2011
Showing 177–192 of 649 results
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How to find out your dealership’s value
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 957
Abstract: A business valuation is essential when selling a dealership, but it can be beneficial in other circumstances, such as when drafting a buy-sell agreement or preparing an estate plan. This article shows how valuators consider tangible and intangible assets, a wide range of valuation multiples and cap rates, and many other factors that can affect value. A sidebar explains that, for dealers who are selling their business, a valuator can prepare financial statements for buyer scrutiny by making various adjustments to earnings — a process called “normalizing.”
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Dos and don’ts for boosting service department profits
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 718
Abstract: Revenue from maintenance and repairs combined with income from vehicle sales makes the world go round for auto dealerships. And when car and truck sales are down, service department profits can be a bread-and-butter source. This article offers some dos and don’ts that dealers should consider as they manage this golden egg. The suggestions cover metrics, staffing, pricing, operations and customer service.
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Construction Success Story – Housing contractor turns extra work into extra pay
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 433
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” looks at the case of a midsize housing contractor who was barely scraping by, in spite of a relatively healthy roster of jobs. When she visited her financial advisor, she learned of better procedures for documenting extra work and change orders.
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Staying focused in the fight against profit fade
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 636
Abstract: It’s common for a project to start out strong, but then encounter delays and incidental added work and changes that hurt the bottom line. There’s a name for these situations: “profit fade.” There are also a variety of ways to stay focused in the fight against this continuing problem. As this article discusses, they include knowing the contract and budget; staying on top of changes; and making sure the assumptions used in estimating the projects are valid.
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3 ways to get more from mobile technology
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 436
Abstract: Contractors who juggle projects at multiple sites know it can be tricky to accurately track job data and employee activities. The good news is that there are now a wide variety of apps available for smartphones, tablet computers, laptops and construction vehicles that allow contractors to store and view data regarding labor hours, vehicle and equipment use, and daily job-site production. This article examines three of these: wireless time cards, geo-fencing technology, and global positioning systems.
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Year end tax planning – Explore current incentives to boost your cash flow
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 935
Abstract: Many current tax incentives are set to expire at the end of this year (though Congress might extend them), so now is a good time for contractors to start exploring ways to lock in those breaks and lower their 2011 tax bill. This article looks at some of these breaks, such as those applying to hiring workers from certain disadvantaged groups; constructing energy-efficient buildings; conducting research and development; and purchasing certain assets. A sidebar shows how cost segregation studies offer bigger tax savings than ever.
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Tax Tips – Good news for gift card sellers- Watch out for audit red flags – Know the facts before you invest in municipal bonds
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 456
Abstract: This issue’s “Tax Tips” discusses IRS rulings regarding deferral of gift-card income; “red flags” that may trigger an IRS audit; and why municipal bonds touted as “tax-free” might not necessarily be so — and why, even if they are, it’s important to calculate the taxable equivalent yield to determine whether it’s a good deal.
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Want to defer tax? – Consider a Sec. 1031 exchange
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 812
Abstract: A Section 1031 exchange allows investors to defer the gain on real or personal property used in a business or held for investment if, instead of selling it, they exchange it solely for property of a “like kind.” Alternatively, a reverse exchange may be the answer for those who come across an ideal investment property that they’d like to trade into, but who have no time to sell an existing property. This article provides details, but also lists five potential traps investors should be wary of.
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Act now – QSBS offers gain without the pain
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 613
Abstract: Time is running out for a remarkable tax break for investors. If they invest in qualified small business stock (QSBS) by the end of 2011 and hold it for more than five years, they’ll be able to sell the stock tax-free. Lawmakers have proposed making this tax break permanent, but unless they act before year end, investors will need to move quickly to take advantage of it. This article describes the benefit of QSBS, but also warns about the complexities involved.
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How an intrafamily loan can help you transfer wealth
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 962
Abstract: Lending money to loved ones can be a tax-smart strategy for transferring wealth to family members, particularly in today’s low-interest-rate environment. This article explains why, and shows the process. However, there can be risks, including an IRS challenge if the transaction isn’t treated as a legitimate loan. A sidebar offers a specific example of an intrafamily loan in action.
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The benefits of collaborative divorce
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 372
Abstract: This brief article explains collaborative divorce, a way to split up marital estates amicably and creatively while minimizing professional fees and court costs. In collaborative divorce, each side hires its own attorney, and then the parties meet regularly to brainstorm settlement options. Collaborative divorce can save time and money because it requires just one neutral financial expert.
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Sanity check — When to use the excess earnings method
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 697
Abstract: The IRS developed the excess earnings (or formula) method in the 1920s as a way to compensate breweries and distilleries for intangible value lost during the Prohibition era. Appraisers still use this method to value businesses in a variety of industries. This article outlines the fundamentals of the method and notes its benefits and pitfalls. The article points out that, while this method is rarely used as a sole method of valuation, it may provide a useful sanity check for other methods.
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Will your deal fall through? — Avoiding M&A pitfalls
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 794
Abstract: Many mergers and acquisitions (M&As) fall through because they fail to make sound financial sense. Sometimes M&A participants rely on industry rules of thumb, which prove insufficient as the sole basis for a deal. This article talks about the problems that may occur when buyers overpay. It also notes the need for thorough due diligence conducted by a financial expert to determine whether a proposed deal will hold up in the real world.
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A valuator’s insight into buy-sell agreements
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 945
Abstract: Buy-sell agreements provide much-needed protection when an owner involuntarily leaves — or voluntarily wants out of the business. A comprehensive agreement not only defines the term “value,” but it also incorporates buyout terms and includes provisions for various buy/sell scenarios and contingencies. This article explains the importance of a valid buy-sell agreement and the significant role an appraiser plays in ensuring the agreement is sound — thus minimizing potential conflicts down the road. A sidebar discusses using key-person insurance to fund buyouts.
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Economic damages – The choice between lost profits and lost business value
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 744
Abstract: Arriving at a damages award for a plaintiff’s loss of economic benefits may involve calculating lost profits, lost business value and, in some cases, both. But, as this article notes, the distinction between lost profits and lost value can be confusing. Attorneys need to understand the difference and when each method might apply so their clients don’t accidentally “double dip” when calculating damages.
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Calculation vs. valuation: A critical difference
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 496
Abstract: Attorneys and their clients sometimes ask professional valuators to provide preliminary estimates — called “calculations” — rather than full-fledged business appraisals. Such requests might save money up front, but this article discusses a recent Iowa case that illustrates why calculations are no substitute for valuations.