Resources: Glossary

Don’t be confused or intimidated by any terms or abbreviations in the M&A world. You’ll find answers here.

Home Glossary Accounting Period

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APA = Asset purchase agreement

CA = Confidentiality agreement

CIM = Confidential information memorandum

COGS = Cost of goods sold

DBA = Doing business as

DCF = Discounted cash flow

DPA = Definitive purchase agreement

EBITDA = Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization

ESOP = Employee stock ownership plan

FMV = Fair market value

GAAP = Generally accepted accounting principles

IP = Intellectual property

IRR = Internal rate of return

LOI = Letter of intent

MAC = Material adverse change

MBI = Management Buy-In

MBO = Management Buyout

NDA = Non-disclosure agreement

PE = Private equity

PEG = Private equity group

ROI = Return on investment

SDE = Seller’s discretionary earnings

SPA = Stock purchase agreement

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Accounting Period

Definition

The period of time in which financial activity is recorded and financials are prepared.

Tips

Normally refers to a 12-month period. The two primary accounting periods are fiscal and calendar year. Most businesses use the calendar year; however, businesses in certain industries, such as retail, often use a fiscal year rather than the calendar year of Jan 1 – Dec 31. When analyzing or comparing two or more businesses, it is critical to analyze them using the same accounting period.