Meaning
Systematic framework used to determine the fair market price of an equity stake or industrial asset. An appraisal methodology provides the evidentiary basis for pricing during a buyout or a venture capital round. This process relies on discounted cash flows or comparable transaction data to reach a figure.
Valuation Approach
Consistency in selecting the correct approach ensures the resulting figure aligns with market realities. The chosen appraisal methodology dictates whether future earnings or historical costs take precedence in the final report.
Fair Opinion
Credible outcomes rely on the independent appraiser applying the appraisal methodology to all available books and records without bias. These experts scrutinize internal projections against industry benchmarks. If the data is incomplete the model fails.
Boundary Condition
Situations exist where the application of the appraisal methodology ends because the parties agree to a fixed price regardless of the calculated value. Agreements often stipulate that the methodology only applies if the company hits certain revenue milestones. Contracts might also exclude specific intellectual property from the calculation to simplify the exit process.
The final report is binding only if delivered before the closing date. Professional standards require that the method changes if the firm enters liquidation.