2010
Showing 481–496 of 657 results
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Model behavior – Is your ALM model capturing your bank’s risks?
Spring 2010
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 444
Abstract: Asset-liability management (ALM) is a critical activity for banks — not just for meeting regulators’ expectations, but also as a strategic tool for controlling risk and enhancing performance. In today’s high-risk environment, it’s critical for a bank’s board of directors or asset and liability committee to take a proactive approach to ALM. There are a variety of ALM modeling software programs available, but the type of model and level of sophistication that’s right for a particular bank depends on the bank’s size, complexity, business model, risk profile and other characteristics.
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CRE loan workout guidelines support process
Spring 2010
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 812
Abstract: Community banks with high concentrations of commercial real estate (CRE) loans face a dilemma: Even though it may be in the best interest of both bank and borrower to modify or restructure a troubled CRE loan, workouts may also create a risk that the loan will be adversely classified by bank examiners. And this can have a negative impact on the bank’s earnings, liquidity and capital. However, guidance issued last October from the federal banking agencies can help banks develop prudent workout strategies that will minimize adverse financial impact. A sidebar discusses whether a modified CRE loan constitutes a troubled debt restructuring.
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5 ways to stay clear of a factory audit
Spring 2010
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 657
Abstract: Dealerships across the country are striving to make 2010 a far more profitable year than 2009. One area that’s easy to overlook is the possibility of a factory audit, which costs a dealership time and, hence, money. With manufacturers also looking hard to boost profits, dealers would be wise to do what they can to avoid an audit. This involves fulfilling factory expectations; getting key people involved; reviewing the appropriate records; avoiding unusual operational activity; and inspecting the service department.
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Rev up sales – Don’t let the momentum from Clunkers stall
Spring 2010
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 892
Abstract: Cash for Clunkers attracted a lot of attention last year. But, before the publicity completely fades away, there are ways to bring shoppers in the door — and persuade them to buy. This article describes several such techniques. At the same time, dealers will need to balance their inventory needs with their manufacturer’s flexibility — and, if layoffs are necessary, they should be based on performance, not tenure or emotion. A sidebar explains how recent inventory cuts could increase taxes if appropriate steps aren’t taken.
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Benchmarking – How does your dealership rate?
Spring 2010
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 475
Abstract: In today’s volatile marketplace, it’s harder to get credit and easier to get a franchise taken away. Franchisers and lenders are paying close attention to financial performance — and many have raised the bar on what’s acceptable. But dealers who benchmark their performance against industry standards know their competitive strengths and weaknesses. In turn, they can ask others for best practice advice to turn around weak areas.
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Win-win trade-ins – A solid appraisal process satisfies all
Spring 2010
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 810
Abstract: Happy car-buying customers are repeat customers, but not all car-buying customers are happy ones. What can make a difference in customer satisfaction is how a dealership appraises cars. This includes formalizing the appraisal process; reconciling data from a variety of public sources; keeping a computerized log of all used car appraisals and cross-referencing the list to avoid contradictory appraisals; and choosing cost-effective and user-friendly appraisal software.
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Ask the Advisor – How can I reduce the use of asphalt paving?
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 426
Abstract: While pavement is necessary for busy roads and the national highway system, there’s a growing awareness of the negative ecological impact triggered by too much asphalt. Developers can help curb the proliferation of asphalt paving. Not only can environmentally friendly paving projects enhance developers’ reputations, but they can also save money on materials and labor. But creative urban planning, which requires a unified effort by policy makers, citizens and developers alike, is key.
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Preventive maintenance programs pay off
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 575
Abstract: As the economy inches toward recovery, it’s tempting to postpone (or forgo) building and equipment maintenance to save money. But this strategy is likely to backfire over the long run. Poorly maintained equipment is a safety hazard, but fixing minor problems early also is often cheaper than dealing with major repairs and replacements later. Following five important steps can be part of a strong preventive maintenance program that will eventually result in increased efficiencies and a healthier bottom line.
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Conduit loans: Down but not out
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
Abstract: Like all bank funds, conduit financing is more scarce and its terms are often less flexible than during its heyday from 2005 through 2007 — but it’s still a viable alternative for healthy, diligent borrowers. This article shows how conduit loans work and what they can and can’t do. They may not be right for every development, but they’re still worth a second look for those who can live within certain constraints. And the benefits they offer — low fixed rates and flexible payment schedules — are hard to beat.
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Creative concessions get the deal done
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 935
Abstract: Many sellers, though willing to compromise to a certain extent, may hold out for their “bottom line” price to the point where it appears non-negotiable. But buyers can still find ways to wrap up a deal through creative concessions. This may involve asking for repairs or improvements, or seeking seller financing at below-market rates. One’s options are bound only by one’s own imagination — the secret is figuring out what each side values. A sidebar to this article discusses a few winning negotiation strategies.
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Take a bite out of fraudulent crime with a few simple steps
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 380
Abstract: Fraud becomes more prevalent during difficult economic times, when people are hurting financially. And fraudsters tend not to discriminate — they’ll target both novice and sophisticated investors alike. Thus, it’s important not to get into the mindset that fraud and identity theft “can’t happen to me,” because it can. But there are steps one can take to guard against investment scams and identity theft.
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When is the right time to make charitable donations?
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 600
Abstract: Is it better to make charitable gifts during one’s lifetime, or charitable bequests after death? It can depend on a variety of factors, such as marital status, income and estate tax considerations, one’s degree of certainty about future financial needs, or whether a foreign charitable organization is an intended beneficiary. Giving to charities can be an excellent decision, but it’s important to consult a tax, legal or accounting professional to explore the ins and outs of making lifetime gifts and charitable bequests.
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4 principles for successful investing
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 732
Abstract: Even though there’s no single way to ensure investment success, most successful investors follow a set of principles that hold true in all markets. Specifically, it’s important to know one’s financial goals and develop a plan for pursuing them; diversify investments; pay attention to the tax ramifications of different investments; and stick with the plan, regardless of what’s happening in the financial markets.
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IRA savings can get you closer to your goals
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 813
Abstract: Those who are saving for their retirement are probably participating in their employer’s 401(k) plan or other retirement plan. However, another common retirement savings vehicle — the IRA — is too often ignored or underused. But it can be a powerful way to save more for one’s golden years. This article describes the tax and savings characteristics of the traditional vs. the Roth IRA, while a sidebar explains that traditional-to-Roth conversions are now available to everyone, regardless of income.
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Putting a price on technology
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 487
Abstract: Valuing technology-related intellectual property (IP) can be an enormous challenge for lawyers and valuation experts. It considers the degree of legal protection associated with technology IP as well as the economic benefits a company is expected to derive from that protection. Typically, valuation experts analyze the various economic benefits associated with a technology IP asset separately, and will use different approaches depending on whether a patent is associated with developed technology, in-process research and development, or future technology. There are a variety of contexts in which the need to value technology IP can arise.
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Marketability discounts – Appraisers relying less on empirical study averages
March / April 2010
Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 824
Abstract: With the widespread availability of public market databases, spreadsheet software and other analytical tools, valuators are no longer relying solely on empirical study averages to determine marketability discounts. They’re now placing greater emphasis on how to identify what truly affects marketability and how to better match empirical data to the specific attributes of each subject company. However, though pre-IPO and restricted stock studies may be somewhat under siege, their data is still worthwhile. Research has generated several insightful hypotheses.