July / August
Showing 513–528 of 616 results
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Refinancing? Know the tax rules
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 607
Abstract: A basic understanding of tax rules when refinancing a mortgage can help borrowers make the most of interest deductions and avoid tax surprises. Issues to consider involve whether one does a straight replacement loan or a cash-out refinancing, and how “points” are deducted under different circumstances.
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Planning necessary to bequeath a retirement plan
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 860
Abstract: For those who have had the good fortune to leave their retirement funds untouched, there’s at least one upside to estate planning: the fact that they can share their considerable tax-deferred wealth with family members. But who should be the beneficiary? Before making a decision, it’s important to consider the income and estate tax implications of one’s choice.
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Get ready, get set, hire! – Jobs bill offers tax incentives for hiring (and keeping) the unemployed
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 865
Abstract: The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act offers payroll tax breaks for employers that hire unemployed workers, plus additional credits for qualified workers they retain for at least 52 consecutive weeks. It also extends the enhanced Section 179 expensing allowance and makes several other tax changes. This article looks at the details, while a sidebar examines whether it’s better to take this act’s payroll tax exemption or a Work Opportunity Tax Credit.
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Take control of subsequent events
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 390
Abstract: How do valuators handle an event that occurs after the valuation date, but before the report is published? Usually valuators consider only circumstances and events that exist or occur before and up to the valuation date. But subsequent events that were “known, knowable or foreseeable” on the valuation date are fair game. This brief article looks at Estate of Noble, a Tax Court case that draws an important distinction between subsequent events that affect value and those that provide evidence of value.
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Solving the puzzle — How to find the right-size discount or premium
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 668
Abstract: Valuation discounts and premiums can be difficult pieces to fit into the valuation puzzle. They may be somewhat subjective, and valuators may use methods that preclude the need to subtract discounts — or add premiums. This article explains how discounts and premiums relate to marketability and investor control and how valuators typically go about finding and supporting them.
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Exit stage right — A good exit strategy is worth applauding
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 731
Abstract: In these uncertain economic times, having a sound exit strategy — including a plan for passing on responsibility for running the company, transferring ownership and extracting money — can be a great help to those who take over the business. The optimal exit plan depends not only on the transfer scenario, but also on the owner’s personal needs and objectives. This article sets forth some common exit strategies and their pros and cons.
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No question: Onsite interviews provide value
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 894
Abstract: While financial statements, tax returns and Web sites provide some insight into value, the valuator gets the most complete picture by also physically touring the business’s facilities and speaking with managers face-to-face. This article discusses the areas often covered in an interview, which may include corporate culture and strategy, marketing and sales, and internal controls and governance. The article cites several recent cases that illustrate the importance of onsite interviews in generating credible value conclusions that stand up in court.
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When the M&A honeymoon is over
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 741
Abstract: Merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions are notoriously difficult to execute. In some cases, sellers and buyers engage in postclosing disputes over previous financial representations and the company’s selling price. A financial expert with M&A experience can help with areas of dispute — such as earnout provisions — and help attorneys draft discovery requests to uncover audit workpapers, consultants’ reports and other documents that shed light on the target’s accounting policies and practices.
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Time to tighten internal controls
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 552
Abstract: The recent economic downturn has provided ideal conditions for occupational fraud. Now more than ever, companies need a forensic expert to perform a fraud risk assessment. Forensic experts typically start their risk assessment with five steps recommended by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. This often results in recommendations for internal control upgrades, many of which can be simple and inexpensive.
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The future is now – Court debuts electronic discovery program
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 655
Abstract: In 2009, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals launched a program that points the way to some potentially significant changes in the discovery process. The goal of the court’s Electronic Discovery Pilot Program is to reduce litigation costs and time brought on by the widespread use of electronically stored information (ESI). The initial set of guidelines requires that litigation participants address and resolve ESI issues early in the process.
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Partial ownership interests – New guidelines shed light on the valuation process
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 780
Abstract: Business valuators are often retained to value partial ownership interests. In 2009, the American Society of Appraisers adopted nonbinding procedural guidelines to describe the considerations and procedures that may be used to value partial interests in businesses, securities, and other tangible or intangible property. This article looks at the relevant factors in such valuations, while a sidebar lists items that should be considered in an analysis of the expected holding period for an investment.
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Market Niche Insider – Evaluating a family affair
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 480
Abstract: Most family businesses are small private firms with limited resources to weather an economic downturn. Lenders should be on the lookout for relaxed management styles and minimal internal controls; nepotism; and a lack of clear succession planning.
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Signposts of strong internal controls
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 397
Abstract: Unfortunately, recessions entice some employees to commit fraud. Lenders should be on the lookout for three basic controls that differentiate strong internal control systems from weak ones: physical restrictions, account reconciliation and job descriptions.
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Greed and hubris have no place in bankruptcy
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 614
Abstract: Lenders might overlook minor transgressions in good times. But when contemplating bankruptcy, lavish spending and blatant disregard for corporate/personal boundaries are slaps in the faces of employees, creditors and lenders. Self-serving spending habits not only set a bad example and lower morale, but they also increase the likelihood of insolvency. And they leave less money for stakeholders to divvy up in liquidation. This article identifies red flags and recourse methods.
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Lean companies are healthy borrowers – Characteristics of efficient supply chain management
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 538
Abstract: In a downturned economy, operating inefficiencies can push shaky companies over the edge. But healthy supply chain management can help avoid inefficiencies. Characteristics of a strong system include centralized purchasing, shared information, preferred vendors, tight shipping policies and lean inventory practices.
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Risky customers – Watch out for signs of disappearing cash
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 895
Abstract: Forget net income and book net worth. When it comes to monitoring creditworthiness, cash is king. Every business experiences occasional cash shortfalls — that’s why they need lines of credit — but borrowers with chronic cash deficits may be on the brink of default. This article shows how to scrutinize the statement of cash flows, inquire about significant changes, and find hidden sources of cash. A sidebar shows how the “cash gap” — a financial metric — works.