Buyers and advisors use different valuation methods when assessing CPA firms. Here’s a clear breakdown of the Income, Market, and Asset approaches in today’s market.
Read MoreInsights
Practical insights and expert guidance on CPA firm M&A, valuations, EBITDA optimization, private equity trends, and exit strategies. Ashley-Kincaid provides timely, data-driven analysis to help CPA firm owners navigate sales, succession planning, and maximize firm value.
Rising or falling interest rates can have a meaningful impact on what buyers are willing to pay for your CPA firm. Here’s what sellers need to know in 2026.
Read More
Earnouts can significantly increase or decrease what you ultimately take home from the sale of your CPA firm. Here’s what every seller needs to know in 2026.
Read More
Even strong CPA firms lose significant value due to poor EBITDA normalization. Here are the most common mistakes buyers see — and how to avoid them.
Read More
Normalized EBITDA is the metric sophisticated buyers use in 2026. Here’s a clear, practical guide to calculating it correctly for your CPA firm.
Read More
Choosing the right valuation metric can significantly impact your CPA firm’s sale price. Here’s a clear comparison of SDE vs Normalized EBITDA and which one buyers prefer in 2026.
Read More
AI and technology are no longer optional — they are becoming major valuation drivers in 2026 CPA firm M&A. Buyers now reward firms with modern, efficient systems with higher multiples and better deal terms. Here’s exactly how technology influences valuation and what you can do to stay competitive.
Read More
Not all buyers are the same. In 2026, private equity platforms and strategic CPA firms often pay very different multiples and structure deals differently. Understanding these differences can help you target the right buyers and maximize your exit value.
Read More
In 2026’s competitive CPA M&A market, the real value of your firm isn’t just the headline multiple. It’s the result of normalized earnings, layered qualitative adjustments, and how those numbers interact with deal structure. Here’s exactly how the pieces fit together — and what sellers can do to maximize their outcome.
Read More
Average fee quality and pricing power is one of the key qualitative factors in 2026 CPA firm valuations. In LBO models, strong pricing can add up to +0.10x to your EBITDA multiple. Here’s how buyers score this factor and what you can do to strengthen your position.
Read More
Location is more than just where your firm is based — it’s a key qualitative factor that can add or subtract up to 0.4x from your EBITDA multiple. Here’s how buyers score geographic scalability and market position in 2026 and what you can do to strengthen your valuation.
Read More
High partner and staff retention risk is one of the biggest red flags in 2026 CPA firm M&A. In LBO models, it can trigger adjustments as large as -0.6x. Here’s exactly how buyers score this factor and what you can do to strengthen your team and boost your valuation.
Read More
Modern technology is no longer a “nice-to-have” — it’s a major valuation driver in 2026 CPA firm M&A. In LBO models, strong technology infrastructure can add up to +0.5x to your EBITDA multiple. Here’s how buyers evaluate it and what upgrades deliver the biggest impact.
Read More
The difference between an add-on and a platform acquisition can easily mean 1.0x–2.0x higher EBITDA multiples. Here’s exactly how buyers score platform potential and what you can do to position your firm for the best possible outcome in 2026.
Read More
Consistent organic growth is one of the most powerful qualitative factors in 2026 CPA firm M&A. In LBO-based models, strong annual growth can add up to +0.5x to your EBITDA multiple. Here’s exactly how buyers score this factor and what proactive steps can significantly increase your valuation.
Read More
High client concentration is one of the biggest valuation risks in 2026 CPA firm M&A. Even a single client representing 15–20%+ of revenue can trigger meaningful negative adjustments to your EBITDA multiple. Here’s exactly how buyers score this factor and what you can do to strengthen your position.
Read More
Your service mix has a major impact on valuation. Firms with strong CAS and advisory revenue typically achieve higher multiples than those heavily reliant on seasonal tax work.
Read More
Average client fees and pricing power are key indicators of revenue quality. Buyers in 2026 pay close attention to these metrics when assessing a CPA firm’s QoE and long-term value.
Read More
Working capital pegs and adjustments are one of the most common sources of last-minute changes to your sale price. Understanding how buyers calculate them can help you protect your final check.
Read More
Technology infrastructure has become a major valuation driver in CPA firm M&A. Buyers in 2026 heavily favor firms with modern, cloud-based systems that improve efficiency, scalability, and client experience.
Read More