strong cash flow, this model forecasts future earnings and discounts them to present-day value – reflecting your business’s earning potential.
2. Factor in Intangibles and Local Market Position
Valuation isn’t just numbers on a page. Reputation, client loyalty, key staff, IP, and even your business’s standing in the local Darwin market all play a part in your overall worth.
EOFY is a great time to revisit these qualitative factors:
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Have you gained a stronger local market presence?
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Are your customer relationships stronger?
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Has your brand equity improved?
These elements could significantly increase your business’s appeal to investors or buyers.
3. Clean Up Your Financials Before Valuation
Make sure your books are in order before a valuation. At Lowrys, we recommend:
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Reconciling accounts and clearing old debt.
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Reviewing all major income and expense categories.
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Ensuring your financial statements reflect the true health of your business.
A clear and accurate picture of your business makes for a smoother valuation process and helps avoid surprises.
4. Use Valuation to Inform Your Business Goals
Valuation isn’t just a number – it’s a decision-making tool. Once you know your current value, you can:
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Set realistic revenue and profit targets for the new year.
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Create a succession or sale plan.
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Explore funding or investment options.
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Improve shareholder or partnership discussions.
5. Work with Local Experts Who Know Your Industry
Valuation is complex and best done in partnership with professionals who understand your industry and local economic environment.
At Lowrys Accountants, we go beyond the numbers. We tailor each valuation to your specific business, goals, and operating environment – especially relevant for NT-based businesses facing unique regional opportunities and challenges.
Ready to Value Your Business This EOFY?
Kick off the new financial year with confidence. Whether you’re planning to grow, sell, or simply want a clear picture of where you stand, we’re here to help.
📞 Contact Lowrys Accountants today to book a business valuation consultation.