Business Valuations: Market Approach 2026

Author: Robert K Minniti

This online course introduces valuation professionals, financial analysts, accountants, and advisors to the market approach—one of the three primary and most relied‑upon methods for determining the value of a business. Participants will explore key market‑based valuation methodologies, including the Guideline Public Company Method, the Comparable Private Transaction Method, and the Prior Sale Method, and learn how market data is identified, assessed, and applied within a valuation engagement.

Attendees will also review industry classification systems (SIC, ISIC, and NAICS), how they are used to determine comparable companies, and the professional standards that govern market‑approach analyses. Real‑world examples help illustrate both the strengths and limitations of the market approach, equipping participants with the foundational knowledge needed to confidently perform valuation calculations and support defensible value conclusions.

Publication Date: April 2026

Designed For
This course is ideal for professionals involved in business valuation, financial analysis, advisory services, or litigation support.

Topics Covered

• Overview of business valuations and the role of the market approach
• Forensic‑accounting considerations in market‑based valuations
• Guideline Public Company Method
• Comparable Private Transaction Method
• Prior Sale Method
• Use of SIC, ISIC, and NAICS codes to identify comparable companies
• Professional standards applicable to valuation engagements (NACVA, AICPA)
• Strengths, limitations, and common pitfalls of the market approach

Learning Objectives

• Identify common market‑approach valuation methodologies, including Guideline Public Company, Comparable Transaction, and Prior Sale methods
• Recognize applicable professional standards, including NACVA and AICPA requirements
• Identify reliable sources of market data and industry information used in valuation analyses
• Evaluate key issues, assumptions, and adjustments involved in applying the market approach
• Identify SIC, ISIC, and NAICS industry codes and explain how they are used in selecting comparables

Level
Basic

Instructional Method
Self-Study

NASBA Field of Study
Accounting (2 hours)

Program Prerequisites
None

Advance Preparation
None