May / June
Showing 561–576 of 621 results
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Family and Medical Leave Act changes in full swing
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 369
Abstract: Is your dealership complying with the recent federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) changes that took effect near the beginning of the year? Failure to abide by FMLA rules could expose your dealership to considerable legal risk, so it’s important to keep up.
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When too much is too much – Rocketing by an inventory glut
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1140
Abstract: “Houston, we’ve had a problem.” Although that signature line from the Apollo 13 moon flight is about a malfunctioning spacecraft, it also applies to overstocked auto dealerships. If your dealership has too much money tied up in inventory, it could hurt your cash flow — or even cripple your mission entirely.
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Survival of the smartest – Cash flow forecasting is a crucial business tool
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 717
Abstract: Cash, simply put, makes the (business) world go round. But, in these times of rapid economic contraction, dealers biting the bullet often struggle with the flow of cash as sales shrink, expenses persist and trade payable terms seem to get shorter. All of these are reasons to forecast cash flow.
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Construction Success Story – Contractor learns benefits of a business appraisal
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 392
Abstract: In this issue’s “Construction Success Story,” we tell the tale of a contractor with a five-year-old commercial construction business who was faced with growing competition in his sector — and only a vague idea of his current competitive standing. After learning a fellow construction business owner had learned a lot about his company following an appraisal, the contractor asked his financial advisor about the benefits of the valuation process.
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Same equipment, smaller investment – Rental/leasing agreements offer a variety of potential advantages
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 727
Abstract: Investing in high-end machinery can be a big financial burden — especially in a down economy. That’s why more and more contractors are seeking to minimize costs by renting or leasing their equipment. This article explains that, beyond the obvious cost savings, equipment rental or leasing provides several important benefits worth considering.
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3 simple steps to more effective scope management
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 499
Abstract: More than just a theory, scope management provides contractors with a plan for staying on-task and on-budget. And adopting a plan for scope management doesn’t require a major overhaul to a construction company owner’s current management style. This article describes three simple steps to improving a construction company’s scope management.
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Do you know where your money goes? Job costing software can help
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 516
Abstract: When it comes to the money spent and made on a project, what contractors don’t know can hurt them. Upgrading to job costing software could provide a construction company owner with the details needed to streamline spending and control costs. This article provides some buying tips for this highly practical technology tool.
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Control your debt (so it won’t control you)
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 954
Abstract: As fuel costs fluctuate and project income becomes less reliable, contractors are increasing their debt load in record numbers. In fact, most contractors have come to depend on debt as a source of liquidity to keep their operations running smoothly. Yet, in an unstable economy, having a plan for managing debt is vital — especially now that bankruptcy is more common than ever. This article offers some tips on putting together just such a plan.
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Tax tips – Grab valuation discounts while they last – Study up on 529 plans – Expanded hiring benefit
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 471
Abstract: News items briefly discussed are 529 plans, valuation discounts and an expanded benefit for those hiring unemployed veterans and “disconnected” youth.
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3 ways to soften the blow of estate taxes
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 585
Abstract: Reports of the death of the federal estate tax have been greatly exaggerated. True, as of this writing, the estate tax is scheduled for repeal in 2010, but many experts expect Congress to “repeal the repeal” and preserve the tax. Because the estate tax appears to be here to stay, you and your family need to be aware of the tax-reducing strategies that can be implemented during one’s lifetime and even after one’s death. This article explains three postmortem moves an executor can make to reduce an estate’s tax bill.
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How to make the most (or least) of business losses
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1353
Abstract: There are many strategies for minimizing your company’s tax bill. Not earning enough income to cover your expenses — though effective — isn’t the best approach. But for a new company that hasn’t yet started turning a profit or a mature business being squeezed by a sluggish economy, losses happen. No one likes to lose money, but the tax code softens the blow somewhat by allowing you to use a net operating loss (NOL) to offset income in previous or future years. Carrying back an NOL can be particularly beneficial because it can provide you with an immediate tax refund at a time when you may need an infusion of cash. This article reviews tactics for when to claim an NOL and carry it forward or back.
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Looking for the silver lining – Tax planning in a troubled economy
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1095
Abstract: Times are tough all over. Real estate prices are depressed, credit is tight and the ups and downs of the stock market are enough to induce motion sickness. Fortunately, the cloud hanging over the economy has a silver lining: It’s an ideal time for tax and estate planning. This article looks at several strategies you can use to slash your income tax bill and minimize gift and estate taxes.
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Joint appraisal: The power of one
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 454
Abstract: This brief article points out that a joint appraisal can be useful in some situations, including divorce, by facilitating information sharing to streamline the valuation process and minimize divergent opinions. In fact, some jurisdictions mandate the use of a joint appraiser when the marital estate includes a privately held business interest. The article notes the potential pitfalls, but suggests that using a joint appraiser can often save both money and time.
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Bridging the gap between public and private firms
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 708
Abstract: Transactions of public company shares can sometimes represent good benchmarks for appraisers valuing private businesses, but many privately held business owners wonder whether it’s even possible to compare small businesses with large, publicly traded corporations. While the two types of businesses differ significantly, experienced valuation professionals understand the differences — and how to account for them with well-thought-out, supportable adjustments. This article explains the distinctions between the two types of companies and how appraisers can use public market data as a resource to value even the smallest private company.
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Ready, set, go — How to ensure your valuation goes as planned
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 905
Abstract: Miscommunication and ambiguity early in the valuation process can be frustrating and costly later. This article presents some issues business owners and attorneys should discuss with prospective valuators, including the company’s entity type, size and industry classification code, the appropriate standard of value for the purpose, and what type of report format will best suit their needs. The article notes that it’s best to summarize the assignment’s scope and establish an understanding of the appraiser’s duties and responsibilities in an engagement letter up front.
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Can goodwill hold up in a bad economy?
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1126
Abstract: Privately owned companies can’t escape the effects of a slowed economy — for instance, the possibility of impaired values. Goodwill and other indefinite-lived (and long-lived) intangible assets may decline in value. Impaired values might require corrective action to conform with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). This article discusses several recent standards, including Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, which provide guidelines for impairment testing. The article points out that valuators are often called in to handle these assignments because they are familiar with current standards and can add objective credibility to the process for auditors.