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Business Valuation Standards β€” Nationwide

Business Valuation Services β€” CVA Credential Guide

Last updated: May 2026 β€” Information current as of this date

CVA is a professional valuation credential. Before hiring any provider, verify the individual’s active credential, experience, scope, and whether the report meets the intended user’s requirements. Michelet Financial provides business valuation analysis for owners nationwide without representing an unverified certification.

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What a Certified Valuation Analyst Typically Does

A professional holding an active CVA credential typically applies income, market, and asset approaches and documents the assumptions behind an opinion of value. The appropriate credential and report standard depend on the transaction, lender, court, tax, or planning purpose.

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Sale & Exit Valuations

Know your number before you go to market. We benchmark your adjusted EBITDA against real comparable transactions so you negotiate from data, not hope.

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Partner Buy-In / Buy-Out

An independent, defensible value that protects both sides when a partner joins or leaves β€” the single most common source of owner disputes.

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SBA & Lender Valuations

Valuation analysis for acquisition financing and lender review. Confirm the lender’s independence, credential, and report requirements before engagement.

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Litigation & Divorce

Valuation analysis for partner, shareholder, or divorce-related decisions, coordinated with counsel when legal standards or expert testimony apply.

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Estate & Gift Tax

Valuation analysis for estate, gifting, and succession planning, coordinated with qualified legal and tax advisers.

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ESOP & Equity Comp

Valuations supporting employee ownership plans, stock grants, and 409A-style equity compensation decisions.

Why a Professionally Prepared Valuation Holds Up

Anyone can quote a multiple. A professionally prepared valuation documents the methodology, assumptions, and comparables β€” which is exactly what makes it defensible to third parties.

Three-Approach Analysis

We reconcile income (DCF), market (comparable transactions), and asset approaches rather than relying on a single shortcut β€” a disciplined valuation process.

Normalized Earnings

We adjust your financials for owner compensation, one-time items, and discretionary expenses to reveal true earning power β€” the number buyers actually price.

Documented Comparables

Every multiple we apply is supported by real transaction data in your industry, not a rule of thumb, so the conclusion survives due diligence.

Written Report

You receive a formal, narrative valuation report β€” a document that may be requested by lenders, courts, tax authorities, buyers, or other intended users, depending on the purpose and applicable standards.

Business Valuation Credentials β€” FAQ

What does a business valuation in Houston actually measure?
A business valuation estimates fair market or investment value using income, market, and asset approaches. Houston owners use it for M&A, partner buyouts, lending, and estate work. Michelet Financial explains how a Certified Valuation Analyst credential relates to that process without overstating unverified certifications. Call (225) 396-5511.
How much does a professional business valuation cost?
Most of our valuation engagements range from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on business size, complexity, and the level of report required. Litigation and SBA engagements may vary. We provide a flat-fee quote after a short conversation.
What credentials should a business valuation have?
A defensible valuation follows recognized professional standards β€” reconciling the income, market, and asset approaches with documented comparables and normalized earnings. That methodology is what makes a valuation hold up to a buyer, lender, court, or the IRS.
How long does a valuation take?
Typically 2–4 weeks once we receive three years of financial statements, tax returns, and an operations summary. Rush turnarounds are available.
Can valuation analysis support lender or dispute review?
Engagement scope can be tailored for lender, transaction, or dispute review. Any lender, court, tax authority, or legal requirement should be confirmed before the work begins.
Can a valuation help me increase my business value before selling?
Absolutely. The same analysis that produces your number also reveals the value drivers β€” recurring revenue, owner dependence, margin, customer concentration β€” you can improve over 1–3 years before a sale.

Need a 409A Valuation?

For private companies issuing stock options, our nationwide 409A valuation page explains timing, documents, methods, and the review process.

Explore 409A Valuation Services

Choose the right valuation provider and report

A credential can be relevant, but it is only one selection question. Confirm the provider’s current credentials, experience with your intended use, applicable standards, intended users, independence requirements, and the exact deliverables.

Questions to ask

Ask what standard and premise of value apply, which methods will be considered, what information is required, who may rely on the report, and what limitations will be stated.

Pathways

Owner sale and buyout work may start with business valuation; transaction and capital questions may need corporate valuation; equity compensation has a separate 409A process.

Scope matters

Michelet Financial can discuss fit and valuation analysis without representing an unverified CVA, ASA, or ABV credential. Legal, tax, audit, and expert-witness requirements are confirmed separately.

Discuss your valuation needs Call (225) 396-5511

Related: quality of earnings preparation Β· M&A advisory Β· exit planning

Does a credential alone determine whether a provider is a fit?
No. Confirm the active credential, intended use, applicable standard, relevant experience, independence, report scope, and the needs of the users who will rely on the work.
Can Michelet Financial explain which path fits?
Yes. A consultation can clarify whether the need is owner-focused valuation, corporate or transaction analysis, 409A support, or another scoped service.
How do I start?
Call (225) 396-5511 or book online. Bring the intended use, timing, and any report requirements you already have.

Get a Defensible Business Valuation

Start with a free consultation. We’ll tell you which standard applies to your situation and what a realistic value range looks like.

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