Modeling Returns and Equity Requirements

In this episode the hosts walk through evaluating a potential acquisition of a Houston‑area elevator services company, debating whether a 7.5× EBITDA asking price can pencil out given the financing constraints and growth challenges.

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This episode dives into a deal on an established elevator services business based in Houston (with a secondary branch in San Antonio), generating about $5.2 million in revenue and roughly $1.4 million in EBITDA — putting the asking price at roughly $11 million (≈ 7.5× EBITDA). The business offers elevator maintenance, modernization, repair, and installation to commercial, industrial, and institutional clients, with 23 technicians, a fleet of service vehicles, and long‑standing maintenance contracts, giving it recurring cash flow and limited customer concentration.

Key Highlights:
- Asking price: $11 M, with $5.2 M revenue → $1.4 M EBITDA (~27% margin)
- Business: 22‑year established elevator services firm in Houston + San Antonio with 23‑employee workforce, service fleet, maintenance contracts, and recurring client base
- Key strengths: Stable recurring revenue, high margin, regulatory/regional barriers to entry, limited customer concentration, clean financials
- Main challenges: Growth seems limited, financing is tricky — too big for SBA standard threshold, too small for traditional debt; likely need large equity injection (~40–50%)
- Industry context: Elevator service/maintenance is a niche with stable demand, but the value creation upside may rely on consolidation, scale, or roll-up strategy rather than organic growth

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