2016

Showing 657–672 of 722 results

  • BANK Wire – Regulators explore streamlined reporting for community banks

    Winter 2016
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 418

    Abstract: This issue’s “BANK Wire” reports on bank regulators’ recent attempts to streamline and simplify community bank reporting, new cybersecurity assessment tools, and disclosures and redisclosures required by Regulation E.

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  • Program review – Setting the value of real estate collateral

    Winter 2016
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 688

    Abstract: Influenced by the real estate crises of the last decade, bank examiners today want to know that banks are following all rules and guidelines for their valuation programs for real estate collateral. This article discusses interagency guidelines and the importance of program independence, selection criteria for valuators and appraisal standards.

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  • Know the risks of the secondary market mortgage business

    Winter 2016
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 523

    Abstract: A growing number of community banks are originating mortgage loans for sale to the secondary market. Although this can be an effective strategy for boosting fee income, it’s critical for management and the board of directors to understand the inherent risks.

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  • In-house training: The key to mitigating operational threats

    Winter 2016
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 822

    Abstract: Many community banks scrapped their in-house training programs years ago to reduce costs. But today a more rigorous regulatory environment, combined with increased pressure on banks to improve risk management, is causing many banks to rethink this strategy. This article explores using training as risk management and retention tools. A sidebar discusses the definition of “operational risk.”

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  • Why you need to formalize your retirement plan policy

    Winter 2016
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 428

    Abstract: When a dealership offers a retirement plan to employees, it has certain fiduciary responsibilities as the plan’s sponsor. This article explains the benefits of having an investment policy statement in place. It also discusses the advantages of having an additional educational policy statement for the dealership’s retirement plan.

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  • Take a hard look before adding a financial executive

    Winter 2016
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 661

    Abstract: Bringing on a CFO or a controller to handle the financial operations at an auto dealership is a big decision. This article describes a number of factors that management must consider, including the dealership’s size, the benefits of the hire and the time and money involved in such a commitment.

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  • Key performance indicators – Which ones should you measure and monitor?

    Winter 2016
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 599

    Abstract: Key performance indicators (KPIs) are quantifiable measurements of a dealership’s financial performance that can be used to gauge progress toward goals. This article discusses the variety of KPIs and how dealer-owners can choose the right set to measure performance at their stores.

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  • The center of everything – Negotiating your next DMS contract

    Winter 2016
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 812

    Abstract: A dealership management system (DMS) lies at the core of an auto dealer’s operations. It also represents both a significant IT expense and a possible long-term commitment. To manage these costs, a dealer-owner must be diligent when choosing a system and renewing a DMS contract. This article offers strategies for negotiating the best deal with a DMS vendor. A sidebar emphasizes the importance of getting the right employee training and technical support for a DMS.

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  • Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Couple studies up on allowable medical deductions

    February / March 2016
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 447

    Abstract: This month’s “Practical Perspectives” introduces Laurie and Tim, a married couple who have been fortunate enough to live relatively healthy lives thus far. But, as both turned 40, the medical expenses began to pile up. So they visited their tax advisor, who explained that it’s important to know which health care costs are tax-deductible.

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  • Moneylines: News briefs for businesses

    February / March 2016
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 275

    Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” presents three timely items for business owners: 1) a notable uptick in employers’ use of automatic enrollment and matching in their 401(k) plans, 2) greater concern among professional risk managers regarding cyber threats, particularly customer data breaches, and 3) the latest IRS-mandated per diem rates that traveling employees can use to substantiate their on-the-road business expenses.

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  • No mystery: Meeting with family about estate planning

    February / March 2016
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 690

    Abstract: An estate plan shouldn’t be a mystery. To keep surprises to a minimum, it’s a good idea to hold occasional, if not regular, family meetings to discuss the plan. This article looks at some key points to consider when setting up these critical and informative gatherings.

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  • Employee stock ownership plans – Offering your staff the ultimate “buy in”

    February / March 2016
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1064

    Abstract: With an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), employee participants literally take part ownership of the business through a retirement savings arrangement. Meanwhile, employers aim to benefit from an extra-motivated workforce, some potential tax breaks and a relatively smooth path to succession planning. This article describes the practical benefits, implementation parameters, tax impact and considerable challenges of these plans. A sidebar serves up some interesting ESOP-related statistics.

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  • Tax law update: Hiring an appraiser for your estate

    January / February 2016
    Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 471

    Abstract: The fine print of recent law extending the Highway Trust Fund requires large estates to report the fair market value of property at the owner’s death. Many estates will need to hire outside appraisers to comply with the requirements of the Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015. This article answers FAQs about statements of value, including who’s affected, why the IRS wants appraisals and when the changes go into effect.

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  • Save time and money with rebuttal reports

    January / February 2016
    Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 535

    Abstract: A defense attorney will often wait until the plaintiff’s attorney submits a valuation report. Then, the defense hires its own expert to prepare a “rebuttal report,” rather than pay for a separate full-blown valuation report. This strategy can be a cost-effective way to poke holes in the opposing expert’s analyses, but rebuttals are only effective when they’re detailed and accurate. This article explains reasons clients opt for rebuttal reports, the preferred reporting format and the level of detail courts have come to expect from rebuttal experts.

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  • Owen v. Cannon – Delaware Court narrows valuation gap

    January / February 2016
    Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 729

    Abstract: Appraisal issues took center stage in a recent dissenting shareholder case. This article discusses several issues that resulted in a valuation discrepancy of roughly $32 million on the cash buyout of a minority owner. Two primary issues include 1) the use of management’s cash flow projections in a discounted cash flow analysis and 2) the appropriate rate at which to “tax affect” the subject company’s earnings.

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  • Retire at your own risk – How to maximize value when exiting a private business

    January / February 2016
    Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 835

    Abstract: The oldest Baby Boomers will turn 70 this year. Although a lot of younger Boomers continue to be actively involved in the workforce, many older ones who started their own businesses are finally starting to retire. Removing a key person from daily business operations generally isn’t something that can be done overnight, however. It takes time to facilitate a seamless transition to new management that also maximizes cash flow to the retiree. This article identifies various exit strategies that owners might consider and the importance of having realistic expectations about market value. A sidebar reminds owners of all ages to draft a valid buy-sell agreement, because not all exits occur at retirement.

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