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Showing 9185–9200 of 10245 results
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Broke… or dishonest? Uncovering alter ego companies
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 672
Abstract: Most companies filing for bankruptcy accurately represent their assets. But a small percentage of filers that claim to have little or nothing to offer creditors aren’t being honest. Instead, they’ve diverted resources to an alter ego company or are hiding their connection to a much healthier corporate parent. Uncovering and proving this type of fraud can be difficult, but there are a variety of red flags that enable forensic accounting experts to expose such schemes. Conversely, forensic experts can help defendants prove that any alter ego accusations are unfounded.
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Pellom v. Pellom – When little things mean a lot
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 745
Abstract: When one couple decided to divorce, the husband wasn’t happy when the court accepted his wife’s expert’s valuation of his share in an anesthesiology practice at $1.2 million. His own expert had arrived at a figure of $183,000. On appeal, the husband raised several technical objections, which were ultimately rejected. It appears the primary reason for the discrepancy between the two experts’ valuations was the husband’s expert’s failure to account for the practice’s goodwill.
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By the book – How fraud investigations are conducted
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 866
Abstract: When a company suffers fraud, it needs the assistance of a fraud expert to find the perpetrator and collect evidence. A recent guide, published jointly by several industry associations, outlines the approach a qualified expert will take to execute a fraud investigation. After determining the appropriate process for the matter at hand, the expert will move the investigation through three stages: interviews, evidence collection, and evidence analysis. This article also describes corrective steps that can be taken before or after an investigation is complete, while a sidebar discusses factors that may influence a specific investigation’s plan.
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News For Nonprofits – Excise tax to follow madoff ponzi scheme?
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 433
Abstract: This issue’s items: whether excise taxes will apply to private foundations and their board members who placed up to 100% of their portfolio assets with Bernard Madoff; when a charity’s products for sale may or may not be subject to unrelated business income tax (UBIT); and why nonprofits should think twice about trying to save money by treating people as independent contractors rather than as employees.
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Fight the good fight – 7 strategies for struggling nonprofits
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 777
Abstract: In this economy, nonprofits have already taken many steps to cut costs. Wage freezes, staff cuts, eliminating out-of-town travel and many other money-saving measures are now the norm. But there are other actions that can help ensure the organization stays afloat. Seven are discussed, including relying more heavily on board members and reviewing the nonprofit’s investment portfolio to find assets that aren’t generating operating income.
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How to account for losses on endowment investments
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 801
Abstract: In today’s market, a nonprofit is likely to be recording losses on their investments instead of gains. For their unrestricted investments, the organization records those losses — both unrealized and realized — in an unrestricted fund. But, for permanently and temporarily restricted endowment fund investments, it’s more complex. This article discusses the basics of accounting for losses and offers a scenario. A sidebar defines particular types of endowments.
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Strategic and financial planning – Borrowing from business
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 592
Abstract: While stories of corporate fraud and mismanagement seem to dominate the news, there are still lessons nonprofits can learn from for-profit business to help ensure a strong future. Specifically, just as for-profit business boards and owners do, nonprofit boards should develop not only an overall strategic plan addressing the organization’s mission and future initiatives, but a strategic financial plan that expresses financial goals and provides a methodology for monitoring progress. This article offers tips from business that will help nonprofits create effective strategic and financial plans.
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Ask the Advisor – Q. How should I juggle my succession plans with a possible merger?
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 502
Abstract: Succession can be difficult for any business, whether a founding owner is ceding power to the next generation or a company has unexpectedly lost its CEO. Add the many stresses of an M&A and the situation becomes even more challenging. The best strategy is to take the issues one at a time and resolve a company’s succession issues before considering a merger. This column explains how businesses might devise a plan, put it in writing and communicate it to stakeholders.
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Take your public company out of the public eye
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 756
Abstract: As the economy continues to struggle and financial markets roil, many public companies can expect their stock prices to be extremely volatile, unsettling shareholders and making long-term strategic planning virtually impossible. Now might be a good time to consider getting off the rollercoaster by going private. This article discusses a number of pros and cons, along with options public companies might pursue if they decide to go private.
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Buyer’s market – What a changing M&A landscape means
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 793
Abstract: In the earlier part of this decade, business sellers enjoyed an advantage over buyers. That’s not the case today. M&A activity has dried up across the board, and some sellers may have trouble attracting even one reasonable bid. Companies hoping to sell or buy in the near future need to understand how the M&A landscape has changed in the past few years. There are a number of steps that both buyers and sellers should consider to successfully complete an M&A transaction.
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Dealing with debt – Manage your company’s liabilities before you try to sell
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 906
Abstract: Given the current economic environment, prospective business buyers generally are wary of assuming additional debt when making an acquisition. So sellers must address the issue of debt — both the amount of debt on their balance sheets and the nature and terms of this liability. This article lists several solutions that may be available for improving a company’s debt profile, depending on its circumstances. A sidebar points out that buyers, too, must watch their balance sheets.
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Estate Planning Pitfall – You plan to take a retirement distribution later this year
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 302
Abstract: Those who have retirement plans such as IRAs and 401(k)s must take required minimum distributions (RMDs) when reaching age 70½. This is a problem for those whose assets have taken a tumble during this recession. In response, recent legislation has allowed a suspension of this requirement for 2009, thus giving account holders a little more time to rebuild their assets in these tax-deferred vehicles.
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Now’s the time to revisit your buy-sell agreement
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 568
Abstract: This is a good time for owners of closely held businesses to review their buy-sell agreements, particularly their valuation provisions. The economic crisis has been tough on everyone, and many business owners have seen the value of their shares decline. If a buy-sell agreement’s terms don’t reflect current conditions, the interest may be priced too high. And this can result in higher estate taxes and hurt the business or its surviving owners. This article describes the benefits of a buy-sell agreement, but also warns against relying too casually on standard valuation formulas.
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All in the happy blended family – Consider a QTIP trust or ILIT when estate planning for a blended family
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 692
Abstract: No one said estate planning is easy, and this is especially true with a blended family. The good news is that there are two trust types — a qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trust and an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) — that can provide for children from a previous marriage while also taking care of one’s current spouse and any children from the current marriage. There are pros and cons to each option.
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Special needs trusts: Not just for the needy
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 920
Abstract: If a child or other family member has a disabling condition requiring long-term care or that prevents them (or will prevent them) from being able to support themselves, a special needs trust (SNT) might be in order. Also known as a supplemental needs trust, an SNT can enhance a family member’s quality of life without jeopardizing his or her eligibility for government benefits, such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This article describes what the trust does and the considerations involved in setting one up; it also describes an option for beneficiaries who have too much money to be eligible for Medicaid or SSI. A sidebar describes what can be done if a trust has Crummey withdrawal powers that render a beneficiary ineligible for government assistance.
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Ethics matter — now more than ever
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 521
Abstract: Even in healthy economic times when companies are thriving, business ethics can easily fall by the wayside. A poor economy only increases pressure on employees of every rank to do “whatever it takes” — even if it’s fraudulent or illegal. A company wishing to avoid these pitfalls needs to lay out the ground rules in a written policy and be prepared to enforce them. It also needs to develop strong internal controls and look out for poor quality control and evidence of fraud. And, it should be aware of specific potential risks when cutting costs.