There are a few instances where valuing a business using the seller's discretionary cash flow is appropriate. Here are some explicit examples

1. The company's value is derived primarily from its earnings/cash�flow.
2. The company has an established earnings history.�
3. The company's owner is a�key�employee who actively manages the company.
4. The owner/manager can be readily replaced without negatively affecting the business.
5. Reliable earnings/cash�flow�data is available�for�the subject company and comparative companies.
6. Current earnings/cash�flow�is expected to approximate future earnings/cash�flow.(if valuing a controlling interest. owners' benefits can be reasonably estimated. (Such benefits Include compensation. perquisites. personal expenses paid by company).
7. Earnings/cash�flow�for�the subject company and comparative companies is significantly positive (that is. neither negative nor marginally positive).
8. The definition of value used in the assignment is intrinsic value.