Craig Hausz - Are Accounting Firms or Wealth Management Firms More Valuable?
Aug 14, 2024
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Craig Hausz, owner of CMH Advisors, discusses his journey in building a thriving CPA and wealth management firm alongside his wife. They recently made the Inc5000 list, thanks to six successful acquisitions. The conversation dives into the valuation differences between accounting and wealth management firms, exploring their revenue potentials and growth strategies. Craig shares insights on managing post-acquisition growth and the factors influencing the decision to sell a business, balancing personal and professional ambitions.
The podcast emphasizes the contrasting valuation dynamics of CPA firms and wealth management firms, highlighting the significant impact of underlying EBITDA on firm value.
Craig Hausz shares insights on the strategic growth of CMH Advisors, underscoring a balanced approach to acquisitions and personal life planning for future transitions.
Deep dives
Revenue Multiples in CPA vs. Wealth Management
The discussion highlights the differences in revenue multiples between CPA firms and wealth management practices. While wealth management often sells for a higher multiple, closer to 2.5 or 3 times revenue, underlying factors such as EBITDA reveal a more complex picture. For instance, some CPA firms may achieve higher EBITDA than their wealth management counterparts despite lower revenue multiples. This nuance in evaluation shows that revenue alone may not determine the value of a firm.
Business Growth and Revenue Allocation
The business, founded by Craig and his wife ten years ago, has shown steady growth, with a current revenue of approximately $3.9 million, of which 90% comes from the CPA side and 10% from wealth management. This growth trajectory features a strategic goal to increase wealth management revenue substantially, aiming for $1 million by 2025. Craig noted that their previous ratio of 99% CPA to 1% wealth management has shifted significantly in just three years, demonstrating successful organic growth particularly from CPA clients. Despite this success, Craig anticipates a temporary plateau in growth due to factors such as shedding non-ideal revenue.
Debt Management and Acquisition Strategy
The firm has engaged in acquisitions to bolster its growth, including a recent practice acquisition that contributed significantly to revenue increase. Currently, Craig manages a debt of around $380,000 from this acquisition, with plans to pay it down over the next year. He expressed a thoughtful approach to debt, balancing aggressive repayment with the benefits of maintaining a fixed-rate debt at a favorable interest. Additionally, this acquisition strategy is seen as essential for realizing growth while emphasizing the importance of internal stability as they consider future expansions.
Planning for Future Transitions
Craig's outlook on the future incorporates personal and professional growth, prompting him to consider a potential exit strategy as he approaches age 55. He recognizes the need to plan for financial independence without entirely sacrificing his involvement in the firm. Discussions around a possible sale are influenced by both financial metrics and lifestyle aspirations, bringing to light the dilemma of financial security versus active participation. With solid revenue projections and a vision for both his firm and personal life, Craig navigates a balance between enjoying current success and planning for a transition that aligns with his life goals.
Craig Hausz has grown a fantastic accounting firm and wealth management firm, CMH Advisors, with his wife Michelle. They've recently landed on the Inc5000 list for all their growth the last few years; they've also successfully completed six firm acquisitions. This Inspired Or Acquired episode is a fun discussion of the differences in valuation for accounting firms vs wealth management firms. Plus we estimate the value of CMH Advisors and ask Craig when they might sell the firm.
Craig Hausz on X: https://twitter.com/CPATaxTeam CMH Advisors: https://www.cpataxteam.com/ Clint Fiore: https://twitter.com/ClintFiore Patrick Dichter: https://twitter.com/patrickdichter
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