— QoE 101

QoE 101 What smart buyers think they understand — until LOI.

A short, sharp explanation of Quality of Earnings for serious buyers. Not basic. Not generic. Built around what actually changes a deal.

What QoE is not
What QoE should answer
— Inside a Guardian QoE

What's in the report — and what's behind it.

Adjusted EBITDA

Earnings, restated. Pressure-tested against the GL — not just the broker’s narrative.

Proof of Cash

Bank statements reconciled to financial reports. Validates that reported revenue + expenses match real cash.

Profit by product / service

Where the money actually comes from. What you can lose without losing the business.

 

Working capital analysis

What you’ll need on day one — not what the model says you’ll need.

 

Customer concentration

Top-customer durability tested against actual contracts, not just spreadsheet labels.

 

Buyer recommendation

Push, renegotiate, or walk. We tell you what we’d do — and why.

— When to engage

The earlier we're on the call, the more leverage you have.

Before LOI

Ideal. We help you make a sharper offer with the right protection built in.

Within 48 hrs of LOI

Priority Pricing window. Best leverage on lender + seller before momentum locks in.

 

Mid-diligence

Already underway? We can second-opinion or take over. Better late than over-trusting.

If you're under LOI, start with Priority Pricing.

Not ready yet?

Watch how Elliott thinks before you ever pick up the phone.