Viewpoint on Value
Showing 321–336 of 382 results
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Critique, refute and save with rebuttal reports
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 356
Abstract: In some circumstances, a written rebuttal report can be an alternative to a full-blown written appraisal, reducing the time and cost of obtaining an expert’s valuation opinion. This brief article lists some of the reasons valuation experts issue rebuttal reports, including to critique another valuator’s report, to help the attorney draft cross-examination questions for deposition and trial, and to help settle differences outside of court.
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The nuts and bolts of impairment testing
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 752
Abstract: In today’s tumultuous economy, many companies have been forced to report impairment losses in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. This article explains how valuators test for impairment, briefly describing several Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) statements and their implications for reporting both tangible and intangible asset impairment. The article notes that impairment testing is designed to give investors, lenders and other stakeholders fair warning of impending financial troubles and other problems as well as to fairly state balance sheet values.
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The search for hidden income in divorce valuation
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 678
Abstract: Divorcing spouses frequently engage valuation experts to help divide their assets, particularly when the marital estate includes a private business interest. Emotions run high in divorce, and missing income is sometimes a problem. Such a charge may be baseless, but to determine whether a claim that a business is hiding income is justified or without merit, valuation and forensic accounting expertise can be key. This article lists some techniques financial experts may use to unearth buried cash and estimate how much an owner may not be reporting. The article points out that, in divorce valuations, family court judges seem to prefer independent appraisal expertise and analysis.
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What’s “fair” in shareholder disputes?
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1090
Abstract: The term “fair value” has many meanings. In this article, the focus is on its meaning in the context of a shareholder dispute. The article discusses how fair value is defined in this context in terms of appraisal rights statutes and the Model Business Corporation Act (MBCA), promulgated by the American Bar Association. It goes on to explain how valuators estimate fair value and address valuation subtleties that arise in shareholder disputes. A brief sidebar notes the helpfulness of sound buy-sell agreements in reducing shareholder conflicts.
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Would you, should you, reuse an appraisal?
September / October 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 471
Abstract: A business appraisal provides a snapshot of a company’s value on a specific date and for a specific purpose. Although it may be tempting to reuse old valuations to save time and money, recycled valuations may cause more problems than they solve. This article uses a hypothetical case study to illustrate the potential drawbacks of reusing an old appraisal for a different purpose.
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Estate of Black: Another notch in taxpayers’ FLP belts
September / October 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 599
Abstract: Family limited partnerships (FLPs) are proven estate planning tools. But the IRS sometimes attacks a partnership’s discounts or business purpose under Internal Revenue Code Section 2036, “Transfers with retained life estate.” This article notes the importance of proper FLP structure, explaining that when the IRS succeeds in proving that the donor or decedent retains ongoing economic benefit — either express or implied — it assesses gift and estate taxes for the full value of the partnership’s underlying assets without allowing discounts for lack of control and marketability.
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Great expectations: Finding the value of startups
September / October 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 791
Abstract: It’s difficult to value a startup business when it has no track record and has never generated positive cash flow — or even revenues. Without history to lead the way, startups often derive value from exceptional growth expectations. This article explains that valuators know how to spot the clues, including management style, business type, market size, potential growth opportunities and development stage, which can help them more accurately estimate future performance. A brief sidebar explains that employee stock options (ESOs) can be an effective way for startup companies to attract and retain key employees.
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Transaction databases can be powerful tools
September / October 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1007
Abstract: Appraisers use the guideline merger and acquisition method, a subset of the market approach, to derive a company’s value using samples of comparables (or guideline companies). To do so, they frequently refer to several private transaction databases to select appropriate comparable transactions. This article lists some of these database sources and points out some of their pros and cons. In addition to noting several criteria valuators use to collect a manageable sample of strong comparables, the article discusses how valuators calculate appropriate pricing multiples. A sidebar looks at other factors they typically consider.
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Take control of subsequent events
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 390
Abstract: How do valuators handle an event that occurs after the valuation date, but before the report is published? Usually valuators consider only circumstances and events that exist or occur before and up to the valuation date. But subsequent events that were “known, knowable or foreseeable” on the valuation date are fair game. This brief article looks at Estate of Noble, a Tax Court case that draws an important distinction between subsequent events that affect value and those that provide evidence of value.
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Solving the puzzle — How to find the right-size discount or premium
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 668
Abstract: Valuation discounts and premiums can be difficult pieces to fit into the valuation puzzle. They may be somewhat subjective, and valuators may use methods that preclude the need to subtract discounts — or add premiums. This article explains how discounts and premiums relate to marketability and investor control and how valuators typically go about finding and supporting them.
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Exit stage right — A good exit strategy is worth applauding
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 731
Abstract: In these uncertain economic times, having a sound exit strategy — including a plan for passing on responsibility for running the company, transferring ownership and extracting money — can be a great help to those who take over the business. The optimal exit plan depends not only on the transfer scenario, but also on the owner’s personal needs and objectives. This article sets forth some common exit strategies and their pros and cons.
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No question: Onsite interviews provide value
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 894
Abstract: While financial statements, tax returns and Web sites provide some insight into value, the valuator gets the most complete picture by also physically touring the business’s facilities and speaking with managers face-to-face. This article discusses the areas often covered in an interview, which may include corporate culture and strategy, marketing and sales, and internal controls and governance. The article cites several recent cases that illustrate the importance of onsite interviews in generating credible value conclusions that stand up in court.
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Guidance issued on valuation of partial interests
May / June 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 524
Abstract: After a six-year development period, the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) recently added a new procedural guideline to its Business Valuation Standards: PG-2 — Valuation of Partial Ownership Interests. Although not a binding standard, PG-2 offers valuable guidance to ASA members and other business valuators on this difficult and often controversial subject. This article looks at some of the highlights.
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Lucent sheds light on patent infringement damages
May / June 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 497
Abstract: Courts are generally loath to disturb a jury’s verdict on damages. But an appeals court threw out a $350 million patent infringement award that wasn’t supported by substantial evidence. This case illustrates the need for detailed expert testimony, which will establish credible evidentiary facts and conclusions and, thus, support a claim for patent infringement damages.
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What’s behind the veil? — Digging for the truth in alter-ego cases
May / June 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 740
Abstract: When a plaintiff can’t collect a judgment from a corporation and seeks to obtain it from the corporation’s owners, it may try to show that the corporation and its shareholders lack separate identities — that is, the corporation is the owners’ alter ego. Key factors in determining an alter-ego relationship include not only this lack of separateness, but also financial dependence of the corporation upon its shareholders or parent, and undue influence upon a corporation.
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Struggling economy presents business valuation challenges
May / June 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1046
Abstract: In bad times, appraisers may face a disconnect between the income and market approaches, creating a wide gap between valuations. The challenge becomes reconciling these differences. This article explains how to approach valuation for both profitable and distressed companies, and notes that the purpose of a business valuation can have a big impact on the valuation methods that are used. A sidebar looks at one case in which a court rejected the uses of the discounted cash flow method by both the creditors’ and the debtors’ experts.