The DealCoach Valuation Process: EOV and BAMA Step-by-Step

If you’ve never had a business valuation done before, you’re not alone.

Valuation can feel like a black box: you provide information, someone disappears into a spreadsheet, and a number comes back. That’s not helpful.

Here’s what to expect from DealCoach, explained in plain language, so you know what you’re getting and why it matters.

Step 1: Choose EOV or BAMA

Start by selecting the outcome you want.

• Choose an EOV if you need a clean, credible value anchor. This is common when you receive an unsolicited offer, are planning a sale, or want to know your current fair market value.
• Choose a BAMA if you also want benchmarking and a salability assessment, plus the top action steps to improve value over time.

Step 2: Create your account and complete the questionnaire

Both EOV and BAMA begin the same way: you create an account and complete a questionnaire about your business and its performance.

This step matters because valuation is not just math. Context shapes the story behind the numbers, and buyers pay for confidence.

Step 3: Provide financial and operational information

You’ll provide information that allows us to understand the true earning power of the business, not just what shows up on a tax return.

Typically, owners should be ready to share:

• income statements (historical and trailing twelve months)
• details on owner compensation and owner benefits
• major one-time or non-recurring expenses
• customer concentration and key revenue drivers
• headcount, key roles, and how dependent the business is on the owner

Step 4: We normalize earnings and assess value drivers

This is where many “fast” valuations fall apart. Deal value depends on what’s provable and transferable.

In this step, we focus on two things:

1) Normalized earning power

We adjust for items that don’t reflect ongoing operations, so we can understand what a buyer is really purchasing.

2) Value drivers that influence the multiple

We evaluate the factors that push value up or down, such as:

• customer concentration
• management depth and owner dependency
• margin profile and stability
• growth trends and durability
• industry and market conditions

Step 5: BAMA adds benchmarking and salability insights

If you choose BAMA, you’ll go beyond “what is it worth” into “how do I improve it.”

BAMA is designed like a business scorecard, helping you benchmark against peers and identify opportunities for growth and increased salability.

This is especially useful if you want to sell in the next few years, but you’re not ready right now. You get clarity early, while you still have time to improve the levers that matter most.

Step 6: Receive your results and next steps

Your results are meant to be usable, not just printable.

You should expect to walk away with:

• a clear estimate of fair market value (EOV)
• context on what drives that value
• for BAMA: benchmarking and a salability assessment
• clear next steps to improve value

How to prepare (so you get the best result)

Owners get the most value from valuation when they treat it like a reality check, not a performance review.

• Be clear on owner add-backs. Personal expenses and one-time items should be identified cleanly.
• Don’t over-polish. Buyers and analysts can spot “storytelling” a mile away. Truth stands up under scrutiny.
• List your biggest risks. Concentration, key employee dependence, and process gaps matter. They are also fixable.
• Share what you want next. Your timing and goals change what “best” looks like.

FAQ

How long does an EOV or BAMA take?

Timing depends on how quickly information is provided and the complexity of the business. The goal is to keep the process structured and practical for owners.

Is the valuation confidential?

Yes. Valuation is sensitive, especially if you’re considering a sale or responding to buyer interest.

What if I don’t like the number?

That’s more common than you might think, and it’s exactly why doing this early matters. If you’re not ready to sell, a BAMA helps you focus on the improvements that can increase value before you go to market.

Can I use an EOV for legal disputes or IRS audits?

An EOV is designed for planning and decision-making. If you need a valuation for specific legal or IRS requirements, you may need a certified valuation for that purpose.

About the Author

Dan Hansher

Dan Hansher is a Co-Founder of DealCoach & an Investment Banking Associate at Cornerstone Business Services, specializing in Main Street and Lower Middle Market M&A advisory. With 100+ business valuations completed and extensive marketing leadership experience, he brings a rare combination of financial analysis and operational expertise. Dan has led major brand integrations, including a $2B acquisition, driven digital transformation initiatives, and developed brand positioning strategies across multiple industries. He helps business owners understand what drives value and prepares them for successful exits. Dan holds an MBA from UW-Whitewater and specializes in translating complex financial concepts into clear, actionable strategy.