The approach of building earnings quality early rather than waiting for a buyer seems like the right way to secure a higher multiple. I like that they are not a broker and do not take a percentage of the sale, which aligns their interests with mine in getting the books clean rather than just closing a deal. Their experience with large revenue companies suggests they know what buyers look for during diligence. However, the pricing model feels a bit vague. They mention that costs depend on the shape of your numbers, which is honest but leaves the budget uncertain. I would want more clarity on what the Stage 1 assessment includes versus the ongoing retainer. The free call is a low-risk way to get a straight answer, but I wish they provided more detail on what the final deliverables look like before signing up. It seems like a solid service for anyone serious about a future sale, but the lack of fixed pricing might be a hurdle for some owners who prefer predictable costs. The emphasis on working alongside existing accountants is also a nice touch that avoids duplication of effort.
Questions about Anchor Earnings
What is Anchor Earnings?
Anchor Earnings provides exit-readiness services and prepares Quality of Earnings reports for businesses. They offer an Exit-Readiness Assessment that reviews financials and operations, followed by a Build phase to clean up books and standardize reporting. The firm also provides an ongoing Exit-Readiness Retainer for quarterly maintenance to keep a business sale-ready over time.
Who is the ideal client for these services?
The business is designed for owners two to ten years out who want to assess their readiness through a buyer's eyes. They also serve sellers and owners who need to pass an upcoming Quality of Earnings report, as well as lenders requiring independent reports for SBA 7(a) loans.
How can a potential client get started?
Clients can book a free 30-minute call to receive an initial review, determine which report they need, and learn what to have ready. This call is available for anyone looking to understand the SBA rule or start the preparation process.
What are the specific steps in the Exit-Readiness process?
The Exit-Readiness Assessment produces a readiness score and a prioritized fix list based on financials, operations, and owner-dependence. The Build phase focuses on cleaning up books and creating driver-based forecasts that support valuation and buyer diligence.
What does a Quality of Earnings report cover?
The firm prepares Quality of Earnings reports for buy-side, sell-side, and lender-side needs related to SBA 7(a) loans. These reports include normalized EBITDA with documented adjustments, proof of cash, revenue quality analysis, and working capital trends.
Which specific types of buyers and lenders does Anchor Earnings work with?
The company works with search funds, individual acquirers, owner-operators buying their next business, and companies making add-on acquisitions. They also serve SBA 7(a) lenders, banks, and non-bank lenders engaged by the client.
How long has the company been in business?
The firm has been operating since at least October 1, 2026, when the SBA's Quality of Earnings rule took effect under SOP 50 10 8.1, Appendix 15. They position themselves as having finance people who have sat on both sides of diligence.
What recent regulatory change affects this business?
The website states that since October 1, 2026, every SBA acquisition loan of $3 million or more requires an independent Quality of Earnings report before closing. Anchor Earnings positions itself as essential for any side of the deal under this new requirement.
What ongoing support options are available?
The Exit-Readiness Retainer offers quarterly maintenance to keep a business sale-ready over time, rather than just preparing for a single event. This ongoing service is part of their suite of exit-readiness offerings.
How does the firm ensure the report is actionable?
The firm claims to deliver a report that a credit team or deal team can act on immediately. They emphasize that the independent report is prepared specifically for the client's DSCR calculation needs.
What other brands or locations are associated with this business?
The firm is a sister brand of Anchor BI, which is mentioned in the footer of their website. They operate out of the domain anchorearnings.com and provide services across financial services, management consulting, and accounting.
How can I contact Anchor Earnings?
You can reach Anchor Earnings by e-mail at info@anchorbi.com.
What is the official website of Anchor Earnings?
The official website of Anchor Earnings is anchorearnings.com.
How is Anchor Earnings rated on Trustburn?
On Trustburn, Anchor Earnings has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 4 reviews.
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Their focus on driver-based forecasting and standardizing reporting addresses the core issue of owner-dependence. The distinction between tax accounting and earnings quality for buyers is crucial. Having forty years of combined FP&A experience suggests they understand what dilutes value. The three-stage model provides a structured path to becoming sale-ready without the uncertainty of broker commissions.
The concept of cleaning up books years before selling rather than doing it last minute is interesting. They focus on making the business defensible rather than just finding a buyer. Being based in Charlotte with a team that has handled large revenue streams is impressive, but I am cautious about whether their specific expertise fits smaller trades. The distinction between their work and a Quality of Earnings report is useful. I would need to see more concrete examples of results before committing to the retainer. The first assessment call seems like a safe way to gauge fit.
I have been thinking about selling my service business for several years now, and I was never quite sure if I was doing enough to prepare for buyers. Reading about Anchor Earnings really changed my perspective on what actually matters during a transaction. The idea that owner-dependence is the biggest multiple-killer makes perfect sense when you think about how a buyer views risk. It is reassuring to know they are not business brokers who just list the company, but rather finance professionals who understand what buyers look for during diligence. The three-stage approach from assessment to building diligence-ready systems seems like a logical path. I appreciate that they work alongside my existing accountant rather than replacing them. It feels like a practical way to clean up financials without disrupting daily operations. The free call gives a clear picture of where you stand without pressure.
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Anchor Earnings helps business owners prepare their companies for a future sale through exit-readiness services. The firm offers an Exit-Readiness Assessment that reviews financials, operations, and owner-dependence to produce a readiness score and prioritized fix list. It then provides a Build phase focused on cleaning up books, standardizing reporting, and creating driver-based forecasts that support valuation and buyer diligence. An ongoing Exit-Readiness Retainer offers quarterly maintenance to keep the business sale-ready over time. The company invites potential clients to book a free 30-minute call for an initial review.
- Website
- anchorearnings.com
- info@anchorbi.com
- Categories
- Financial services, Management consulting, Accounting