How Much Do Veterinary Practices Sell For (In 2024)

The veterinary industry in the US was valued at USD 11.92 Billion in 2022. The future CAGR is expected to be 8.7% from 2023 to 2030. Because of such a surge, there is a lot of buying and selling activity among veterinary practices. Acquisitions could either be from individual veterinarians or large investors. However, arriving at a veterinary practice’s precise valuation could be like hitting a moving target. If you own a veterinary practice and are looking to sell it, several factors can affect its value. Figuring out these factors is not a straightforward task. This article aims to simplify the process and provide you with the knowledge and tools to assess how much veterinary practices sell for.

Factors affecting veterinary practice sale value

Financial factors

1. Your prospective buyers will ask you to provide the financial statements for your veterinary practice. They will calculate EBITDA (Earning Before Interest Tax Depreciation and Amortization) numbers. EBITDA provides a snapshot of profitability, excluding external factors like taxes and interest.
2. Based on the past financial performance of your practice, the potential buyers can try to forecast the future performance and then arrive at the current market value.
3. The financial valuation of your veterinary practice can be impacted by its size and stability. If you have many patients, it ensures you will get a higher valuation. Your practice’s physical location demographics can influence its appeal and value.

Tangible and intangible Assets

1. Real estate property where you operate your practice contributes to its value. Other assets like equipment and technology can make or break your practice’s valuation.

• Inventories held by your practice include medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, which could carry a substantial value.
• Your veterinary practice’s reputation and goodwill are very important. It assures client loyalty and helps sustain future revenue growth. As your reputation grows, your practice will hire the best quality staff, further boosting the overall valuation of the vet practice.

Veterinary practice valuation

Conventional method – These methods include basic calculations like multiples of gross revenue or EBITDA. They also consider the sale value of a similar property nearby to arrive at the most accurate pricing. While simple, they may not always provide an accurate picture.

Professional appraisals – When you hirea qualified appraiser who has the knowledge, skills, and expertise in your dealings with veterinary practices, you can set yourself mentally free. The professional can take care of the nuances and comprehensively analyze the valuations, considering all aspects of the practice.

Buy and sell strategies

Depending on your situation, we provide different strategies for buying and selling veterinary practices.

Tips for sellers

• Be sure to prepare your practice well before you put it up for sale. You should revisit your practice’s financial records to ensure accuracy and improve its physical state to enhance appeal. Consider updating equipment, technology, and even the aesthetics of your practice. As you streamline the workflows and patient management systems, your practice can make a good impression on potential buyers.

• Reputation is a valuable yet tangible asset. Your reputation is a valuable but intangible asset that can significantly impact the success of your business. One effective way to enhance your reputation is by devising strategies to attract and retain loyal customers. It builds trust and fosters a strong community reputation. Thereby leading to an increase in the valuation of your business.
• Effective networking and marketing are vital to finding the right buyer. Consider contacting professionals in your network to explore sales possibilities.

Tips for buyers

• Before making an offer, you must know what you’re paying for. Dig deep and investigate various aspects of the practice to make an informed decision.

• Understand the market trends to save money. Knowing the key factors driving the veterinary practice valuations can give you an advantage in price negotiations.

• Prepare for the future by creating a post-acquisition plan. The focus should be on integrating the new practice and charting its growth trajectory.

Conclusion

Many factors affect the value of a veterinary practice business, both internally and externally. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, it’s important to understand these factors before making a deal. Seeking the help of professionals can increase your chances of getting an accurate assessment. We hope this article has provided you with the right approach to navigate the veterinary practice market successfully.