November / December
Showing 513–528 of 609 results
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The search for hidden income in divorce valuation
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 678
Abstract: Divorcing spouses frequently engage valuation experts to help divide their assets, particularly when the marital estate includes a private business interest. Emotions run high in divorce, and missing income is sometimes a problem. Such a charge may be baseless, but to determine whether a claim that a business is hiding income is justified or without merit, valuation and forensic accounting expertise can be key. This article lists some techniques financial experts may use to unearth buried cash and estimate how much an owner may not be reporting. The article points out that, in divorce valuations, family court judges seem to prefer independent appraisal expertise and analysis.
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What’s “fair” in shareholder disputes?
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1090
Abstract: The term “fair value” has many meanings. In this article, the focus is on its meaning in the context of a shareholder dispute. The article discusses how fair value is defined in this context in terms of appraisal rights statutes and the Model Business Corporation Act (MBCA), promulgated by the American Bar Association. It goes on to explain how valuators estimate fair value and address valuation subtleties that arise in shareholder disputes. A brief sidebar notes the helpfulness of sound buy-sell agreements in reducing shareholder conflicts.
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Putting a value on human capital
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 555
Abstract: Clients may not immediately think of employees as assets with a financial value, but human capital is a quantifiable — and critical — part of a business’s worth. Companies may need a professional valuator to quantify human capital for a variety of reasons, including litigation. This article discusses three different approaches to doing so.
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Rule 26 amendments – Extending greater work product protections
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 743
Abstract: The first amendments since 1993 to the expert provisions of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 26 are scheduled to take effect Dec. 1, 2010. They were proposed largely in reaction to certain practices that critics argued reduced the effectiveness of expert work. This article explains how the new amendments extend work product protections to the discovery of testifying experts’ draft reports — with three critical exceptions.
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Authentication issues: Who creates ESI?
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 647
Abstract: Like all evidence, electronically stored information (ESI) must be authenticated before a court will admit it as evidence, and one of the threshold steps is establishing its owner/creator. Because electronic documents are often passed around to others for revision, it can be difficult to pin down ESI authorship. This article summarizes an industry group’s research that could help attorneys determine whether a piece of ESI will be acceptable in court.
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New report highlights the importance of antifraud controls
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 773
Abstract: Employee fraud is one of the most significant threats to profitability — and the recently released report from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners reinforces the severity of the threat. This article looks at some of the report’s findings regarding effective antifraud controls. A sidebar explains why one of the most effective antifraud tools is the surprise audit.
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Retail e-tales – What to consider when lending to online retailers
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 423
Abstract: Retailers top the list of borrowers hardest hit by the downturn. But online retail could be a bright spot, as recession-spooked consumers search for bargains and convenience. When lending to e-tailers, consider such factors as up-to-date search functions and privacy features, detailed product information and reliable customer reviews; how quickly borrowers modify promotions based on customer buying habits; and possible partnerships with brick-and-mortar stores.
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CPA services – Think outside of the accounting/tax box
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 660
Abstract: To get the most from outside financial experts, lenders should think beyond the stereotypical duties of audits and tax return preparation. Examples show how a CPA can help with turnaround efforts, conduct on-site inspections of borrowers’ facilities, investigate fraud, value inventory, and perform cost segregation studies.
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Break even or burn? A weak economy calls for strong analytical tools
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 605
Abstract: Breakeven and burn rates have historically been used to gauge the viability of new borrowers that have yet to turn a profit, such as startups and high tech firms. But today lenders are applying these analytical tools to mature companies that are struggling to survive the recession. This article looks at what’s involved in a breakeven analysis, and how to calculate a customer’s burn rate (how fast it uses cash). It’s important to recalculate burn rate on a regular basis because unforeseen circumstances can affect the rate of cash consumption.
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Being on the lookout for deceivable receivables
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 849
Abstract: Next to cash, receivables are the most trusted source of loan collateral. But face value might exaggerate the truth. To protect against deceivable receivables, it’s important that lenders compare a borrower’s receivables to expenses to look for fictitious sales, and investigate journal entries that occur after the end of the accounting period. They should identify and monitor customers with too much concentration risk, and go beyond the financial statement to look at supplemental schedules, in addition to taking other proactive measures. When a borrower suffers from poor collections, there are specific actions a lender can take to help correct the situation.
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Ask the Advisor – Given the current economy, is it wise to accept Sec. 8 tenants?
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 409
Abstract: With the economic recovery still in slow motion, an increasing number of landlords may be tempted to accept Section 8 tenants. These tenants provide a dependable cash flow source, and can be better than average low-income tenants. But there are drawbacks, as well. Getting started as a Sec. 8 landlord is easy. The hard part — and one which likely deserves the most thought — is deciding whether Sec. 8 is right for a particular situation.
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A complex but worthy endeavor – Donating real estate through a CRT
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 529
Abstract: Many investors are looking at donating real estate to charities as a way to lower their tax bills while, at the same time, helping to build up a charity’s coffers. A charitable remainder trust (CRT) is one giving strategy that can benefit both the donor and the charity. But it will be important to distinguish between an annuity trust and a unitrust, and to determine if the charity is willing to accept the gift if it’s accompanied by particular legal responsibilities.
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Adversaries no longer – Win-win agreements between developers and environmentalists increasing
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 520
Abstract: Frustrated by legal costs and government inaction, developers and environmentalists are turning to creative compromise as the best strategy for achieving their goals. Some agreements allow residential developments, oil drilling or new power plants in exchange for preserving some undeveloped land, imposing stricter environmental practices than required by law or investing in alternative energy. Three examples are offered.
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5 misconceptions surrounding Sec. 1031 exchanges
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1041
Abstract: Section 1031 exchanges have become an important tax strategy for real estate investors. These transactions allow investors to exchange properties of a “like kind” and defer any gains on the relinquished properties until they sell the replacement properties. But, despite their popularity, a number of misconceptions remain regarding how they can be structured. This article looks at five misconceptions that cause people to believe that Sec. 1031 exchanges are more restrictive than they actually are. However, as a sidebar explains, excluding gain on a principal residence acquired through a Sec. 1031 exchange is a bit trickier now, thanks to the Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008.
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21st century financial services – Go online to manage your personal finances
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 350
Abstract: Today, the Internet affects almost all facets of many people’s lives, including managing their personal finances. There’s a wealth of information literally at one’s fingertips, including current bank account balances and up-to-the-minute stock prices. Two important vehicles for online management are banking sites and podcasts.
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On the same page – Communicate your estate planning motives with a mission statement
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 580
Abstract: There are several reasons to create an estate plan, and there are many estate planning techniques and strategies to help achieve one’s estate planning goals. But, to avoid disputes, an important final step is communicating one’s intent and wishes to family members. This can be accomplished through a written mission statement — an effective way to help loved ones understand the decedent’s motives and the values and principles underlying the estate plan.