HALO Score vs Valuation Optimizer
Company health diagnostic across four strategic pillars — compared to — EBITDA multiple optimization and exit value modeling. Here's how to choose and in what order to run them.
The Short Answer
You should probably run both
These are not competing diagnostics — they measure different dimensions of your company. The question is sequencing and priority, not either/or.
Valuation Optimizer is the right starting point when: Operators actively trying to maximize company value over a 12–36 month horizon before a transaction.
Side-by-Side
What each diagnostic measures
The HALO Score measures your company across four deterministic pillars: High Assets (recurring revenue, IP, customer concentration), Low Obsolescence (competitive moat, technology currency), Growth Readiness (pipeline, team, systems), and Exit Readiness (financial structure, deal risk). Twelve questions. Three minutes. Free.
- Recurring revenue quality
- IP and intangible assets
- Customer concentration risk
- Competitive moat depth
- Technology obsolescence risk
- Pipeline and growth systems
- Exit readiness indicators
The Valuation Optimizer maps your current EBITDA multiple drivers and identifies specific, quantified actions to expand your multiple. It goes beyond a point-in-time score to show which operational levers move your multiple and by how much.
- EBITDA multiple benchmarks by sector
- Revenue quality and predictability
- Growth rate vs peers
- Margin structure and efficiency
- Customer and market risk
- Management scalability
- Strategic acquirer positioning
Comparison Table
At a glance
| Dimension | HALO Score | Valuation Optimizer |
|---|---|---|
| Focus area | Company health diagnostic across four strategic pillars | EBITDA multiple optimization and exit value modeling |
| Time to complete | 3 min | 6 min |
| Questions | 12 | 22 |
| Cost | Free | Paid (Navigator+) |
| Best for | Getting a complete picture of where your company stands before deciding which area to address first. | Operators actively trying to maximize company value over a 12–36 month horizon before a transaction. |
| Primary output | Composite score + pillar breakdown | Composite score + pillar breakdown |
Recommended Order
How to sequence these diagnostics
Start with HALO Score to understand your company's full strategic health across all four pillars. This gives you the context to interpret Valuation Optimizer results accurately and prioritize action.
HALO Score
Run first to establish your baseline and frame your priorities.
Valuation Optimizer
Run second to add depth in the specific dimension you need to address.
Review & prioritize
Compare results side-by-side in your dashboard. Your lowest-scoring pillar across both diagnostics is your highest-leverage starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions
What does HALO Score measure?
The HALO Score measures your company across four deterministic pillars: High Assets (recurring revenue, IP, customer concentration), Low Obsolescence (competitive moat, technology currency), Growth Readiness (pipeline, team, systems), and Exit Readiness (financial structure, deal risk). Twelve questions. Three minutes. Free.
What does Valuation Optimizer measure?
The Valuation Optimizer maps your current EBITDA multiple drivers and identifies specific, quantified actions to expand your multiple. It goes beyond a point-in-time score to show which operational levers move your multiple and by how much.
Should I run HALO Score or Valuation Optimizer first?
Start with HALO Score to understand your company's full strategic health across all four pillars. This gives you the context to interpret Valuation Optimizer results accurately and prioritize action.
Can I run both HALO Score and Valuation Optimizer?
Yes. Running both diagnostics gives you a more complete picture than either alone. HALO Score and Valuation Optimizer measure complementary dimensions of business performance. Together, they help you identify not just where you have gaps but which gaps are interrelated.
Who should use HALO Score vs Valuation Optimizer?
HALO Score: Getting a complete picture of where your company stands before deciding which area to address first. Valuation Optimizer: Operators actively trying to maximize company value over a 12–36 month horizon before a transaction.
Run both diagnostics today
Start with HALO Score (free). Then layer in Valuation Optimizer for deeper context. Most users who run both report that the combined picture changes their priorities.
Start HALO Score (Free) Start Valuation OptimizerMore Comparisons
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