According to the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, “research and development” (R&D) are now considered a fixed investment. The report, released last month, contains GDP figures categorizing R&D with this distinction. R&D now joins software in a new category labeled “intellectual property products”. While some see the change as only affecting a small number of economists, others see the move as b ...

Valuing Nokia Siemens Networks Nokia Corporation is bound to look very different after Microsoft buys its devices division. When the initial purchase was announced, most in the industry were shocked. The bigger question is: How much will the remaining parts of the company be worth once the deal is done, and how should they be valued? Analysts from JP Morgan Cazenove provide a very interesting breakdown in a ...

Testing the high risk waters in today’s business environment The absence of a fraud risk management (FRM) program exposes a company to financial losses and legal liability if a fraud investigation is not properly handled and the employee is wrongfully discharged, or his or her privacy rights are violated. A FRM program addresses the above concerns and establishes controls every company should have to identi ...

Wave of boomers fuel business acquisition market This article examines the upswing in the business acquisition market as holdouts from 2009 and 2010 are freed up, as well as the increasing number of baby boomers looking to move into the next phase of life. ...

Working within the DLOM ambiguity This review examines the impact of volatility as a risk factor in the discount for lack of marketability (DLOM) and answers questions regarding the flexibility of adjustment periods. ...

Equity creditor appointment standards and lessons for hiring business valuation professionals from Kodak’s bankruptcy This article provides an overview of the Eastman Kodak bankruptcy case and focuses on the standard a bankruptcy court will use deciding whether to appoint an official equity creditors' committee. It also explains why the bankruptcy court granted Kodak’s motion in limine to exclude‒under Daub ...

As corporations and their CFOs prepare to launch their 2014 budgets, Michael R. Press of M. R. Press Consulting, writing for CFO.com, points out ideal opportunities to maximize ROI through tax incentives at the state and local levels.  In a tightly-detailed, three step approach, Press explains that with the right goal criteria, corporations can recoup virtually all of the initial investment capital related ...

The IRS recently issued regulations (T.D. 9630) affecting how the differential income stream approach applies to cost-sharing agreements.  Nearly two years ago, “final” cost-sharing rules were published under Sec. 482.  This newer round of regulations is intended to ensure that cost-sharing agreements are in line with Sec. 482’s commensurate-with-income principle.  In its earlier attempt to guarantee pricin ...

Does failing to review anti-trust risk enormous penalties for being anti-competitive? M&A professionals need to take anti-trust considerations into their due diligence planning. As international manufacturing relationships continue to increase in the U.S., there is an ever-growing number of international authorities and nations ready and willing to contest your agreement. ...

So why do we, as appraisers, differ from judges when it comes to subsequent events? Traditionally, valuation and litigation support professionals only consider facts known or knowable as of the valuation date, yet courts will look at subsequent events. This article examines how a valuation and litigation support professional may address subsequent events. ...

Maximizing the benefits of divorce mediation This article discusses some of the benefits provided by divorce mediation and how identifying the ideal clients can make divorce a less painful and even pleasant process. ...

Equity funds now able to engage in mass advertising In just a few days, the ban that prevents private equity funds from marketing directly to the public will be lifted. A recent review by Michelle Park of Crain’s Cleveland Business examines what this might mean for various private equity and venture capital funds and their future customers. ...

New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie recently vetoed legislation that would have given greater authority to the state’s real estate professionals to provide broker price opinion (BPO) and comparative market analysis services.  Citing “consumer confusion” Christie vetoed bill S.2551 that some said would provide additional business opportunities for real estate licensees within the state.  Passed by the New Je ...

In a recent presentation to donors and alumni, University of Louisville president and economist, Dr. James Ramsey gave what most thought would be a gloom and doom “state of the university” address.  While government funding and support from the State of Kentucky are certainly in decline, Ramsey’s presentation was surprisingly upbeat.  Freshmen test scores were up dramatically.  The graduation rate was stron ...

The fictional character Fleet Walker provides real world advice Assessing, improving and monitoring anti-fraud programs are key elements of an effective internal control structure. Many companies have a long way to go to address the challenges of fraud and corruption. In this brief article, Professor Crumbley suggests that as a starting point, we consider the steps taken by Fleet Walker (a fictional charact ...

Using software to digitize your litigation consulting practice How well does your current document management system measure up? Learn more about the latest trends and techniques in using electronic data storage and how accountants are uniquely positioned to transition into the use of this technology in their litigation consulting engagements. ...

A closer look at real estate appraisal and government contracts A wife sells her portion of interest in a law firm in an arm’s length transaction and the timing and circumstances are questioned with regard to marital property. Adhering to cost accounting standards within government contracts and real estate valuation issues are reviewed in the latest Case Law Update. ...

Forensic accountants are key in the division of marital property in divorce. Forensic analysts in marital litigation support must understand the nuances of jurisdiction. Going beyond the normal practice of tracing, this overview explores three additional approaches that are essential to reclassify property formerly thought of as separate to marital property. ...

In response to having their E-mail addresses constantly traded and sold only to end up being bombarded by spam, consumers have struck back at retailers and corporations. They’ve pulled the plug on the unwanted online marketing mayhem with what’s known as disposable E-mail addresses (DEA).  Accounts don’t require any personal registration information like a name, birthday or location.  They’re also not activ ...

With the kickoff of the new football season, Forbes has once again, released its much anticipated valuation list of Most Valuable NFL Teams.   How the numbers stack up gives a very interesting view inside the most valuable professional sports league on earth.  According to the Forbes data as reported by Pressboxonline.com, the average NFL team increased in value by 5 percent.  Interestingly, winning the Sup ...