SmartHelping / Valuation & Sensitivity Analysis
Small Business Valuation
Explore what a small business could be worth using SDE, EBITDA, revenue multiples and discounted cash flow. Compare 24 potential valuations from low to high in a printable one-page summary, with Excel and Google Sheets versions included.
Immediate download after purchase. By purchasing, you agree to the Terms of Service.
See the template in action
Follow the inputs through to the valuation range.
Watch the walkthrough to see how the template works. Open the screenshots below to review the workbook layout and comparison outputs.
Four valuation methods
Compare the business from several financial perspectives.
Use your own financial information and assumptions to build a range of potential values across four approaches.
SDE multiple
Apply a multiple to seller’s discretionary earnings. Use the helper calculator to work through the annual earnings figure, including relevant owner-related and discretionary adjustments.
EBITDA multiple
Value the business using earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The template includes an improved EBITDA helper calculation.
Revenue multiple
Apply a revenue multiple to the annual revenue figure and compare the resulting valuation range with the earnings-based methods.
Discounted cash flow
Use the 50-year cash flow schedule to calculate the present value of future cash flows under your forecast and discount-rate assumptions.
Sensitivity analysis and presentation
See the range, compare the methods and share the summary.
The template brings low-to-high valuation outcomes together with charts and a pre-formatted print view.
24 potential valuations
Produce 24 potential business valuations from low to high, with up to six valuations for each methodology.
Two comparison visualizations
Review two visualizations that bring the valuation methods together, showing up to six valuations per methodology on the same chart.
Financial-statement helper
Use the helper calculator tab to identify the financial-statement inputs needed to calculate the annual earnings figures used in the multiple-based valuations.
Analysis tab
Use the added analysis tab alongside the valuation calculations to review the business-value analysis.
Multiples and discount-rate guidance
Reference the included industry multiples and discount rates as guidance when setting your valuation assumptions.
Printable on 8.5 × 11
Present the valuation results in a one-page summary formatted for 8.5 × 11-inch paper.
Latest template updates
Review the added analysis tools and helper improvements.
This update video covers the EBITDA helper calculation improvement, the added analysis tab, and the reference multiples and discount rates included for guidance.
What is included
A guided template in Excel and Google Sheets.
Start with the instructions, enter the business financials and review the calculated outputs.
Both spreadsheet versions
Pre-formatted Excel and Google Sheets versions are included with the purchase.
Instructions and videos
Use the instructions tab, the main walkthrough and the update video to understand the inputs and calculation flow.
Automatic outputs
Enter your own financials and assumptions; the template formulas calculate the valuation results for comparison.
How to use the template
Build the valuation from your financial inputs.
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Gather the business financials
Collect the financial-statement information and review the instructions tab before entering the business assumptions.
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Work through the helper calculator
Use the helper tab to calculate the annual earnings figures used for the SDE and EBITDA multiple methods, and enter annual revenue.
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Set the valuation assumptions
Enter the multiples and discount-rate assumptions, and build out the expected future cash flows for the DCF schedule. Review the included reference guidance as you work.
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Compare and present the results
Review the low-to-high valuation range, analysis tab and two visualizations. Print the one-page summary for a discussion with a buyer, seller or advisor.
Who this template is for
For small-business owners, buyers and advisors.
Owners and prospective sellers
Explore a range of potential values for the business and prepare a clear summary of the assumptions behind the results.
Buyers and business advisors
Compare the four valuation approaches when reviewing an acquisition opportunity or discussing an asking price.
Working with the assumptions
Use the range to support a valuation discussion.
The results depend on the financial inputs and assumptions used. Review the supporting information behind each approach.
Review SDE adjustments
Owner compensation, personal expenses and non-recurring items can affect the SDE analysis. Review the support for each adjustment before using it in the earnings figure.
Test the cash flow assumptions
Expected cash flows and the discount rate affect the DCF result. Compare scenarios to see how changes in those assumptions change the indicated value.
Consider the business context
Use the included multiples and discount rates as reference guidance. Assess their relevance to the business, industry and transaction being evaluated.
Compare the valuation methods
Use the 24 potential valuations and the visualizations to understand the spread of results and the assumptions driving the differences.
Also available in these bundles
Need more valuation and investment-analysis tools?
This template is included in the Valuation bundle. The Super Smart Bundle provides access to the complete public SmartHelping template collection.
Valuation Templates
Explore spreadsheets for business valuation, discounted cash flow, return analysis and related financial calculations.
View the Valuation bundleSuper Smart Bundle
Access the complete public SmartHelping template collection across industries and financial-analysis needs.
View the Super Smart BundleSupporting financial tools
Build the financial information behind the valuation.
Questions before you buy
A few useful details.
Which valuation methods are included?
The template includes SDE multiple, EBITDA multiple, revenue multiple and discounted cash flow approaches.
How many valuations can I compare?
The template produces 24 potential valuations from low to high, with up to six valuations for each methodology and two comparison visualizations.
Does it work in Google Sheets?
Yes. Pre-formatted Excel and Google Sheets versions are included.
How long is the cash flow schedule?
The present-value schedule is built on a 50-year basis for the discounted cash flow analysis.
Can I print the results?
Yes. The one-page valuation summary is formatted for 8.5 × 11-inch paper.
What guidance is included?
The template includes a helper calculator for annual earnings figures, an instructions tab, an analysis tab, reference industry multiples and discount rates, and instructional videos.
Explore the potential value of a business
Compare the methods. Understand the valuation range.
Get the Small Business Valuation Template for $45, including Excel and Google Sheets versions.
