A Small Business — Buying

You should request financial records for at least the to identify trends and verify profitability.

: Often prepared by a CPA, this report adjusts for one-time expenses, personal owner "add-backs," and accounting errors to show the business's true earning power. buying a small business

: Crucial for evaluating solvency; positive cash flow indicates the business can meet obligations and reinvest. You should request financial records for at least

: A snapshot of assets, liabilities, and owner equity to determine the business's net worth. 2. Legal & Organizational Documents this report adjusts for one-time expenses

: These reveal how profitable the business has been over time and help identify declining margins or disproportionate overhead.

Ensuring the business is in "good standing" prevents you from inheriting undisclosed legal or regulatory problems.