Financial statement analysis – Don’t value a business without it

Description

Abstract: Merely accepting a company’s financial statements at face value can lead to seriously undervaluing or, more likely, overvaluing a business. Often, closely held companies fail to comply with GAAP, and financial data may be shaped to favor the owner’s interests. This article explains how experts review several years of financial statements and make normalizing adjustments such as removing nonrecurring items and adjusting expenses that a potential buyer wouldn’t likely incur. They also look for suspicious trends and relationships.