January / February
Showing 481–496 of 623 results
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Understanding liquidation value: Are you in the know?
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 356
Abstract: Today’s faltering economy has meant that some businesses’ liquidation values exceed their going-concern values. This brief article notes the difference between going-concern value and liquidation value and explains the ins and outs of estimating liquidation value. It also mentions some of the factors valuators consider when going-concern value is no longer the best option.
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Valuators cover the gamut from A to Z
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 625
Abstract: A credible valuation that can withstand professional scrutiny requires diligent research and analysis of both the business interest itself and relevant valuation data, documented in an explanatory report. This article notes that valuation services can be helpful in numerous situations, including transaction planning, financial restructuring, litigation support and succession planning, pointing out that a valuator’s real skill is transforming assembled information into a meaningful valuation analysis.
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Re-evaluating discount rates in a distressed economy
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 712
Abstract: Investors require a certain return for taking on the risk of investing in a business. Valuators measure risk using discount (and capitalization) rates and measure return using future income streams. Estimating discount rates is a complex task, even in the best of times. But the volatile economy has forced valuators to re-evaluate traditional methods of quantifying discount rates. This article discusses some of the issues facing valuators as they estimate discount rates in the current business climate.
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Risk assessment — The added value of benchmarking
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1116
Abstract: All else being equal, the higher a business’s risk, the lower its value. Benchmarking a business against its competitors — or itself over time — is one way that valuators assess risk. This article looks at the components of a comprehensive benchmarking study and how various factors, including size, growth, liquidity and profitability, affect risk. The article points out that owners and managers can use a comprehensive benchmarking study as a strategic management tool and to help identify a business’s strengths, weaknesses and trends.
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When settlement proceeds are taxable
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 499
Abstract: The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a Tax Court ruling that settlement proceeds received for false imprisonment aren’t excludable from taxable income under Internal Revenue Code Section 104(a)(2). This article discusses the opinion, which offers a valuable reminder of the two-pronged test for exclusion of income.
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FLP update – Court sides with IRS over bona fide business arrangements
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 724
Abstract: Family limited partnerships (FLPs) offer advantages for some taxpayers, but the IRS continues to challenge these arrangements on several theories. This article summarizes one recent case, Holman v. Commissioner. In Holman, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals held that, because the FLP at issue didn’t satisfy the “bona fide business arrangement” requirement, its transfer restrictions shouldn’t be considered when calculating the valuation discount for shares of the FLP.
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Are your clients prepared to handle a fraud disaster?
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
Abstract: Few businesses have considered — let alone documented — what they’d do if they found employees embezzling funds, stealing inventory or fudging financial statements. This article looks at the importance of having a fraud contingency plan, and what such a plan entails. It also describes how forensic accountants and computer experts can preserve evidence and conduct interviews in a way that helps establish their validity in court.
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Be reasonable – How business compensation can affect divorce cases
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 846
Abstract: When a divorcing spouse owns or is a partner in a closely held business, its value — particularly the amount of compensation the business provides to its owners — can play a significant role in the divorce case’s financial outcome. This article discusses the factors a professional valuator considers to determine reasonable compensation. A sidebar talks about issues that affect the credibility of expert testimony on reasonable compensation.
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Ask the Advisor – What cost-effective steps can I take to turn my rental homes “green”?
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 428
Abstract: Remodeling an older rental home to make it “green” is a wise alternative to building a new property. Because of the tremendous savings in lumber, that choice alone is one of the greenest ones a landlord can make. But this article looks at other ways to green up an otherwise energy-inefficient house, thereby not only saving energy costs, but taxes as well.
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Help ensure a successful future for your firm with a succession plan
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 600
Abstract: All too often business owners get so bogged down in the daily grind of running their companies that they fail to adequately plan for their futures. A well-thought-out succession plan will help an owner pass on responsibility for running the company to a successor. If children are involved in the business or there’s another logical successor, it’s important to start grooming that person as early as possible. If selling to family members isn’t feasible, other options include selling the firm to employees through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), setting up a management buyout, or selling to an outside buyer. But it will be important to upgrade business processes before finding potential buyers and marketing the business to them.
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Not quite a “gift” – The tax 411 on COD
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 901
Abstract: As the fallout from the financial tremors of 2008 continues, many real estate owners are engaging in transactions involving the cancellation of debt (COD). Although COD can be complicated enough with only the borrower and lender involved, Uncle Sam’s demands for a take can make things even more taxing. Cancellation or forgiveness of debt results in ordinary taxable income to the debtor. This article takes a look at COD transactions, which can result from foreclosures, cash settlements, loan workouts, related-party acquisitions of debt or debt-for-equity swaps. A sidebar discusses exceptions to the immediate recognition of COD income by real estate investors and other debtors.
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Beyond the NOI-based appraisal – Sophisticated valuation methods can lead to smarter investments
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 611
Abstract: One of the simplest and most common methods of establishing real estate value involves taking one year’s net operating income (NOI) and dividing it by an appropriate capitalization rate to determine the sales price or property value. But questions regarding the accuracy of NOI numbers can make this a less than reliable method of valuation. Buyers need to independently verify seller numbers and to analyze values generated by more sophisticated analytical tools, such as the net present value (NPV) method or the internal rate of return (IRR) method.
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Time to catch your breath – The new year offers a chance to sit down and reassess your financial standing
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 540
Abstract: The last two years were an especially slippery slope for individual finances, thanks to a volatile stock market, record unemployment and tight credit markets. These circumstances make the new year an ideal time to assess personal financial status. Any such assessment should begin with determining net worth. Another key area to reconsider is homeowners insurance, which might be affected by recent declines in the housing market, and life insurance. It’s also important to determine whether W-4 withholding status, 401(k) beneficiaries and deferral amounts are up to date.
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During market uncertainty, annuities can offer reassuring value
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 843
Abstract: Annuities have a reputation for being a slightly stodgy alternative to other types of investments. But these days, stodgy may seem just fine to investors, many of whom are reconsidering the value these insurance contracts offer for their retirement savings. In their ability to provide income throughout retirement, annuities resemble a traditional company pension plan, but in some cases may also provide a death benefit. But there are differences between fixed and variable annuities, and a number of pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to annuitize.
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Document it or lose it – Substantiation rules for charitable gifts
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 750
Abstract: The right combination of lifetime donations and charitable bequests can not only help support charitable organizations, but also reduce income taxes and minimize gift and estate taxes. But the government isn’t so generous when it comes to inadequate documentation of these donations. There are different degrees of documentation required, depending on the value of gifts and whether they’re donated in the form of cash, securities or property. To avoid losing deductions, it’s important to have documentation in order before filing a return.
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Do you think college financial aid is out of your reach? It may not be — if you take steps to maximize your eligibility
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 691
Abstract: As college costs continue to rise faster than inflation, it’s never been more challenging — or more important — to have a plan for managing those expenses. But families more fortunate than others might not have realized the extent to which financial aid may be available to them. This article takes a look at grants, scholarships and loans, and offers tips to increase eligibility for aid. A sidebar discusses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form that is often required when applying for aid.