August / September
Showing 257–272 of 469 results
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Understanding bonds – What do your plan participants know about bonds?
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 441
Abstract: Bonds have a place in retirement portfolios. However, recent research suggests that many 401(k) plan participants may have some misperceptions about what that place is — and how bonds perform under various market conditions. This article reviews the research and suggests that taking the pulse of your 401(k) participants might be a prudent thing to do.
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How Windsor may affect your plan – IRS details retirement plan rules for same-sex couples
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 813
Abstract: The IRS has previously addressed unresolved questions about how the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Windsor applies to qualified retirement plans. That 2013 ruling concluded that the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutionally denied same-sex couples the right to marry. While the decision directly affected federal treatment of same-sex married couples, it didn’t mandate that states recognize their marriages. This article summarizes what plans must do to comply with the Court’s ruling.
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401(k) plan management vs. fiduciary duties
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 879
Abstract: Fees charged by recordkeepers and asset managers for 401(k) plan services paid from plan assets have come under greater scrutiny in recent years. The Department of Labor (DOL) has released fee disclosure regulations and courts — from district courts all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court — have reviewed high-profile litigation over the issue. This article highlights a recent court case on the topic.
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In the News – Qualifying leases no longer require consolidation
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 435
Abstract: Certain borrowers that lease assets from related parties may now qualify for an alternative accounting method under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles that doesn’t require consolidation. That’s good news for lenders who often request supplemental schedules to reverse the effects of consolidation to get a clearer picture of financial results. This article lists four conditions that must be met for a borrower to opt out of the consolidation requirement.
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Dashboard reports: Let real-time data drive lending decisions
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 542
Abstract: Unearthing trends and early warning signals of financial distress from financial statements alone is challenging. Dashboard reports simplify the due diligence process by providing a one- or two-page summary of key performance metrics in a concise, visual format. As this article explains, these reports use customized ratios and graphs to tell the story behind the financial statements. They can’t replace a comprehensive year end review of a borrower’s financial statements and footnote disclosures, but they can be useful diagnostic tools for borrowers and lenders throughout the year.
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Play it again, Sam – Some borrowers report their financial results more than once
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 682
Abstract: Lenders become understandably uneasy when borrowers reissue their financial statements. For most borrowers, financial restatements result from an honest mistake or misinterpretation of accounting standards, rather than from incompetency or fraud. But that’s not always true. This article looks at a number of reasons, both innocent and not-so-innocent, that might call for a restatement. The lender must evaluate restatements carefully to unearth the underlying cause and thereby determine whether or not it’s best to continue with the borrower.
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Forecasting the future
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 846
Abstract: Forecasting can help borrowers anticipate future financing needs and prove that they’ll be able to repay loans. But how do lenders know whether a forecast is achievable — or merely wishful thinking? This article discusses how forecasts are more flexible and timely than in the past. They go beyond presenting historical financial data in order to help management evaluate the marketplace for emerging external threats and opportunities. Rolling 12-month forecasts, for example, are adaptable and look beyond year end. A sidebar notes the difference between a forecast and a projection.
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Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Moving in on tax breaks when selling a home
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 448
Abstract: This issue’s “Practical Perspectives” discusses the desire of “Nathan and Chloe” to move to a larger home, but only after they consult a tax advisor. Their advisor explained the circumstances in which they might need to report their taxable gain — or, if they incurred a loss instead, whether that should play a role in the timing of their move.
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Moneylines: News briefs for businesses
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 273
Abstract: This article offers brief news items about the disproportionate effect of employment tax penalties on small businesses; the 2015 cost-of-living adjustments for high-deductible health plans (HDHPs); and a survey revealing that many employers are having difficulty keeping in touch with remote workers.
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Don’t be flippant with your FLP
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 654
Abstract: For many wealthier individuals, family limited partnerships (FLPs) have become an estate planning basic. But the IRS continues to frequently challenge their validity in court, rejecting them as nothing more than disguised tax-avoidance vehicles. This article explains the benefits of an FLP, but also notes the rules that must be carefully followed to avoid a potential IRS challenge.
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Snatching tax relief from a revenue defeat – A review of the net operating loss rules
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1088
Abstract: Even in an improving economy, a business can find that its operating expenses and other deductions for a particular year exceed its income — otherwise known as incurring a net operating loss (NOL). Under the Internal Revenue Code, a corporation or individual may deduct an NOL from its income. But it’s essential to carefully follow the rules. This article discusses how an NOL may be carried back or forward and whether AMT liability can be offset with NOLs just as regular tax liability is. A sidebar looks at how a company’s chosen business structure can notably complicate the application of NOL rules.
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5 ways to leverage internal audits
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 506
Abstract: Traditionally, the role of an internal audit (IA) function has been to test financial and compliance controls and then report its findings to the appropriate oversight. But in recent years that role has evolved. An IA, with its cross-functional perspective, is in an ideal position to help companies anticipate and mitigate a variety of risks, improve business financial and operational processes, and evaluate strategies. This article lists five ways businesses can enhance the value of their IA function.
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Don’t overlook third-party risks
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 478
Abstract: Identifying and addressing risk is a critical function in public companies today. But while most businesses devote significant resources to risk management, third-party risk doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. This article discusses the importance of conducting thorough due diligence and continued monitoring on vendors, agents and other business partners, noting three principles as they relate to third-party due diligence and payments.
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Audit committees: Are they on top of fraud and corruption?
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 598
Abstract: Although the audit committee’s top priority continues to be overseeing financial reporting, both regulators and investors expect it to take a proactive role in a company’s corporate governance and risk management programs. In particular, the committee should actively monitor and evaluate the organization’s antifraud and anticorruption efforts. This article examines a real-world instance of an audit committee’s failure to do so and notes ways that an audit committee should ensure that management is setting the right “tone at the top.”
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Increasing the value of the auditor’s report – Oversight board considers changes
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 986
Abstract: The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) is exploring ways to increase the value of the auditor’s report to investors and other financial statement users. It recently issued a proposal that would require auditors to report “critical audit matters,” evaluate certain information outside the financial statements and offer information about auditor tenure. However, commenters have registered concerns regarding audit scope expansion, breach of confidentiality, investor confusion and legal liability. This article discusses these issues and notes that, whatever the final standards look like, they’ll have a huge impact on financial reporting and may affect a company’s ability to raise capital. A sidebar looks at whether there’s a correlation between audit tenure and audit quality.
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Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Married investors consider a Coverdell ESA
August / September 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 440
Abstract: In this issue, “Practical Perspectives” examines the case of a couple who, while considering a Section 529 plan to save for their child’s education, came across the name “Coverdell.” Their advisor explains that a Coverdell Education Savings Account offers far more investment choices than a 529 plan — but that it comes with some provisos.