Financial Planning and Analysis

Within industry today, far too many businesses fail to be strategic in their approaches and methods as it pertains to financial planning.  For many businesses, planning staff have been conditioned to be comfortable with simple budget models that incorporate static, linear rates of growth over time, based solely on historical performance, without giving meaningful consideration to underlying economic factors that can affect future business performance. 

At Benchmark Solutions, we recognize that for a business to succeed in today’s competitive environment, firms must have a robust planning process that is strategic in nature by being forward looking, agile, as well as dynamic. That is why our Financial Planning and Advisory incorporates four basic processes into a comprehensive planning system that: (i) utilizes an economic-based driver approach for forecasting revenue, operating expenses, capital expenditures, cost of capital as well as determining optimal production and product pricing, (ii) can incorporate a scenario framework that is able to take into account multiple different potential forecasts, (iii) has the ability to value a firm’s equity as a means of assessing any given plan as well as to make sound financial decisions, and (iv) is ongoing in nature by measuring period ending variances against actual performance in order to adjust forecasts as well as to make periodic strategic and tactical adjustments in real time.  

Our Financial Planning and Analysis Advisory can provide you with the insights necessary to achieve a Competitive Advantage within your industry and plan with greater confidence.    

Business Valuation

The value of a business is not predicated on a simple, static formula or method as many inexperienced or unqualified valuation analysts would have you believe.  To the contrary, Business Valuation requires a solid understanding of how a business has created value historically, and how it plans to create value in the future, as well as an understanding of the essential conditions of the industry in which the business competes.  As a foundational concept, Business Valuation is rooted in the understanding of how a business achieves a Competitive Advantage and utilizes its invested capital to generate returns in excess of its cost of capital. To be valid and reliable, a properly produced Business Valuation must utilize the appropriate approaches and methods that reflect these facts.

At Benchmark Solutions, our understanding of value creation is at the heart of our Business Valuation Advisory and how we distinguish ourselves from other valuation analysts.   We perform Business Valuations and Fairness Opinions for domestic and international Merger & Acquisition Transactions, Strategic Financial Planning as well as Business Restructuring engagements.  We tailor the scope of our services to meet our clients’ specific needs, all while representing our clients’ best interests in the financial aspects of every transaction. 

As with all of our work product, our Business Valuation Advisory is based on generally recognized professional standards and is rigorous to ensure that we are able to meet your specific goals and objectives.   

Capital Acquisition

All businesses need working capital to support operations.  To acquire that working capital, funds must be raised, usually as a combination of equity and debt, the mixture of which is referred to as a firm’s Capital Structure. Decisions regarding Capital Acquisition, including the right mixture of equity and debt within the Capital Structure, can mean the difference between a business’ success or failure.  The importance of Capital Acquisition, both strategically and tactically, cannot be over emphasized.

 At Benchmark Solutions, our understanding of value creation is at the heart of the services we provide, and Capital Acquisition is central to that process. We understand the importance of targeting a business’s Capital Structure to ensure success and we have the skill and knowledge to implement such plans.  We have deep knowledge and insights into the processes and procedures necessary to raise both equity and debt in ways that make sense while remaining in compliance so as to reduce transaction risk.

Merger & Acquisition Advisory

Because every M&A deal is different, the pathway to a successful transaction requires a strategic approach focused on the creation of value whether you are the buyer, seller or merger and consolidation of equals. 

At Benchmark Solutions, our team has the breadth of experience and depth of knowledge to help our clients set M&A goals and objectives, weigh and value market opportunities, as well as to evaluate the competitive advantages associated with any acquirer or target acquisition.  Additionally, as a core competency, our team can easily assess optimal financing strategies based on transactions financed with cash, stock, debt or some combination of all three.

Our M&A financial services are strategic as well as comprehensive in nature, including both domestic and international transactions, and can make all the difference in achieving a successful outcome. From strategy to due diligence, to valuation and financing, our team can provide you with the confidence you need as you pursue your M&A goals and objectives.