Adjusted Book Value

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Will Kenton
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Will Kenton is an expert on the economy and investing laws and regulations. He previously held senior editorial roles at Investopedia and Kapitall Wire and holds a MA in Economics from The New School for Social Research and Doctor of Philosophy in English literature from NYU.
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Updated June 28, 2021
Reviewed by
David Kindness
David Kindness
Reviewed by David Kindness
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David Kindness is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and an expert in the fields of financial accounting, corporate and individual tax planning and preparation, and investing and retirement planning. David has helped thousands of clients improve their accounting and financial systems, create budgets, and minimize their taxes.
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Adjusted Book Value

Investopedia / Jake Shi

What Is the Adjusted Book Value?

Adjusted book value is the measure of a company's valuation after liabilities—including off-balance sheet liabilities—and assets adjusted to reflect true fair market value. The potential downside of using adjusted book value is that a business could be worth more than its stated assets and liabilities because it fails to value intangible assets, account for discounts, or factors in contingent liabilities. However, it’s not often accepted as an accurate picture of a profitable company's operating value; however, it can be a way of capturing potential equity available in a firm.

Key Takeaways

  • Adjusted book value is where a valuation is adjusted to reflect fair market value.
  • The adjusted book value method of valuation is most often used to assign value to distressed companies facing potential liquidation or companies that hold tangible assets.
  • The downside of using adjusted book value is that a business could be worth more than its stated assets and liabilities because it fails to value intangible assets.

How Adjusted Book Value Works

There are several methods an investor can use to assign value or price to a business. Deciding which form of valuation method to use involves several factors such as the firm type and availability of information. 

The adjusted book value method of valuation is most often used to assign value to distressed companies facing potential liquidation or companies that hold tangible assets, such as property or securities. Analysts may use adjusted book value to determine a bottom line price for a company's value when anticipating bankruptcy or sale due to financial distress.

Special Considerations

Adjusting the book value of a firm entails line-by-line analysis. Some are straightforward such as cash and short-term debt. These items are already carried at the fair market value on the balance sheet. 

The value of receivables may have to be adjusted, depending on the age of the receivables. For example, receivables that are 180 days past due (and likely doubtful) will get a haircut in value compared to receivables under 30 days. Inventory can be subject to adjustment, depending on the inventory accounting method. If a firm employs the Last In, First Out (LIFO) method, the LIFO reserve must be added back.

Property, plant, and equipment (PP&E) is subject to large adjustments, particularly the land value, which is held on the balance sheet at historical cost. The value of the land would likely be far greater than the historical cost in most cases. Estimates for what buildings and equipment would fetch in the open market must be made. 

The adjustment process becomes more complicated with things like intangible assets, contingent liabilities, deferred tax assets, or liabilities, and off-balance sheet (OBS) items. Also, minority interests, if present, will call for more adjustments to book value. The goal is to mark each asset and liability to fair market value. After the values of all the assets and liabilities are adjusted, the analyst must simply deduct the liabilities from the assets to derive the fair value of the firm.