Valuation Performance Insights
Real numbers from financial analysis work across Canadian markets. These aren't projections—they're what we've seen working with mid-market companies throughout 2024 and early 2025.
Comparative Method Performance
Different approaches work better depending on your situation. Here's what we've learned from applying these methods across various business contexts.
DCF Analysis
Most effective for established businesses with predictable cash flows. Takes longer but gives you the full picture of future value.
- Average completion: 12-15 business days
- Best for revenue above M annually
- Requires 3-5 years financial history
- Used in 38% of our 2024 valuations
Market Comparables
Faster turnaround when you need a defensible number quickly. Works well if there are recent transactions in your sector.
- Typical timeline: 7-10 business days
- Requires active market for comparisons
- Strong for acquisition discussions
- Applied in 42% of recent projects
Asset-Based Valuation
Straightforward approach for capital-intensive operations or liquidation scenarios. Less subjective than other methods.
- Completion in 5-8 business days
- Ideal for manufacturing and real estate
- Clear documentation requirements
- Chosen for 20% of engagements
Hybrid Approaches
Sometimes you need to blend methods to capture the complete story. Takes more time but addresses multiple stakeholder perspectives.
- Extended timeline: 15-20 business days
- Used for complex ownership structures
- Provides multiple valuation scenarios
- Requested in high-stakes transactions
Industry Patterns We've Noticed
After working through hundreds of valuations, certain patterns emerge. Technology companies tend to have higher multiples but require more assumption documentation.
Manufacturing businesses usually present cleaner numbers—their assets are tangible and their revenue streams are easier to verify. Service companies fall somewhere in between.
What matters most isn't the sector, honestly. It's having organized financial records and realistic growth projections that stand up to scrutiny.
Sector-Specific Benchmarks
Technology Sector Trends
SaaS companies we valued in 2024 showed strong recurring revenue but needed careful adjustment for customer concentration risk. Enterprise software averaged higher multiples than consumer-facing products.
Professional Services Reality
These businesses live and die by their people. We've seen valuations swing based on non-compete agreements and client relationship documentation. Partner buyouts require different approaches than third-party sales.
What Financial Analysts Are Seeing
"The biggest mistake I see is companies waiting until they need a valuation to get their books in order. Start documenting your assumptions now, not when a buyer shows up."
Dorian has completed over 85 mid-market valuations since joining in 2022, specializing in manufacturing and distribution businesses across Ontario.
"Market multiples change faster than people realize. What worked for a comparable sale six months ago might not reflect current investor sentiment. You need fresh data."
Vesper leads our technology sector practice and has guided numerous startups through acquisition valuations, focusing on realistic growth projections that buyers actually trust.