Meow Advisory, LLC
A 409A valuation is an independent third-party valuation of a private company’s common stock. These valuations are needed to grant employees tax-free equity compensation and establish a reasonable stock price for employee stock options.
409A valuations are required by law for private companies issuing equity or options to employees. Without a 409A, companies risk significant tax penalties from the IRS and lost upside for employees. Some key reasons why 409A valuations matter:
Companies hire an experienced 409A appraiser to assess the fair market value (FMV) of common shares. The appraiser must demonstrate competence and objectivity to satisfy IRS requirements.
The appraiser reviews the company’s financials, capital structure, projections, risks, and liquidity outlook. Public and private market comps are evaluated. Management and the board are consulted.
Common 409A methodologies include the income approach, market approach using public and private comps, and backsolve method based on recent funding rounds. The methodology must meet IRS standards.
The final 409A valuation must comply with IRS safe harbor rules. This includes getting re-appraisals every 12 months or upon material funding/strategic events.
If the IRS determines a company didn’t make reasonable efforts to accurately value its common shares, steep tax penalties ensue. Employees can have their deferred comp become immediately taxable and face 20%+ tax rates.
The 409A valuation sets the exercise price of stock options. Underwater options or the perception prices weren’t set fairly can severely impact morale, recruitment, and retention.
Experienced acquirers and IPO underwriters scrutinize a private company’s 409A valuation history. Any issues could flag poor processes/controls and can risk deals failing.
Venture valuations are market-driven based on investor demand while 409A valuations follow IRS rules for reasonable FMV assessment. Other key differences include:
Despite differences in how valuations are set, the venture round prices often anchor the 409A valuation analysis, adjusted for lack of liquidity. So while methodologies differ, the valuations impact one another significantly.
While 409As don’t typically impact round pricing, the valuations impact one another over time. Additionally, poor 409A compliance and processes can reflect extremely negatively on founders and jeopardize hiring, investment, and exits.
The benefits of using an experienced provider include independence, expertise, and letting founders focus on strategic priorities.
When selecting a provider, companies should review the team’s credentials, valuation methodologies, client base, scalability and process efficiency. End-to-end timelines generally span 3-4 weeks assuming prompt submission of required financial and operating data.
A 409A valuation is critical for private companies granting equity compensation. It establishes the fair market value of common shares. Using an experienced provider ensures compliance, safe harbor protection, and insulation from steep IRS penalties for the company and employees. Ultimately, robust 409A governance allows leaders to focus on strategic growth while employees feel confident their equity upside is preserved.