(Part I of V) This is the first article of a five-installment discussion that will summarize the application of the unit valuation principle. As will be described, a unit principle valuation is not a business valuation. However, business valuation analysts are often more comfortable with the development of unit principle valuations than are real estate or personal property appraisers. Introduction This five-installment discussion will summarize the application of the unit valuation principle. As will be described, a unit principle valuation is not a business valuation. However, business valuation analysts (hereinafter “analysts”) are often more comfortable with the development of unit…
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Core Finance Team Affiliates, LLC v. Maine Medical Center—The Distinction Between Quantum Meruit and Unjust Enrichment What is the difference between a claim of quantum meruit and unjust enrichment? This very issue was addressed in Core Finance Team Affiliates, LLC v. Maine Medical Center and is discussed in this article. The legal profession is famously hidebound; for goodness’ sake, they still where robes and wigs in English courts. As a result, they still throw around many Latin phrases, which can lead to confusion. In Core Finance Team Affiliates, LLC v. Maine Medical Center, 2024 ME 78, 2024 Me. LEXIS 85…
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Use ChatGPT’s newly released agents to automate every task you can define. ChatGPT’s new AI agents are purpose-built digital assistants designed to handle specific tasks autonomously, making them a powerful tool for business consultants. These agents can research competitors, summarize client documents, generate reports, follow workflows, or even respond to e-mails; all with minimal input. For consultants juggling multiple clients and projects, AI agents can act like virtual team members, saving hours of manual work and helping you deliver faster, smarter results. Now it is your turn to create your own autonomous AI agent. Post your ideas below the video…
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Ethical AI Parameters for Valuation Professionals In the world of valuation, particularly at the intersection of professional judgement and AI, this 21st article of the Unimpeachable Neutrality Series begs the question now facing us: what kind of AI guardrails should exist? And how do we keep them from becoming runaway lanes, or worse, launchpads, into unintended consequences? There is something charming about a good guardrail. Whether you are navigating the hairpin curves of a West Virginia backroad or the shifting terrain of emerging technologies, there is comfort in knowing you will not plummet into the ravine of professional ruin, so…
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The Use of Structured Data and Information Systems This article provides a hypothetical case study that walks readers through the process of a financial investigation in which the data extraction, analysis, and forensic reconciliation are integrated seamlessly by accounting and data experts who understand both sides of an investigation. Introduction Structured data and information systems are increasingly utilized to improve the efficiency and efficacy of financial investigations. Forensic accountants and investigation experts have more frequently engaged skilled analysts to perform certain data extraction and complex technical analyses. However, certain matters force a bifurcated approach where the analytics team is left…
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Increased Misuse and Sophistication of AI to Commit Digital Fraud The level of sophistication used by fraudsters continues to increase. Fraudsters are using voice recognition and voice swapping, as well as other generative AI tools that continue to evolve. It is critical to constantly reassess internal controls and understand how AI is used and misused. In this article, the author shares some of the schemes used and issues a challenge to entities as well as to accounting and fraud examiners. At this point, the idea of artificial intelligence (AI) generating content is nothing new. You have likely seen plenty of…
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It’s About Them What is the purpose of marketing? While credentials are helpful, the profession needs to reevaluate the strategies used. In this article, Rod Burkert reminds us of what the profession may consider to market the services effectively. Have you wondered why it’s getting harder to reach the leads and prospects we want to sell to and serve? What if almost everything we’ve considered to be marketing … is wrong? Let me give you a bit of history. We first complained about certain valuation organizations’ very existence. The IBA came first. Then the ASA. Apparently two organizations was all…
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Use Canva and ChatGPT to Create a Pricing Calculator you can use on your website. AI is changing the game when it comes to coding. Now, even if you do not know a thing about programming, you can still bring your ideas to life. With AI-powered tools, all you need to do is describe what you want and the AI will handle the code for you. It is as simple as telling the system what you need—whether it is building a website, creating an app, or automating a task—and watching the AI turn your request into functional code. This opens…
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Healthcare Cost Drivers CMS found that overall healthcare spending growth has decreased slightly but is still elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels and is expected to continue to moderately grow. This article examines the factors underlying the forecasts. On June 25, 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its forecast on U.S. healthcare spending through 2033. The analysis, published in Health Affairs, estimated healthcare spending growth in 2024 and projected the growth into 2033. CMS found that overall healthcare spending growth has decreased slightly but is still elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, and is expected to continue to…
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Navigating Climate Risks, Financial Forensics, and Innovative Solutions Forensic accounting plays a crucial role in modernizing climate risk insurance models. As climate change intensifies extreme weather events, insurers are struggling to accurately price risk, detect fraudulent claims, and maintain financial stability. This article explores how fraud, forensic accounting, and innovative risk management practices intersect with these challenges, while examining alternatives to traditional property insurance and the global implications of climate change. The effects of global warming and climate change are increasingly evident, with extreme weather events, rapid-onset, and slow-onset, wreaking havoc across the globe. In the United States, localized catastrophes…
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Budget Cuts, Payment Freezes, and Tariffs In an attempt to continue tracking the latest actions of the federal government’s legislative and executive branches affecting the healthcare industry since the last article was released in March, this article summarizes recent events in Washington and the impact of these changes on providers and patients. During the early months of the Republican Party’s government trifecta (controlling the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives), both the Trump Administration and Congress have laid the groundwork for seismic change to the U.S. healthcare industry. In an attempt to continue tracking the latest actions of the…
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Dissecting the Impact on Valuation Drivers What impact, if any, will the imposition of tariffs have on the valuation of assets? How will the imposition of tariffs impact modeling? In this article, the author shares his thoughts on the various factors and industries that valuation professionals must weigh to prepare a valuation. Economic Uncertainty in Valuation Economic uncertainty arises when key macroeconomic indicators—such as GDP growth, interest rates, and fiscal policies—become unpredictable. This unpredictability reduces the accuracy of forecasts and limits visibility into future performance. For valuation professionals, it complicates the modeling of cash flows and expands the range of…
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AI Agents are the future and here is an easy way to get started. AI agents are computer programs designed to act like intelligent assistants; they can understand instructions, make decisions, and complete tasks on your behalf. Think of them as digital helpers that use data, reasoning, and even language skills to solve problems, answer questions, or automate repetitive work. In short, AI agents can handle jobs you would normally do yourself, but faster, more consistently, and at any time of day. I recently learned of a new AI agent that is installed as a Chrome Plug-in. Here is a…