Distributor Method
Definition
A variant of the multi-period excess earnings method used to value customer relationship intangible assets, which analyses the business from the perspective of a hypothetical distributor that owns only the customer relationships and licenses all other assets from the operating entity. The distributor method simplifies contributory asset charge estimation by modelling a lean distribution business rather than the full operating entity. It is frequently used in purchase price allocations for distribution, retail, and service businesses.
Complementary Terms
Concepts that frequently appear alongside Distributor Method in practice.
A valuation technique used to isolate the value of a specific intangible asset by deducting the returns attributable to all other assets (tangible and intangible) from total earnings. The multi-period excess earnings method is the most common approach for valuing customer relationships and technology in purchase price allocations.
An income approach valuation technique that values a primary intangible asset by isolating the cash flows attributable to it after deducting fair returns on all other contributory assets. MPEEM is the most commonly used method for valuing customer relationships in purchase price allocations under IFRS 3 and ASC 805.
A valuation approach that estimates the value of a business by adjusting the book values of all assets and liabilities to their fair values, including the recognition of off-balance-sheet intangible assets that meet IFRS 3 or ASC 805 recognition criteria. The adjusted net asset method is primarily used for asset-holding companies, investment vehicles, and businesses where value resides primarily in the asset base rather than earnings capacity.
A cost-based valuation approach that estimates the value of an intangible asset by calculating the current cost of creating or acquiring a substitute asset with equivalent utility. The replacement cost method is frequently used for valuing assembled workforces, proprietary software, and databases, adjusted for any functional or economic obsolescence.
An approach to measuring goodwill in a business combination where the acquirer recognises goodwill only in proportion to its ownership interest, rather than attributing goodwill to the non-controlling interest. Under IFRS 3, acquirers have a choice on a transaction-by-transaction basis to measure non-controlling interests either at fair value (full goodwill) or at the NCI's proportionate share of identifiable net assets (partial goodwill).
A standardised set of actuarial survivor curves developed at Iowa State University that describe the retirement patterns of industrial property. Iowa curves are classified by shape (L, S, R, O types) and average service life, providing a systematic framework for modelling asset mortality.
The simplest version of a product that can be released to early adopters to validate core assumptions and gather feedback with minimal development investment. The MVP concept, popularised by Eric Ries in The Lean Startup, enables founders to test product-market fit iteratively before committing significant capital to full product development.
An umbrella term for the broad range of services delivered over the internet on a subscription basis, encompassing Software as a Service, Platform as a Service, Infrastructure as a Service, and numerous specialised variants. XaaS business models convert capital expenditure into operating expenditure for customers and derive the majority of their enterprise value from intangible assets including recurring customer relationships, proprietary platforms, and data.
Further Reading
Related FAQ
How does the Asset Valuator in Opagio Intangibles work?
The Asset Valuator in Opagio Intangibles values one asset at a time. You choose a method, such as Relief from Royalty, MPEEM or the Cost Approach, enter its inputs, and it calculates a fair value estimate.
Read full answer →When is the Greenfield method applicable?
The Greenfield method models what it would cost to build the business from scratch using only the subject intangible asset, estimating years to profitability and required investment.
Read full answer →What is the Greenfield method and when is it used for intangible valuation?
The Greenfield method values an intangible asset by modelling the cash flows of a hypothetical start-up business that owns only that single asset and must build everything else from scratch.
Read full answer →Put this knowledge to work
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