In a sale or raise, the other side will find the problems in your earnings. The question is when.
Buyers and investors don’t take reported earnings at face value. They adjust for one-time events, owner-specific expenses, accounting choices and revenue that may not repeat. Their adjusted number is what they’ll pay for.
When founders go to market without doing that analysis first, the surprises come during diligence: adjustments nobody expected, a lower valuation, renegotiated terms or a deal that falls apart. By then, the founder has little time or leverage to respond.
What it costs you
A lower valuation
Unexpected adjustments reduce the earnings a buyer will pay for.
Renegotiated terms
Late surprises give the other side leverage.
Deals that fall apart
Diligence issues can stall or end a transaction.
Lost time and momentum
Months of work can unravel in the final stretch.
What is a Quality of Earnings report?
A Quality of Earnings report analyzes a company’s historical earnings to separate recurring, sustainable profit from one-time items, owner-specific expenses and accounting adjustments.
Founders use a sell-side QoE to prepare for a sale or capital raise, so issues surface on their own timeline. It pairs naturally with an audit-ready books rebuild and, for Tier 3 clients, fundraising support.
Available to all clients, whether or not you use one of our tiers.
At a glance
- Best for Founders preparing for a sale or significant capital raise
- Available to All clients
- Focus Adjusted EBITDA, revenue quality and working capital
- Note An analysis, not an audit
How the project solves it.
learning about adjustments in diligence
knowing your adjusted earnings before you go to market
reacting to the buyer’s numbers
presenting your own well-supported analysis
surprises that cost leverage
issues addressed on your timeline
A clear picture of your earnings.
Adjusted EBITDA
Earnings normalized for one-time, non-recurring and owner-specific items.
Revenue analysis
Trends, concentration and the quality of your revenue streams.
Working capital review
What a normal level of working capital looks like for your business.
Diligence readiness
Issues surfaced early, before a buyer or investor finds them.
From first conversation to finished project.
01
Scoping
We agree on the period, purpose and timeline.
02
Analysis
We analyze earnings, adjustments, revenue and working capital.
03
Findings
We walk you through the results and the issues to address.
04
Report
You receive a report ready to support your sale or raise.
What VCs, private equity and family offices want to see.
Sophisticated investors look past the pitch to the numbers: last year’s profitability, a focused growth plan and a clearly articulated exit strategy. Our teams help founders show all three.
Financial discipline
Clean books, accurate KPIs and real forecasting capability.
Scalability
Systems that support growth without breaking down.
Strong metrics
Dashboards that show performance and trajectory.
Exit readiness
Preparation for capital raises, due diligence and audits.
Credible partners
A finance team that brings expertise, not just compliance.
Built by founders. Held to a higher standard.
Founder-led
Founded by Jon Peyton, a serial entrepreneur who built the firm to solve the finance problems his own clients faced.
Credentialed team
Team members hold MBA, CFP®, CPA, CPM, CPMM and EA credentials.
The Founder’s Way™
One documented process for every client, so your books, forecasts and reporting always tell one consistent story.
Security & compliance
Encryption, controlled access, confidentiality agreements and vetted technology at every step.
Questions? Answers.
When should I get a Quality of Earnings report?
Ideally before you go to market for a sale or a significant capital raise, so you can address issues on your own timeline.
Is a QoE report an audit?
No. It’s a financial analysis of the quality and sustainability of your earnings. Audits are performed by independent CPA firms.
How long does a QoE take?
Timing depends on the size and complexity of your company and the condition of your books. We scope it after an initial review.
Still have a question?
One-time projects, when you need them.
Alongside our three tiers, we take on focused projects with a clear scope and timeline.
Corporate Tax Planning
A tax strategy for your business and your personal finances, coordinated with your CPA.
Audit-Ready Books Rebuild
Clean up and rebuild your books so they’re accurate, complete and ready for an audit.
Quality of Earnings Reports
An independent look at the quality and sustainability of your earnings before a sale or raise.
Fundraising & Pitch Decks
Investor-ready models, pitch decks and a CFO who acts as your intermediary.
Don’t let your finances be the reason why.
Talk with our team: +1 888 348 8573