What is the most frequent SIC Code search in the Pratt’s Stats® database?   We ran a recent query and found that by far, Pratt’s Stats users are looking for transaction data relating to SIC 5812 (restaurants, non-drinking), with 277 searches since the beginning of last month.  Software technology was second, with 220 searches for SIC 7372; and transaction data regarding doctors and medical clinics (SIC 8011) was third with 129 searches.  The remaining top ten:

128	searches for SIC	8711 – Engineering services
123	searches…	8742 – Management consulting services
111	searches…	7361 – Employment agencies
106	searches…	1711 – Plumbing, heating, air conditioning
103	searches…	7389 – Business services
101	searches…	1731 – Electrical work
99	searches…	6411– Insurance agencies/brokers

But as business appraisers know, it’s how you understand and apply the transaction data that really counts toward creating a credible valuation conclusion.  To that end, the May 2008 issue of The Business Valuation Update™ features an excerpt from the new release, The Comprehensive Guide to the Use and Application of the Transaction Databases, by Nancy Fannon and Heidi Walker and published by BVResources; pre-order a copy for shipment early next month here.

Also in the May BVU: An article by Gary Trugman, “Practical Solutions to Problems in Valuing the Very Small Business.”  The article is also included among the ancillary reading materials to the next BVR teleconference, “Valuing the Very Small Company,” when Ron Seigneur and Stacy Collins join Trugman to discuss every aspect of these challenging assignments, from pre-screening the client to collecting the financial documents to applying market data from the relevant transaction databases.  To register for the April 30, 2008, event, click here.