2009
Showing 465–480 of 678 results
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E-discovery: Avoiding inadvertent disclosure
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Valuation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 355
Abstract: Electronic evidence has assumed a prominent role in discovery. In turn, the massive amounts of data in such evidence have increased the risk of inadvertent disclosure of privileged materials. But savvy attorneys can use technology to screen evidence for potentially privileged materials. This short article offers tips.
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Preparing for the unexpected – Buy-sell agreements can steady businesses in uncertain times
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Valuation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 768
Abstract: To guard against the negative consequences that could arise from events such as the death or disability of a partner, the divorce of a family business owner, or a shareholder dispute, companies need to be prepared. A buy-sell agreement can steady a business in uncertain times, and valuation considerations play an integral role in effective agreements. This is why an appraiser is needed to address areas such as insurance coverage, buyout terms, and choosing the correct standard of value. A qualified appraiser also knows how to avoid simplistic or outdated formulas in determining the appropriate value.
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Get ready: 401(k) plan audits
April / May 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 398
Abstract: When your 401(k) plan reaches a certain size, the IRS requires that an independent CPA perform an audit. Generally, plans file this audit with their annual Form 5500 by July 31. (It can be extended to Oct. 15.) This brief article summarizes what you need to know before this filing date.
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DOL proposes investment disclosure regulation
April / May 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 649
Abstract: Fee disclosure has been a much discussed employee benefit topic in the past several years. The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued three sets of proposed regulations on fee disclosure during the past year and a half alone. This article looks at the latest proposed regulation covering investment-related fee disclosures to participants.
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Balance forward plans – Is the time right for an interim valuation?
April / May 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 505
Abstract: Balance forward plans are defined contribution plans in which participant accounts are generally valued on an annual basis. Because of the stock market decline last year, a number of plan administrators are considering having interim valuations done on their balance forward plans. This article discussed what plan fiduciaries should consider when deciding to perform an interim valuation.
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Terminating 403(b) plans – New IRS regs are a welcome change
April / May 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 639
Abstract: Section 403(b) plans are a tax-deferred retirement plan — similar to a 401(k) plan — available for nonprofit organizations, such as public schools, churches and certain health care industries. What if a nonprofit wants to terminate its 403(b) plan? This article covers what you need to know to terminate a 403(b) plan.
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“Cross-tested” plans offer advantages to plan sponsors
April / May 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 745
Abstract: When funding profit sharing contributions, one type of plan has proven to be very effective. Known as “cross-tested” plans, they provide a unique profit sharing contribution into retirement plans. Cross-tested plans — a hybrid combination of defined contribution and defined benefit concepts — allow employers to fund a specific targeted group of employees while also meeting the needs of other employees. This article reviews these plans and whether one may be right for your company.
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Market Niche Insider – Diagnostics for doctors – Physician practices can be lucrative, but risky
March / April 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 483
Abstract: Baby boomers are wealthier, more health conscious and living longer than previous generations, and younger generations routinely seek preventive care. The demand for medical services, then, is rising. But several factors threaten this prestigious niche — and compromise the abilities of your physician borrowers to repay debt.
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For better or worse, fair value reporting is here to stay
March / April 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
Abstract: The concept of fair value reporting has been around for decades. But it has risen to the forefront because some fair value–related accounting standards have recently taken effect. Simultaneously, a weak economy has impaired the value of many assets, triggering some borrowers to report impairment losses on their financial statements.
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Ratios: The highs and lows of benchmarking for business
March / April 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 864
Abstract: Financial statements contain a wealth of raw data, but busy lenders rarely have time to pore over the details. Ratios concisely capture relationships between financial statement items that you can use to benchmark operating results over time — or against competitors. But like any due diligence tool, ratios only tell part of the story.
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When to pull the plug — or not
March / April 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 764
Abstract: What should you do when a borrower misses a payment, defaults on loan covenants or fails to hit its performance targets? Some borrowers will surprise you and pull out of a troubled patch. But others will bleed to death if you let them. Being aware of certain characteristics can help you differentiate between these extremes.
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Contractor’s Toolbox – Lawsuits may be on the rise – The right precautions can help you avoid them
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 453
Abstract: Lawsuits are a common means of righting wrongs, fixing mistakes and recouping expenses. But now, as a tough economy forces many to look for cash wherever they can find it, litigation may be seen as a quick source of income. This article explores how you may be able to avoid lawsuits by taking the right precautions.
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Grow your business in a slow economy? Yes!
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 364
Abstract: The current slowdown actually provides opportunity for growth, especially with the spending provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). This brief article explains how ARRA will fund $30 billion for highway and bridge construction projects and $7.7 billion for federal buildings.
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Automate purchase orders to control costs, save time
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 682
Abstract: As hard as you try to track every expense on every project you’re managing, it’s easy to lose control of costs if you’re using an antiquated purchasing system. Moreover, if your current system is allowing billing and inventory discrepancies to fall through the cracks, you’re likely experiencing a negative effect on your cash flow and your ability to take on more work. This article explains why, now more than ever, contractors are choosing to automate the purchasing process to increase tracking efficiency — and increase profits.
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Sale-leaseback financing: The pros and cons of a quick fix
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
Abstract: Sale-leaseback financing has long been a common way for contractors to gain added income without having to sacrifice the use of equipment. And as the economy forces contracting businesses to tighten their belts, it’s become an even more appealing option. But along with the obvious benefits are some drawbacks, such as the loss of flexibility associated with ownership. This article covers the pros and cons so you can make the right financing decision.
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Ending on a high note – How to close out a project without regrets
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 824
Abstract: Closing out a construction project is a critical part of the job. So why is it so easy to let the final stages of a project fall apart? The key to closing out a project on a high note is to stay on top of all aspects of the project right down to the last detail. This article offers some tips on how to do just that. A sidebar offers additional advice on how to keep functional details top of mind when closing out a project.