2011
Showing 33–48 of 649 results
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What you need to know about top-heavy testing
Year End 2011
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 849
Abstract: Each plan year, retirement plan administrators must determine whether their plans are “top heavy” based on compensation to “key employees.” What are these terms and why do they matter? This article defines who is a key employee and what makes a plan top heavy. It also tells how plans are tested and what transactions the test includes.
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Back to Basics – ’Tis the season for succession planning
Year End 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 504
Abstract: Year end is a time of planning for many business owners, and an important part of this process is succession planning and preparing the next generation of management for what lies ahead. Lenders, of course, have a vested interest in their borrowers’ successors. This article points out that succession planning isn’t just for business owners nearing retirement; lenders may need to revise loan covenants to require key-person insurance. Also, a valuation professional should evaluate buy-sell agreements.
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Spotting customers ripe for a turnaround
Year End 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: As the economy continues to mend — sputtering along the way — commercial lenders must remain ever-vigilant in identifying customers that show signs of financial distress. An ailing customer may be a good candidate for a financial workout, or a “turnaround.” This article shows how to detect problems early and how a turnaround team works.
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The lowdown on depreciation
Year End 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 890
Abstract: Changes in tax rules for depreciation may have unexpected effects on borrowers’ financial statements. Lenders who don’t understand their potential impact might respond incorrectly to their borrowers’ financials. This article discusses the effects that Section 179 expensing and bonus depreciation will have on some borrowers’ balance sheets and income statements — effects that are different for borrowers who provide tax-basis financial statements than for those who use Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). A sidebar discusses these breaks as they affect companies with leasehold, restaurant or retail properties.
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After the dust settles – Accounting issues for business combinations
Year End 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 793
Abstract: Why borrowers’ financial statements often look markedly different following a merger or an acquisition is connected to the accounting rules for business combinations. This article offers some points lenders should keep in mind as they review their borrowers’ financial statements. It discusses the basics of purchase price allocation, and notes that business appraisers can help a borrower with the more complicated aspects of a business combination, such as earnouts, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and bargain purchase prices.
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Ask the Advisor – Should I use specialty leasing to increase ancillary revenue?
November / December 2011
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 418
Abstract: As the economy continues to wobble along, many property owners are looking for creative alternative sources of revenue. Specialty leasing programs can provide a welcome revenue boost. But it’s important to know what taking this route involves. This article discusses what specialty leasing is and the issues to be aware of.
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The master lease: An umbrella of protection
November / December 2011
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 542
Abstract: In a sluggish economy, one must fortify his or her interests and properties so as to come out on top once the economy rebounds. A master lease not only can help protect properties, but also can lessen the possibility of rent defaults. This article discusses what a master lease has to offer for master tenants, owners and lenders. But it’s critical to pick the right lease structure.
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IRS makes it easier to deduct real estate activity losses
November / December 2011
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 790
Abstract: Under recently released IRS Revenue Procedure 2011-34, real estate professionals can now more easily make late elections to treat all interests in rental real estate as a single rental real estate activity. This election can help them retroactively meet material participation requirements and deduct losses, potentially generating an income tax refund. This article discusses the various requirements involved.
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When it’s time to re-evaluate investments, get a valuation
November / December 2011
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 862
Abstract: Commercial property values are down for many reasons. But choosing the right path forward — with possibilities ranging from staying the course to teardowns to surrendering to the bank — may require more than just a general sense of decreased value. A formal valuation can help chart the best course of action. This article discusses the critical factors involved in a valuation. And, as a sidebar explains, even a decreased value can offer a silver lining: reduced expenses for property insurance and taxes.
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Why the valuation date is so important
November / December 2011
Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 657
Abstract: When one considers how the value of an asset will be determined in a matter, it’s common to think about what method the appraiser will use or whether discounts may apply. But a critical factor that may not immediately come to mind is the appraisal date. This article explains how the valuation date can affect cases involving estate and business valuations, divorce, and shareholder oppression.
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Calculating damages – Tricks of the trade secret
November / December 2011
Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 716
Abstract: Quantifying damages in trade secret cases can be tricky. Unlike other forms of intellectual property, trade secrets retain their value only as long as they remain secret. Owners of patents, copyrights and trademarks, on the other hand, share their creations with the public in exchange for exclusive rights, for a limited time, to commercialize their work. This article discusses how a plaintiff can maximize damages in trade secret cases, as well as how the defendant can link the plaintiff’s loss to factors other than trade secrets.
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Marketability discounts for controlling interests?
November / December 2011
Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 428
Abstract: Discounts for lack of marketability are well established when valuing minority interests in closely held businesses, but using marketability discounts for controlling interests is controversial. This article discusses the arguments made by both proponents and critics, and notes that, if a marketability discount for a controlling interest is an issue, it’s important to work with a valuation expert to be prepared to support or, if appropriate, challenge application of the discount.
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Chemtura addresses business appraisals in a volatile economy
November / December 2011
Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1098
Abstract: This article looks at a case in which the bankruptcy court decided to confirm the debtors’ reorganization plan. The equity holders had opposed it, claiming that the plan overpaid creditors and underpaid equity holders. But the valuation reports offered in the case fell short in their ability to sway the court. The article discusses why, and offers a sidebar arguing the case for independent experts, noting that the credibility of the valuation experts in this case was at least partially damaged by their having a contingent fee arrangement. Citation: Chemtura Corporation, et al., No. 09-11233 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. 10/21/10).
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Estate Planning Red Flag – You don’t know the value of your assets
November / December 2011
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 308
Abstract: With the high gift and estate tax exemptions currently in effect ($5 million, or $10 million for married couples), one might think that estate valuations are less important. But even if an estate’s value is under the exemption amount, there are several good reasons to determine the value of the assets. This brief article lists several.
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Postmortem affairs – What you need to do after a family member’s death
November / December 2011
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 549
Abstract: Many find themselves at a loss regarding taking care of a loved one’s legal and financial matters after death. This article walks through the steps, including locating the loved one’s will or living trust document; conducting an inventory of assets and liabilities; and attending to life insurance and Social Security benefits.
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At your own risk – The pitfalls of DIY estate planning
November / December 2011
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 535
Abstract: With an abundance of online services that automate the creation of wills and other documents, it’s easy for a person to create his or her own estate plan. But unless the estate is small and the plan is exceedingly simple, the pitfalls of do-it-yourself (DIY) estate planning can be many. As this article explains, people often neglect the formalities — which can vary from state to state — associated with the execution of wills and other documents. Furthermore, DIY planning cannot be expected to take into account changes in the tax laws from one year to the next, which can have a dramatic impact on estate planning strategies.