2018
Showing 17–32 of 630 results
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It may be time to offer a self-directed brokerage account option
Year End 2018
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 821
Abstract: Self-directed brokerage accounts (SDBAs) within a 401(k) plan typically offer participants the ultimate investment smorgasbord: a virtually unlimited selection of stocks, bonds, exchange traded funds, and mutual funds to feast on. Yet relatively few sponsors — only 16% of plans on the platform of one of the largest 401(k) recordkeepers — offer them. This article looks at the pros and cons of SDBAs, as well as the ongoing monitoring and fiduciary aspects of these types of accounts. A short sidebar reviews recent market data about the typical SDBA account holder.
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4 questions for loan applicants on the brink of a social media meltdown
Year End 2018
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 431
Abstract: It’s relatively easy for a small business to find itself in the crosshairs of a social media misstep. Everyone seems to have a smartphone and uses it to instantly share positive (and negative) customer experiences on social media sites. Likewise, a company’s marketing department might post images, videos and ads using the company’s social media accounts — and some posts may inadvertently elicit a negative response from customers and other stakeholders, thus reducing sales. This brief article offers four questions to help lenders ascertain whether to fund the resulting short-term cash crunch.
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How to help your borrowers reduce waste — and increase profits
Year End 2018
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 550
Abstract: Helping manufacturing borrowers improve their waste reduction methods can lead to a stronger loan portfolio. This article lists some steps lenders can suggest to borrowers to help them increase efficiency and significantly reduce manufacturing waste — whether in the form of scrap, excess inventory, defects or inefficiencies in workflow. Strategies include preventive maintenance, routine physical inspections and effective quality control.
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There’s a report for that! Get the specific information you need with an AUP engagement
Year End 2018
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 669
Abstract: A full-scale audit serves as a detailed and reliable snapshot of the business’s entire operations. But if a lender needs specific, targeted information on a potential problem, or set of problems, he or she should consider hiring a CPA to perform certain “agreed-upon procedures” (AUPs). This article outlines the differences between AUPs and audits and uses a hypothetical example to illustrate how an AUP works. It also notes that an AUP engagement can help lenders selectively investigate and identify issues that may benefit from immediate action.
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Lending to crowdfunded businesses
Year End 2018
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 823
Abstract: Even an entrepreneur who completes a successful crowdfunding campaign will likely experience short-term cash crunches from time to time. This article suggests some ways for lenders to evaluate the application of a crowdfunded company applying for a short-term loan or line of credit, such as asking applicants with earlier crowdfunding rounds under their belt to provide a detailed accounting of how they used funds from previous campaigns. The article also suggests that lenders need to scrutinize the company’s financial projections, cost structure and revenue projections. A sidebar offers a guide to crowdfunding terminology.
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Asetek Danmark A/S v. CMI USA, Inc. – Patent infringement damages require a thorough analysis
November / December 2018
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 455
Abstract: Federal patent law allows courts to award damages that are “adequate to compensate for the infringement but in no event less than a reasonable royalty” for an infringer’s use of the patented invention. This article summarizes a recent patent infringement case in which the Federal Circuit upheld reasonable royalty damages based largely on the plaintiff’s profit under a licensing agreement with a third party. Asetek Danmark A/S v. CMI USA, Inc., 842 F.3d 1350, 2016-1026, 2016-1183, Dec. 6, 2016
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How tax law changes may affect the cost of capital
November / December 2018
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 594
Abstract: The costs of debt and equity capital are key components of business value under the income approach. But traditional methods of calculating the cost of debt, the cost of equity and the relative percentages of debt vs. equity financing may not be relevant under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). This article explains what the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) is, how it’s used in the income approach and what aspects of the income approach could change for valuations with effective dates after the TCJA was enacted.
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Vetting IP – In M&A, it’s critical to evaluate intellectual property
November / December 2018
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 656
Abstract: From patents to licenses, intellectual property (IP) assets often represent a significant portion of the purchase price in mergers and acquisitions. This article describes how business valuation professionals can help ensure IP assets are valued correctly and that the rights are transferable to a new owner.
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3 ways to evaluate capital budgeting decisions
November / December 2018
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 836
Abstract: Many business owners plan to reinvest their tax savings from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) into their operations. Strategic investments shouldn’t be made solely on gut instinct, however. This article explains the importance of projecting cash flows and using them to calculate the accounting payback period, net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR) to evaluate a project’s potential. A sidebar provides a reminder of TCJA provisions that are expected to lower business taxes.
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Tax law change draws attention to owners’ compensation
November / December 2018
Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 456
Abstract: Historically, the issue of reasonable owners’ compensation has arisen in a variety of business valuation and tax contexts. Now, under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, reasonable compensation issues may come into play when pass-through entities take the new deduction for qualified business income (QBI). This article explains various scenarios where the issue of reasonable compensation is relevant and how financial experts can help a business quantify and support what’s reasonable.
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Mifflinburg Telegraph, Inc. v. Criswell – Which is appropriate: Lost profits or lost business value?
November / December 2018
Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 690
Abstract: A federal court recently awarded damages for various business torts committed against a print shop by two former employees and the competing business they started. This article summarizes how the court decided whether lost profits or lost business value was the appropriate measure of damages — and then it awarded damages based on a controversial assumption. Mifflinburg Telegraph, Inc. v. Criswell, No. 4:14-CV-0612 (U.S. Dist. Ct. M.D. Pa., Sept. 7, 2017)
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5 steps to calculate lost future earnings
November / December 2018
Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 613
Abstract: From personal injury to wrongful termination, there are many reasons an individual might seek to recover lost earnings — the difference between the earnings the plaintiff would likely have enjoyed but for the defendant’s wrongful act, and the plaintiff’s actual expected earnings. This article outlines five steps required to calculate lost future earnings.
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Consider tax reform when valuing pass-through entities
November / December 2018
Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 822
Abstract: It’s critical to understand the new deduction for qualified business income (also known as the Section 199A deduction) when valuing pass-through entities. This article explains the history of the tax-affecting debate, the mechanics of the new deduction and how recent tax law changes may impact the value of pass-through entities. A sidebar identifies specified service businesses that may be ineligible for the qualified business income (QBI) deduction at higher income levels.
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Tax Tips – Should you donate your car to charity?
November / December 2018
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 442
Abstract: These brief tips explain why donating a car to charity may not be the most tax-efficient strategy, detail what to address in an estate plan for a college-age child, and discuss new IRS compliance campaigns that target specific business-related tax issues.
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GST tax exemption has increased, but not permanently
November / December 2018
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 623
Abstract: One change affecting estate plans under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is that, for the estates of persons dying after December 31, 2017, and before January 1, 2026, the generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemption amounts increase to an inflation-adjusted $10 million, or $20 million for married couples with proper planning ($11.18 million and $22.36 million, respectively, for 2018). This article details how the GST tax works and what transfers are taxable.
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Got bitcoin? Understand your tax obligations
November / December 2018
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 548
Abstract: The tax treatment of bitcoin and other “virtual currencies” — also known as “cryptocurrencies” — is widely misunderstood. But if one invests in virtual currency, uses it to pay for goods or services, or receives it as payment for goods or services, failure to understand the tax obligations can have serious consequences. This article explains the IRS policies regarding virtual currencies.