A Quality of Earnings (QoE) assessment is a detailed analysis of a company’s financial statements to determine the sustainability and accuracy of its earnings. This assessment helps identify any adjustments that need to be made to reflect the true economic performance of the business.

A QoE assessment is crucial because it provides a clear picture of a company's financial health and performance. It helps buyers and sellers make informed decisions by highlighting any financial irregularities, ensuring transparency, and reducing the risk of unexpected issues during a transaction.

The duration of a QoE assessment can vary depending on the complexity and size of the business. Generally, it takes between 2 to 6 weeks to complete a thorough assessment.

The seller conducts a sell-side QoE assessment to prepare for a business sale. It aims to present a clear and accurate picture of the company’s financial performance, proactively address potential buyer concerns, and help maximize the sale price.

By conducting a Sell-Side QoE, sellers can identify and address any financial discrepancies before entering negotiations, making their business more attractive to potential buyers. This helps build trust and can lead to a smoother, faster transaction process.

During a Sell-Side QoE, the assessment team will review financial statements, conduct interviews with key personnel, analyze revenue and expense trends, and identify any one-time or non-recurring items that could impact earnings. The goal is to ensure the financials presented to potential buyers are accurate and reliable.

A Buy-Side QoE assessment is performed by the buyer to evaluate the financial health and earnings quality of a potential acquisition target. It helps buyers understand the target company's true economic performance and identify any risks or issues that may affect the transaction.

A Buy-Side QoE provides the buyer with an in-depth understanding of the target company's financial condition, ensuring that the purchase price is justified and that there are no hidden financial risks. It can also uncover opportunities for post-acquisition improvements.

During a Buy-Side QoE, the assessment team will analyze the target company’s financial records, validate revenue and expense items, assess working capital and cash flow, and identify any adjustments needed to present an accurate financial picture. The process includes thorough due diligence to ensure the buyer is making a well-informed investment.

Key areas typically analyzed in a QoE assessment include revenue recognition, cost of goods sold, operating expenses, working capital, cash flow, and any one-time or non-recurring items. The goal is to assess the sustainability and accuracy of the reported earnings.

Documents typically required for a QoE assessment include financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement), general ledger, tax returns, management accounts, sales records, expense reports, and any relevant contracts or agreements.

vcfo’s approach to QoE assessments involves a thorough review of financial documents, interviews with key personnel, detailed financial analysis, and the identification of any adjustments needed to reflect the true economic performance of the business. We provide a comprehensive report outlining our findings and recommendations.

Yes, a QoE assessment can uncover potential financial risks, such as revenue recognition issues, expense misclassifications, or non-recurring items that may distort earnings. Identifying these risks early can help in making more informed decisions during a transaction.

The cost of a QoE assessment can vary based on the size and complexity of the business. At vcfo, we offer competitive pricing tailored to the specific needs of our clients. Contact us for a detailed quote based on your requirements.

To get started with a QoE assessment, simply contact our Transaction Advisory Support team. We will schedule an initial consultation to discuss your needs and provide a customized proposal outlining the scope, timeline, and cost of the assessment.