Sample report
Meridian Auto Group LLC
A fictional business, valued end to end. This is produced by the same component that renders every report on the platform — not a mock-up.
Prepared By
Sample Advisor
Prepared For
Meridian Auto Group LLC
Business
VALUATION
COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
Private & Confidential
This document contains proprietary information regarding Meridian Auto Group LLC. Access is restricted to authorized parties for the purpose of strategic assessment.
Market Sector
Automotive Services & Fleet Management
Valuation Date
March 1, 2026
Powered By
ALTOS IQ Apex Engine
Opinion of Value
We have performed a valuation engagement for Meridian Auto Group LLC and present our conclusion of value below.
This valuation was prepared for the purpose of sale preparation. Our conclusion is expressed on a fair market value basis, under a going concern premise, as of March 1, 2026.
Conclusion of value
$4,047,058
within a range of $3,250,191 to $4,843,925
Our analysis considered the asset, income and market approaches to value. The approaches applied, and the reasons the others were set aside, are set out in the methodology section of this report. This report is intended for the use of the owners of Meridian Auto Group LLC and their professional advisors.
This conclusion is subject to the assumptions and limiting conditions set out in this report, and is valid only as of the date stated above.
Sample Advisor
Sterling & Bay Advisors
Basis of Valuation
Purpose
Sale preparationTo support pricing and negotiation in connection with an active or imminent sale of the business.
Standard of value
Fair market valueThe price at which the business would change hands between a hypothetical willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under compulsion to act and both having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts. It reflects no particular buyer and includes no buyer-specific synergies.
Premise of value
Going concernThe business is assumed to continue operating, with its assets, workforce and customer relationships in place and generating earnings.
Executive Summary
Valuation Result: $4,047,058
This report provides a valuation of Meridian Auto Group LLC as of March 1, 2026. The analysis concluded a Fair Market Value of $4,047,058, against trailing revenue of $4,994,320 at a 20.3% EBITDA margin.
Revenue compounded at 10.1% annually across 2023–2025, a steady trajectory consistent with a stable operating base.
AIQ Score
76| Earnings margin | 25/25 |
| Growth trend | 19/25 |
| Customer concentration | 8/20 |
| Revenue scale | 15/15 |
| Quality of financials | 9/15 |
This business presents reasonably well, with specific factors below worth addressing before a sale. All five factors were assessed.
Valuation Summary
Key Value Drivers
Margin Strength
An EBITDA margin of 20.3% sits above the level most acquirers treat as the threshold for a scalable operation.
Demonstrated Growth
10.1% compound annual revenue growth across 2023–2025, evidenced by the financials supplied.
Owner Earnings
Discretionary earnings of $1,274,358 represent 25.5% of revenue, the figure a main-street buyer underwrites against.
Asset Backing
$1,840,000 in recorded assets provides a floor beneath the earnings-based conclusion.
Historical Performance
Categorized Financial Breakout (2023–2025)
Revenue compounded at 10.1% annually across 2023–2025, a steady trajectory consistent with a stable operating base.
| Categorized Financial Breakout | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|
Financial Narrative
Revenue converts to EBITDA at 20.3%, from a gross margin of 43.0%.
Meridian Auto Group LLC
Automotive Services & Fleet Management
Meridian Auto Group operates three fleet-service centres across the Tampa metro, serving municipal and commercial fleet contracts alongside retail repair work. Roughly 60% of revenue is contracted fleet maintenance on multi-year agreements, with the balance from walk-in retail service. The business employs 34 people including 22 certified technicians, and is managed day to day by a general manager who is not the owner.
Revenue compounded at 10.1% annually across 2023–2025, a steady trajectory consistent with a stable operating base.
Historical Revenue Trend (2023–2025)
Growth Insight
Revenue across 2023–2025, as reported in the financials supplied.
Profitability & Assets
Revenue converts to EBITDA at 20.3%, from a gross margin of 43.0%. The build-up below traces revenue through direct and operating costs to the earnings the valuation is based on.
Profitability Progression (2023 vs 2025)
Scale Transformation
Revenue compounded at 10.1% annually across 2023–2025, a steady trajectory consistent with a stable operating base.
EBITDA Build-Up (Waterfall)
Flow Transparency
This cascade shows 20.3% of revenue retained as EBITDA after direct and operating costs.
Balance Sheet Composition
Balance Sheet Evolution (2023–2025)
| Category | 2023 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Total assets | 0k | 1,840k |
| Total liabilities | 0k | 610k |
Methodology Overview
At Sterling & Bay Advisors, we believe that a valuation is only as good as the data and methodology behind it. Unlike generic calculators, the APEX Protocol mandates a deep-dive into verified financial documents, market benchmarks, and strategic analysis. For the Meridian Auto Group LLC engagement, we utilized a multi-pillar approach to ensure a defensible and realistic market value.
Market Data Applied
Auto Repair and Service Shops — 247 reported sales
Average multiple across 247 reported closed sales in this sector (2025). An average, not a median — the source publishes it that way.
Approaches Considered
Asset approach - liquidation value
Not appliedRejected: the business is not distressed. EBITDA of $1,014,358 is above the distress threshold, so a going-concern basis applies.
Asset approach - adjusted net assets
Not appliedRejected: recorded assets of $1,840,000 are 0.4x revenue, below the 3x threshold. Value is driven by the earnings stream.
Single-basis earnings multiple (SDE or EBITDA alone)
Not appliedRejected: revenue of $4,994,320 sits between $2,000,000 and $5,000,000, where main-street and lower-middle-market buyers compete and neither basis alone reflects the buyer pool.
Market approach - weighted SDE and EBITDA
AppliedApplied: both earnings bases are computed and weighted, reflecting that this business will be marketed to both buyer types.
Normalization Schedule
| Adjustment | Basis | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Reported EBITDA | $1,014,358 | |
| Owner salary above marketOwner compensation2025 | Owner draws $260,000 against a market rate of $165,000 for a non-working owner in this role. | $95,000 |
| Personal vehicle and travelPersonal expenses2025 | Two personal vehicles and associated travel run through the business, verified against the general ledger. | $34,500 |
| Hurricane repair costsOne-time items2025 | Storm damage to the Brandon location in Q3 2025, non-recurring and supported by the insurance claim. | $78,000 |
| Below-market rent from owner entityRelated-party rent2025 | Premises are leased from an owner-affiliated entity at $42,000 below market. A buyer would pay market rent, so this reduces normalized earnings. | ($42,000) |
| Total adjustments | $165,500 | |
| Normalized EBITDA | $1,179,858 | |
Risk & Value Adjustments
| Factor | Basis | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Indicated value before company-specific adjustment | $4,193,843 | |
| Customer concentration | Top-customer concentration of 26% is above the 20% threshold at which buyers begin pricing in the risk of losing that account. | -1.5% |
| Quality of financials | Financials are accountant-compiled. A buyer discounts earnings they cannot independently verify, and this is the cheapest risk factor on this list for the seller to improve. | -2.0% |
| Not assessed: Key-person dependency, Intellectual property. No adjustment has been made for these, which is not the same as finding no risk. | — | |
| Concluded value | $4,047,058 | |
Data Reliability Audit (APEX Protocol)
| Document Type | Source Type | Reliability Tier | Verification Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| No source documents have been recorded against this valuation. Figures are as supplied by management and have not been independently verified. | |||
Legal Disclaimers & Compliance Notice
Reliability Tier Legend
The Verification Standard
Market Data Integrity
Methodology & Risk
This valuation employs a market-based approach. The multiple applied is drawn from current market transaction data — brokers reporting deals they closed — at the band matching this business's earnings, then adjusted for the company-specific risks itemised below. The source, the band and the approaches considered and set aside are stated in the methodology section. Risk factors below are weighted into the conservative case. Concentration and owner-dependence are the two that most often move a main-street multiple.
Strategic Risk Heatmap
Analyst Note on Risk
Risk factors below are weighted into the conservative case. Concentration and owner-dependence are the two that most often move a main-street multiple.
Valuation Conclusion
Reconciliation of Value Indications
The two earnings bases differ by 19%. The conclusion weights them evenly, reflecting a business that will be marketed to both main-street and lower-middle-market buyers.
Certification
The preparer of this report certifies that, to the best of their knowledge and belief:
- 01The statements of fact in this report are true and correct to the best of the preparer’s knowledge and belief.
- 02The analyses, opinions and conclusions are limited only by the assumptions and limiting conditions stated in this report, and are the preparer’s personal, impartial and unbiased professional analyses, opinions and conclusions.
- 03The preparer has no present or prospective interest in the business that is the subject of this report, and no personal interest with respect to the parties involved.
- 04The preparer has no bias with respect to the business that is the subject of this report or to the parties involved.
- 05Compensation for completing this assignment is not contingent on the development or reporting of a predetermined value, a direction in value that favours the cause of any party, the amount of the value opinion, or the occurrence of a subsequent event directly related to the intended use of this report.
- 06The economic and industry data included in this report were obtained from sources believed to be reliable. The preparer has not independently verified that data and expresses no opinion as to its accuracy.
Sample Advisor
Sterling & Bay Advisors
Effective date
March 1, 2026
Legal Disclosures
Scope of Services & Statutory Exclusions
This valuation is provided by Sterling & Bay Advisors, using valuation technology licensed from AltosIQ for INFORMATIONAL and STRATEGIC PLANNING purposes only. It is NOT intended for, and MUST NOT be used for:
• Tax or estate planning filings (IRS Form 706, 709, or similar)
• Litigation, legal proceedings, or expert testimony
• Regulatory compliance or financial reporting (ASC 820, etc.)
• Loan applications or lender requirements (Official SB4 Valuations)
• Securities filings or regulatory submissions
Securities Law Notice
Sterling & Bay Advisors is NOT a registered broker-dealer or investment advisor. This report does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy securities. Any capital raise strategy discussed is for strategic advisory purposes only. You MUST consult a qualified securities attorney before offering or selling any securities.
Professional Referral Mandate
This analysis is NOT a certified appraisal. Users are strictly advised to engage a licensed business appraiser with appropriate credentials (ASA, CVA, ABV, or equivalent) for official transactions or regulatory requirements. Sterling & Bay Advisors assumes no liability for decisions made without certified professional counsel.
Projections & Forward-Looking Statements
Any projections, forecasts, or forward-looking statements in this report are based on assumptions that may not materialize. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. The valuation is based on data provided by management and third-party records; Sterling & Bay Advisors has not performed an independent audit of the source documentation.