Equipment Appraisal Blog | Understanding Machinery Appraisals

There are many reasons why business owners need to have a current appraisal completed for their machinery and equipment. Refinancing, mergers and acquisitions, tax and accounting regulations, trade-in or liquidation, new investors, and business disputes, to name a few. For each purpose, it is important to have a clear understanding of the appropriate types of values that will fit the particular project, as there will likely be a material difference between them.

Here are the most common types of value premises utilized in equipment appraisal, and their definitions as listed by the American Society of Appraisers:

Fair Market Value-Installed

An opinion, expressed in terms of money, at which the property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or to sell and both having reasonable knowledge of relevant facts, considering market conditions for the asset being valued, independent of earnings generated by the business in which the property is or will be installed, as of a specific date.

Fair Market Value

An opinion expressed in terms of money, at which the property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or to sell and both having reasonable knowledge of relevant facts, as of a specific date.

Orderly Liquidation Value

An opinion of the gross amount, expressed in terms of money, that typically could be realized from a liquidation sale, given a reasonable period of time to find a purchaser (or purchasers), with the seller being compelled to sell on an as-is, where-is basis, as of a specific date.

Forced Liquidation Value

An opinion of the gross amount, expressed in terms of money, that typically could be realized from a properly advertised and conducted public auction, with the seller being compelled to sell with a sense of immediacy on an as-is, where-is basis, as of a specific date.

Fair Market Value-Installed is often used when the equipment is part of a manufacturing or production facility where a lot of additional costs are associated with the purchase and installation. Fair Market Value is perhaps the most recognized term and best represents an arms-length transaction with no other considerations. Both Orderly and Forced Liquidation values are utilized by banks for financing purposes and by sellers who don’t have the ability or reputation to market their machinery in competition with typical dealers.

Before undertaking the valuation project you are working on, discuss these different premises of value with an experienced accredited appraiser who can assist with making the right choice.

If you're preparing to sell a company, odds are you have a lot on your plate. It may seem tempting to streamline the process and skip steps to get the business sold. One step not to skip is a business appraisal that includes equipment values for key business assets. Learn how an appraisal protects you and the business you've worked so hard to build, while ensuring a smooth sales process. 

Why Get a Machinery Valuation Before Selling a Company

A prospective buyer of your business wants to make sure they are getting a good deal. They want to know the business has a convenient location, efficient processes, skilled employees, a loyal customer base, and (last but not least) the right tools for the job. With a business appraisal demonstrating the values of equipment and machinery, you can position the company for a quick sale at a fair price. This often means getting a machinery and equipment appraisal in addition to a business valuation.

In a machinery valuation, an equipment appraiser reviews the business assets. The appraiser researches the value of machinery based on age, condition, "useful life" and other factors. 

The information presented in an appraisal may spell the difference between selling your business quickly and struggling to command offers for your company. Rather than avoid getting an equipment appraisal because you don't want to waste time, consider getting the appraisal to save time and effort. If you have to wade through lowball offers because you didn't properly prepare your business to sell, you'll come to regret it. 

If you get an appraisal when the sale is far off, you can make informed decisions based on their equipment value. For example, you can go ahead with routine maintenance for your tractor or invest in new wheels if these repairs are likely to keep the equipment at a high value. If your tractor is only worth $2,000, and you know you'll be selling the business soon anyway, you can instead use the money you would have spent on maintenance for something that will add more value to your company. 

What to Expect in a Machinery Valuation

When you schedule an appraisal, an appraiser will visit your factory or plant and inventory all equipment. The appraiser will then examine all assets, take photographs, and gather data. They might ask to see service records, which indicate how well the machinery was cared for. For example, an appraiser might review a business vehicle service log or photograph the dented frame of a forklift. The appraiser will then review their findings and compare the age and condition of your equipment with comparable pieces in use elsewhere. Taking all the data into account, the appraiser will then issue a machinery valuation for your business equipment. 

The valuation gives you a starting point when selling the business and helps potential buyers understand the true value of your company. By providing third-party proof of value, an appraisal can make the sales process easier on your end. Potential buyers who do not understand the true value of your business will leave, while those who are serious about investing in your business can make a deal.

Equipment appraisers who are familiar the industry you work in are the best choice to conduct the machine appraisal, since they understand the equipment, processes, and tools. Find equipment appraisers with relevant industry experience and schedule an appraisal ahead of time, so you will not be rushed. This way, you can make decisions without feeling pressured.