VV
Showing 337–352 of 382 results
-
Tiered valuation discounts: How low can you go?
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 353
Abstract: Valuation discounts can substantially lower the fair market value of gifted business interests. But business interest owners often inquire as to whether additional discounts apply when multiple layers of ownership exist. The answer is, maybe — if each entity exists for a bona fide business purpose. This brief article uses a landmark case, Astleford v. Commissioner, to examine the ramifications of tiered valuation discounts.
-
Fine-tuning the value estimate — The importance of valuation adjustments
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 736
Abstract: An appraiser often makes adjustments to normalize companies’ earnings, removing all unusual, nonrecurring events from a company’s financial statements to reveal a clearer picture of the company’s normal operations. But what is normal? It depends. This article looks at the various adjustments an appraiser might make to achieve the appropriate basis of value.
-
Rules of thumb are no substitute for the real
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 791
Abstract: Rules of thumb are simplified formulas that may be published in trade journals or passed along by word of mouth. These equations vary from industry to industry, and their simplicity can be appealing to business owners. But it is that very simplicity that can cause problems. This article looks at the potential pitfalls of using rules of thumb to determine the value of a business interest.
-
Economic bust, litigation boom
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 902
Abstract: The sluggish economy might not be the only scapegoat for lackluster business performance. Civil wrongdoings, such as breach of contract or negligence, also cause companies to lose money. This article explains how a financial expert uses the evidence to determine the appropriate damages theory to account for loss in a damages case. The article mentions several factors the expert considers, including financial projections, comparable data, and damages duration. It also lists several accepted methods for quantifying economic damages.
-
Creating a reliable buy-sell agreement — A valuation provision must be at its heart
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1074
Abstract: A buy-sell agreement can be an important tool in smoothing any business ownership transition — whether the aim is to maintain control, provide liquidity and a ready market for the stock, retain key employees, or ensure an orderly ownership transfer in the case of death, disability or divorce. And at the heart of every successful buy-sell agreement is a well-reasoned, supportable value. This article explains the various approaches a valuator might use to set the price in a buy-sell agreement and ensure the resulting valuation is objective and fair to all shareholders.
-
Think outside the box in divorce
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: The rules governing equitable marital dissolutions vary from state to state. But divorce courts often consider cases in other jurisdictions, especially when relevant legal precedent in their own jurisdictions is lacking. This article uses a recent tax case, Wechsler v. Wechsler, to illustrate the importance of considering Tax Court precedent if a marital estate includes a holding corporation with significant built-in capital gains tax obligations. Citations: Wechsler v. Wechsler, 2008 WL 4635832, Oct. 21, 2008; Estate of Dunn v. Commissioner, 301 F.3d. 339, 5th Cir., 2002; Estate of Jelke v. Commissioner, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, No. 05 15549, Nov. 15, 2007.
-
Look for the silver lining — A volatile market translates into higher marketability discounts
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1112
Abstract: Recent market volatility may provide an opportunity to gift private business interests at significant discounts, potentially saving a substantial amount in taxes. High volatility typically lowers marketability by making investments less attractive. This article discusses the data valuators generally use to support marketability discounts for private companies, including restricted stock and pre-initial public offering studies. It also looks at other factors that affect marketability, such as the pool of potential buyers, company size and financial performance.
-
SBA tightens business acquisition lending requirements
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 516
Abstract: This brief article summarizes a recent SBA move to rein in lenient lending practices to small businesses: SBA Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 50 10 5(A). The new requirement calls on business acquisition loan applicants to submit an independent business appraisal for all loans greater than $250,000 (excluding the appraised value of real estate and equipment). The article explains that the SBA defines a “qualified source” for the independent appraisal as someone who regularly receives compensation for business valuation. It also notes the controversy resulting from restrictions the SBA has placed on loans based on a company’s goodwill.
-
One price doesn’t fit all — Making sense of valuation discounts
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 847
Abstract: Valuation is based on the specific facts and circumstances of a situation. If the controlling interest and all the minority interests are valued separately, they may add up to more or less than what could be received if the company were sold as a whole. This article discusses the types of valuation discounts that may affect value, including minority interest and lack of marketability discounts. It explains the importance of the degree of control represented by a block of stock and uses a hypothetical case study to illustrate the way discounts actually work in the real world. The article points out that a qualified appraiser can find well-supported discounts that will withstand IRS scrutiny.
-
Knowing value is half the battle
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 721
Abstract: While baby boomers nationwide are considering selling their businesses in preparation for retirement, a majority of them haven’t had their businesses appraised by a valuation professional within the last year. This article looks at a business’s value drivers — and value drainers — listing several key factors investors look for when valuing a business interest, including profits and cash flow, competent asset management and reinvestment in research and development. The article explains that an objective valuator can help business owners find ways to minimize risks and maximize selling price when it’s time to retire.
-
Built-in capital gains tax can be a real drag
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 851
Abstract: Capital gains tax obligations can significantly affect value, especially for an established holding company with low cost basis. Even if a sale isn’t imminent, investors consider tax obligations when buying and selling business interests. This article notes that courts increasingly embrace valuation discounts for built-in capital gains tax, using a case study to illustrate the point that it’s not so much whether capital gains tax affects value but how to quantify the discount. Because the IRS and the Tax Court haven’t agreed on the proper method for quantifying the discount, it’s even more important that the discount be well supported by facts and legal precedent.
-
Finding the appropriate valuation standard
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 916
Abstract: Valuation isn’t static and can change depending on the purpose of the valuation. This article looks at the three most common standards of value: fair market, investment and fair. It briefly defines each standard and discusses the circumstances in which one standard may be more appropriate than another. The article points out that identifying the appropriate valuation standard up front can minimize confusion down the road. The goal is to arrive at a reasonable and supportable value conclusion in light of all the surrounding facts and circumstances.
-
Shortcuts can be embarrassing — and costly
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 561
Abstract: This brief article warns that novice valuators who sidestep valuation procedures to save money — as well as clients who misrepresent the facts to skew valuation results — may be in for a rude awakening. Courts are becoming increasingly sophisticated in appraisal matters. When a valuator skips steps or fails to understand a company’s operations, the court is likely to discount — or even reject — the expert’s opinion. The article uses the recent case Burr v. Burr to illustrate this point. Case citation: Burr v. Burr (2008 WL 4906271, Mass. App. Nov. 18, 2008).
-
Avoid M&A pitfalls with targeted due diligence
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 765
Abstract: Anyone buying, selling or merging with a business needs to “kick the tires” before signing on the dotted line. This article explains that a financial professional can conduct due diligence procedures that target high-risk areas for any industry. The article lists seller — and buyer — M&A concerns. It also notes that do-it-yourself M&As can lead to disastrous outcomes and unexpected surprises, pointing out that engaging financial and legal professionals early in the process can save money and stress over the long run.
-
How valuators assess the rising risk of fraud
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 758
Abstract: The current economic downturn has produced an upswing in incidents of occupational fraud, so it’s imperative for businesses to step up efforts to deter and detect it. An important part of the valuation process is identifying potential risks and gauging whether management has taken appropriate action to mitigate those risks. This article explains how valuators evaluate internal controls and corporate culture, tailoring their analyses of fraud risks based on the subject company’s size, complexity, industry and goals. The article has an accompanying pie graph chart that shows business fraud scheme type and prevalence over the past few years.
-
What’s the valuation Rx for unhealthy companies?
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 435
Abstract: The recession has taken its toll on many companies. Factors driving companies to the brink of bankruptcy include weak demand, scaled-back corporate budgets and rising commodity prices. This brief article discusses the warning signs of trouble, including late or missing financial records; deferred maintenance, repair and equipment updates; and sales of fixed assets to generate cash. It then points out how valuators can work with management to help distressed companies accurately project value in light of turnaround plans as well as determine liquidation value if needed.