2016
Showing 593–608 of 722 results
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Lift your profitability to new heights with smart management
March / April 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 637
Abstract: Smart dealership management leads to profitability. This article explores ways to increase a dealership’s profit margin, such as winning over service customers, strategizing F&I efforts and joining a dealership “20 Group.” Revisiting sales staff compensation and reviewing the store’s DMS program are other profit-boosting steps to explore.
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5 tips for boosting sales employee retention
March / April 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 558
Abstract: Retaining a dealership’s sales team can require special effort. This article discusses the importance of striving for a healthy work-life balance, and providing training and development opportunities for staff. Additional tips are offered to keep sales staff on board.
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Handling vehicle recalls – Or how to win friends and influence customers
March / April 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 823
Abstract: Recalls can be a double-edged sword for dealerships. On the negative side, they can bring an avalanche of work crashing down on a dealership’s service department and irk car owners. On the positive, recalls can present a tremendous opportunity to attract new customers who aren’t currently having their vehicles serviced at the dealership. This article offers suggestions for turning lemons into lemonade. A sidebar notes that vehicle recalls can even improve CSI scores.
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Construction Success Story – Contractor damps down deluge of app downloads
March / April 2016
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 429
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” features the owner of a growing suburban homebuilding company who was trying to hold back a veritable deluge of mobile construction apps that her employees were downloading. She asked her financial advisor for some advice on how to choose the right ones. He suggested creating a list of preferred apps in various categories for her staff to download only as needed.
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Build an advisory board to benefit your business
March / April 2016
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 537
Abstract: Running a construction business entails a broad range of skills. Contractors bring many of these skills to the table while also relying on capable employees or professional advisors for help. This article discusses another valuable source of leadership assistance: an advisory board made up of people from outside the business.
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Cracking down on project fraud
March / April 2016
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 656
Abstract: If just one unscrupulous employee commits project fraud, a contractor’s chances of turning a profit can diminish significantly or disappear completely. For this reason, construction business owners have got to stay cognizant and proactive about cracking down on unethical and illegal practices. This article reviews some of the most common points of vulnerability.
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Tax break: Activated – Don’t overlook the Section 199 deduction
March / April 2016
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 862
Abstract: Many contractors may not fully realize that their companies could qualify for the Section 199 tax deduction. They should, because it could allow a construction business to deduct from its taxable income as much as 9% of taxable income derived from certain qualifying activities. This article identifies some of the activities that may be eligible and describes the calculations involved. A sidebar looks into recently proposed IRS regulations related to the Sec. 199 deduction.
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In the News – Studying the effects of mandatory audit firm rotation
February / March 2016
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 446
Abstract: A recent academic study challenges the idea that a long-term relationship between a company and its auditors compromises professional skepticism and quality. The findings are relevant to lenders who rely on audited financial statements. This article discusses the ongoing debate over audit firm rotation and the psychology behind auditor skepticism.
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If not an audit, which level of “assurance” is appropriate?
February / March 2016
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 587
Abstract: Audits are seen by many as the “gold standard” in financial reporting. But this level of assurance isn’t necessary for every business. In some cases, management may prefer to downgrade its financial statements. This article discusses the key differences between reviews, compilations and preparations, including how these services have changed under the AICPA’s recent SSARS 21.
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Protect your loan portfolio against the perils of divorce
February / March 2016
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 664
Abstract: Many successful small businesses are run by married couples. But when divorce strikes, business performance may suffer. This article explains how lenders can help borrowers set aside hurt feelings, remind them about the importance of keeping their personal and business lives separate, and recommend a financial advisor to identify and work around potential roadblocks. It also discusses an emerging concept known as “collaborative divorce,” which, under the right conditions, can minimize costs and business disruptions — and teach former spouses how to work together after they’ve parted ways personally.
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Turnover turmoil: Know the signs of financial distress
February / March 2016
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 841
Abstract: Weak financial performance can cause borrowers to default on loans. So, it’s important for lenders to recognize the early warning signs that a company is underperforming. This article discusses three turnover issues that may foreshadow pending financial woes: high employee turnover, unexpected auditor turnover and deteriorating asset turnover. A sidebar explains how agreed-upon-procedures engagements can help lenders evaluate questionable performance, including loan covenant violations.
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Do you have clients who are victims of elder fraud?
March / April 2016
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 424
Abstract: As the Baby Boomer generation become senior citizens, it’s critical that they understand that they might become prey for dishonest people. Exact statistics on elder financial abuse are hard to come by, largely because victims hesitate to report it for fear of embarrassment. This article uncovers the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to elder fraud.
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“Double dipping” might sometimes be OK in divorce cases
March / April 2016
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 661
Abstract: “Double dipping” is generally understood as the double counting of a marital asset in a marital dissolution — once in the property division and again in the spousal support award. But, courts may frown on double dipping. This article discusses a recent case, where the Ohio Court of Appeals rejected not only this definition of “double dipping” but also its previous holding prohibiting double dipping.
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Getting into the nitty-gritty when it comes to punitive damages
March / April 2016
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 589
Abstract: Determining appropriate punitive damages can be challenging for judges and juries. Why? Because it is sometimes difficult to effectively punish wrongdoers — and deter them from committing similar acts in the future — but not so much that the punishment outweighs the crime. This article digs into several questions regarding punitive damages, such as who’s responsible, what were the profits and so forth.
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Growth plays a critical role in DCF valuations
March / April 2016
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 837
Abstract: Valuators often turn to the discounted cash flow (DCF) method when appraising a new or growing business. This technique allows for significant flexibility in assumptions about growth. Moreover, it also can be useful when valuing struggling companies that are in a state of flux. This article explains the DCF method and the qualitative and quantitative factors involved. A sidebar takes a closer look at growth and the terminal value.
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Run a business “on the side”? Make sure it’s no hobby
March 2016
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 265
Abstract: A business that’s run “on the side” might not be a business at all in the eyes of the IRS. To ensure some pursuits are really businesses — and not mere hobbies intended primarily to offset other income — the IRS enforces what are commonly referred to as the “hobby loss” rules. This brief article looks at the details.