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Writer's pictureMiranda Kishel

Top 3 Methods For Valuing Intangible Assets In A Business

Updated: Sep 30

When assessing a business, valuing intangible assets is crucial to understanding its overall worth, though it differs from a standard business valuation. Intangible assets such as brand reputation, proprietary technology, and intellectual property can significantly influence a company's value, yet they are often more abstract compared to physical assets like real estate or machinery. Below is an in-depth exploration of the key methods used to evaluate these intangible assets.



What is a business appraisal and when do you need it


Three Intangible Asset Valuation Methods


The Asset Approach


The asset approach is a basic method in intangible asset valuation. It focuses on assessing the value of a business based on its assets and liabilities. This method is especially useful for valuing businesses with distinct tangible assets and can be adapted for intangible assets through certain techniques.


The asset approach includes methods like the adjusted net assets method. This involves figuring the value of all identifiable assets and liabilities to determine the net asset value. When applying this to intangible assets, the process involves identifying and valuing specific intangible assets separately.


It includes evaluating intellectual property, like patents and trademarks, and then subtracting these values from the total business value to figure out the remaining intangible assets.


The Market Approach


The market approach to intangible asset valuation means comparing the business in question with similar businesses that have been sold or are publicly traded. This approach gives you a standard based on real-world transactions, making it a practical method for assessing the value of intangible assets.


The market approach commonly utilizes the guideline public company method and the guideline transaction method. In the guideline public company method, a business is compared to publicly traded companies with similar attributes. The guideline transaction method, on the other hand, looks at recent sales of comparable companies.


The Income Approach


The income approach is a strong method for intangible asset valuation that focuses on the income generated by the business. This approach estimates the present value of future cash flows or earnings that the intangible assets are expected to generate. It is especially useful for valuing assets that contribute to the company's revenue.


Two main methods within the income approach are the capitalized cash flows method and the discounted cash flows (DCF) method. The capitalized cash flows method calculates the value of an asset based on its expected future cash flows, capitalized at a rate that reflects the risk associated with those cash flows. This method is usually used for stable, predictable cash flows.


The DCF method, on the other hand, comprises forecasting upcoming cash flows over a specific period and discounting them back to their present value using a rate for discount. This method accounts for the time worth of money and is very useful for valuing intangible assets with more variable income streams.


Combining Approaches for Accurate Valuation


In reality, valuing intangible assets many times means using a combination of the asset, market, and income approaches to get a complete assessment. For example, you might start by using the market approach to establish a baseline value for the business based on comparable transactions. Then, apply the income approach to figure the value of intangible assets based on their revenue-generating potential.


To guarantee accuracy, reconcile the values obtained from different approaches. The results from each method should be within a reasonable range (known as a reconcilable range). If big discrepancies come up, it may prove the need for further analysis or adjustment.


Practical Steps for Valuing Intangible Assets


When taking on the task of intangible asset valuation, start with a full identification of the assets in question. This first step involves cataloging all intangible assets - which can include patents, trademarks, copyrights, customer relationships, and brand reputation. Each of these contributes to a company's value and recognizing them accurately is imperative to the valuation process.


Once the intangible assets are identified, the next step is to choose the most appropriate valuation approach. The selection of a valuation method depends on the nature of the intangible assets and the specific context of the business.


For example, some methods are more appropriate for evaluating intellectual property like patents. Others may be better for assessing brand value or customer relationships. Each approach has its unique strengths and applications, making it necessary to pick one that is in keeping with the characteristics of the assets being valued.


Following this, gather data to support the chosen valuation approach. This data collection involves putting together financial statements, market data, and projections of future cash flows related to the intangible assets. Accurate and relevant data is important because it forms the base upon which the valuation is built.


The following step involves using the selected valuation methods to estimate the value of the intangible assets. This process calls for detailed application of the chosen methods, so the results from different approaches are reconciled and adjusted as needed.


Finally, a detailed valuation report should be prepared to document the findings. This report must outline the methods used, the data collected, and the final valuation results. It should provide a clear and complete explanation of how the value of the intangible assets was determined.


The Importance of Accurate Valuation


Accurately valuing intangible assets is critical for business purposes. Whether you are looking for financing, negotiating a sale, or planning strategic growth, knowing the value of intangible assets gives you a clearer picture of the business’s overall worth. Intangible assets can represent a considerable portion of a company's value, and their proper valuation can influence big decisions and certain strategies.


Why Accurate Intangible Asset Valuation Matters


Accurate intangible asset valuation is necessary for making the best business decisions and optimizing the value of your company. At Development Theory, we specialize in bringing precise valuations that encompass both tangible and intangible assets.


Our approach combines the asset, market, and income methods to deliver a full understanding of your business’s value. We make sure that all valuation results are reconciled to provide you with a reliable estimate of your intangible assets.


Knowing and valuing intangible assets effectively can have a huge impact on your business’s strategic planning, investment opportunities, and overall success. To reach out, click the “Contact Us” button on our web page today, and see our case studies to learn more about what Development Theory can do for you.

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