Broker Opinion vs Business Valuation in Florida

QUICK ANSWER

A Broker Opinion of Value (BOV) is an informal estimate of a dental practice's market price used to set a listing target, while a formal Business Valuation is a comprehensive, USPAP-compliant financial audit required by lenders. In Florida, brokers use BOVs for initial seller engagement, but DSOs and banks demand formal valuations based on verified TTM EBITDA.

Choosing the Right Valuation Tool

Sellers often confuse a broker's estimate with a bank-ready appraisal. Understanding the difference is critical for a smooth due diligence process.

Key Differences

  • BOV: Fast, market-driven, often free, used for marketing and setting expectations.
  • Business Valuation: Expensive, rigorous, required for SBA/conventional financing, assesses risk and normalized EBITDA.
  • DSOs rely on their own internal Quality of Earnings (QoE) reports regardless of the BOV.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a formal valuation to sell my dental practice?

While you can list with a BOV, the buyer's lender will almost always require a formal, third-party business valuation to approve the acquisition loan.

How is EBITDA calculated for a dental practice?

EBITDA is calculated by taking net income and adding back interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and owner-specific discretionary expenses to find true operational cash flow.

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