CNC / Precision Machining Valuation Multiples (2026)
Precision machining shops with AS9100 + ITAR + multi-year aerospace contracts trade at 1.0× revenue and 6.5× EBITDA. General job shops without certifications stay closer to 0.5-0.7× revenue.
Lookup my business multiple
Pick your industry and enter revenue + EBITDA / SDE. We'll triangulate three valuation methods and show what buyers typically pay for businesses like yours.
Premium drivers
- ↑AS9100 or ISO 9001 + ITAR registration
- ↑Long-term contracts with aerospace / defense / medical
- ↑5-axis capability + EDM
- ↑Trained workforce that stays through close
Discount drivers
- ↓Aging equipment (avg machine age > 15 years)
- ↓Single-customer concentration > 40%
- ↓Welder / machinist hiring shortage
- ↓Real estate not included in deal
Who buys cnc / precision machining?
Strategic acquirer expanding capacity, PE-backed precision manufacturing platform, or family office
Typical timeline + revenue band
- Days to close: 120–240
- Revenue band these multiples apply to: $2.00M–$10.00M
- NAICS: 332710 (Manufacturing)
5 levers that lift your CNC / Precision Machining multiple by 30-50%
- 1Lock in recurring revenueConvert the top of your cnc / precision machining revenue stack into multi-year contracts, retainers, or auto-renewing subscriptions. Buyers pay 25-40% more for revenue they don't have to re-win every quarter.
- 2De-risk customer concentrationAim for no single customer above 15% of revenue. If you have a > 25% client, get them on a multi-year master services agreement before going to market.
- 3Document the business out of the ownerStrategic acquirer expanding capacity, PE-backed precision manufacturing platform, or family office will discount aggressively for any function that lives in the owner's head — sales, key vendor relationships, pricing, hiring. Run the next 90 days like the owner is on a 6-week vacation.
- 4Clean up the financialsGet a Quality of Earnings-ready trailing 12 months: GAAP-aligned, owner add-backs documented, no commingled personal expenses. This alone moves the multiple 0.5-1.0× upward in this category.
- 5Match the deal to the right buyer poolPE-backed roll-ups, strategic acquirers, and ETA buyers compete on different terms. List with someone who has run a process for cnc / precision machining acquisitions — generic SMB brokers will leave 20%+ on the table.
FAQ — CNC / Precision Machining valuations
What's a typical cnc / precision machining valuation multiple?▾
Typical cnc / precision machining valuations land near 3.5× SDE, 5× EBITDA, or 0.7× revenue. Strong operators reach 4.5× SDE / 6.5× EBITDA / 1× revenue, while weaker operators stay closer to 2.8× SDE / 4× EBITDA / 0.5× revenue.
How long does it take to sell a cnc / precision machining?▾
Most cnc / precision machining deals close in 120–240 days from listing. Strong operators with clean financials and a documented buyer pool close on the lower end.
Who buys a cnc / precision machining business?▾
Strategic acquirer expanding capacity, PE-backed precision manufacturing platform, or family office
What pushes a cnc / precision machining valuation to the high end?▾
AS9100 or ISO 9001 + ITAR registration. Long-term contracts with aerospace / defense / medical. 5-axis capability + EDM. Trained workforce that stays through close.
What forces a discount when selling a cnc / precision machining?▾
Aging equipment (avg machine age > 15 years). Single-customer concentration > 40%. Welder / machinist hiring shortage. Real estate not included in deal.