Going concern value

Definition

Going concern value refers to the value of a company as an ongoing business entity, assuming it will continue its operations into the foreseeable future. This concept takes into account not just the tangible assets but also intangible assets like customer relationships, brand reputation, and operational capabilities that contribute to generating future profits. Understanding going concern value is essential in financial assessments and evaluations, particularly when dealing with professional appraisal standards and during bankruptcy or restructuring situations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Going concern value is typically higher than the liquidation value because it includes the potential for future earnings and operational capabilities.
2. Professional appraisal practices often require evaluators to consider going concern value when determining the worth of a business, especially in stable or growing industries.
3. In bankruptcy scenarios, understanding going concern value can affect the restructuring plan, helping stakeholders evaluate whether to continue operations or liquidate.
4. Valuators might use discounted cash flow analysis to estimate going concern value by projecting future cash flows and discounting them back to present value.
5. The assessment of going concern value can influence stakeholder decisions regarding financing, investments, and strategic planning for companies in distress.

Review Questions

• How does going concern value differ from asset liquidation value when evaluating a company?
  • Going concern value considers the company's ability to continue its operations and generate profits in the future, while asset liquidation value reflects what can be obtained by selling off the company's assets quickly. The former incorporates intangible assets and potential earnings, which are not considered in liquidation scenarios. This distinction is crucial for stakeholders in deciding whether to pursue operational continuity or to sell assets during financial distress.
• Discuss the importance of going concern value in the context of professional appraisal standards.
  • Professional appraisal standards emphasize going concern value because it provides a more comprehensive understanding of a company's worth beyond just its physical assets. Evaluators use this concept to determine fair market values that reflect ongoing operations and potential growth. By adhering to these standards, appraisers can ensure that their assessments capture all aspects of a business's ability to generate future cash flows, which is critical for investors and other stakeholders making informed decisions.
• Evaluate how going concern value impacts decision-making during bankruptcy restructuring processes.
  • In bankruptcy restructuring processes, going concern value plays a pivotal role as it influences whether a company should be restructured or liquidated. Stakeholders assess going concern value to determine if continuing operations can yield better returns than liquidating assets. This evaluation impacts negotiations with creditors, potential investments, and strategic plans aimed at recovery. Understanding this concept enables decision-makers to align their strategies with the business's long-term viability and overall market conditions.

Related terms

Fair Market Value: The price at which an asset would trade in a competitive auction setting, assuming both buyer and seller are informed and willing.

Asset Liquidation Value: The estimated amount that could be obtained from selling a company's assets quickly, often at a discount compared to their fair market value.

Intangible Assets: Non-physical assets that contribute to a company's value, such as trademarks, patents, goodwill, and customer relationships.