QuickValue: Discover Your Value and Empower Your Business in Three Easy Steps

Leaders at midsize companies must look “under the hood” to understand the true value of their businesses, according to this user-friendly survey. Phillips, chairman of the investment bank Oaklins, argues that companies smaller than massive corporations, but more complex than mom-and-pop enterprises, are often led by executives who are too busy with day-to-day operations to focus on the top line. In order to succeed, he argues, executives must first understand what their company is worth, how much value they’re creating, and what they’re losing. Phillips presents a three-step system for finding those figures called QuickValue. Step one consists of finding and rating “value drivers,” the things that make a company different, which can be done by evaluating one’s market, business model, products and services, team, and company culture. Step two calls for finding a company’s multiples range, or “how you stack up against similar businesses,” based on stocks and transactions, while part three helps readers get to a firm number should a buyer come knocking. Phillips makes a complex subject feel manageable thanks to, in part, plenty of case studies, and his instructions are clear and to the point. Those at the helm of midsize businesses will find this a welcome guide. (Nov.)