EBITDA multiples are at 4.5x for the first quarter of 2022, which is up from the 3.9x rate in the fourth quarter of 2021, according to the latest issue of the DealStats Value Index (DVI). The DVI calculates valuation multiples and profit margins from closely held companies each quarter, as shown in the chart below, which also highlights the median selling price/EBITDA with the trailing three-quarter average over a five-year period.

The 2Q 2022 DVI highlights the trend in the EBITDA multiple since 2015 and reports lower multiples than those available from private equity or investment banking sources, so they are far more reflective of fair market value calculations than synergistic or financial sector pricing. Download the current issue of DVI to see all of the new trends in private-company transactions.