(Part V) To look to the future of the BV profession, we must explore the relevant dynamics within the industry. That starts with looking to our past to see what events and milestones brought us to where we are today, followed by ascertaining the economic and demographic trends leading us into the future, and culminating with identifying those trends which will have the greatest impact upon the profession. NACVA set upon drafting a white paper that would provide valuable insight to the future of the business valuation profession, with Chris Mercer taking the lead who is known by nearly every…
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A Case Study In articles published in The Value Examiner, “A Hybrid Approach to Estimating Company Specific Risk,” and “A Hybrid Approach to Determining Company Specific Risk: Using Monte Carlo Simulation,” the author explains the theoretical basis for using a company specific risk premium in the build-up method and presents a methodology for developing the company specific risk premium. Then he shows how to incorporate Monte Carlo simulation into the model. The model is a variation of David Wood’s MUM for allocating personal and business goodwill and the risk rate component model. The following article is a review of some…
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Theory to Practice VPS StraightTalk Webinar, June 15, 2023 This article summarizes key takeaways from the June 15, 2023, VPS StraightTalk Webinar presentation co-led by R. James Alerding, CPA, ABV and Carli D. Lehr, CPA, CVA, CSEP. The speakers discussed how to differentiate between a projection and forecast, the importance of developing a reliable cash flow or projection evaluation of specific risk to the overall valuation, lessons from court cases regarding the use of forecasts, and what valuation standards say about the use of prospective financial information in business valuations. This article summarizes key points. Business valuation analysts spend a…
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in Business Valuations The advent of ChatGPT and its other AI apps has come to the forefront. This is potentially disruptive technology that will raise uncomfortable issues, but also open the door to innovation and new industries. AI will impact how business valuations are performed and the role of accredited professionals. This article discusses how AI and machine learning could impact the business valuation profession. Is knowledge power? Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to using computers, IT systems, and technologies and their abilities to perform tasks that naturally require human intelligence, i.e., simulated cognitive, critical thinking, and reasoning capabilities. How does…
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(Part IV) To look to the future of the BV profession, we must explore the relevant dynamics within the industry. That starts with looking to our past to see what events and milestones brought us to where we are today, followed by ascertaining the economic and demographic trends leading us into the future, and culminating with identifying those trends which will have the greatest impact upon the profession. NACVA set upon drafting a white paper that would provide valuable insight to the future of the business valuation profession, with Chris Mercer taking the lead who is known by nearly every…
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Structured, Clear, and Well-Researched and Reasoned In a litigation setting, a well-written business valuation report can position your conclusion of value as credible. When completed for tax purposes, a well-written business valuation report can help avoid an IRS challenge. In any circumstances, a well-written business valuation report can provide the business owner with ways to increase cash flow and reduce risk. After business appraisers learn information about a business, research the economy and applicable industry(ies), analyze the financial statements, and estimate the value of the business, the work is captured in a report. In many cases, it is the business…
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The “Least Bad” Method Determining a discount for lack of control (DLOC) is one of the more challenging tasks facing business valuators. The reason for this is the methodologies used each have weaknesses. In this article, David Goodman looks at two methods and explains the difficulties in relying on them. This is a case where business appraisers may need to rely on the “least bad” method … a term of art. Determining a discount for lack of control (DLOC) is one of the more challenging tasks facing business valuators. The reason for this is the methodologies used each have weaknesses.…
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Tests of Reasonableness Business appraisers use tests that ask whether decisions made are legitimate and designed to remedy a certain issue under the circumstances. These tests are commonly referred to in the valuation literature as tests of reasonableness. Several methods have been suggested and employed (e.g., purchase justification test), but limited literature speaks to the use of a test of reasonableness for company specific risk premia (CSRP). This article explores data sources and analyses available to appraisers to provide a “test of reasonableness” to increase the confidence level and analysis of their CSRP analysis. Business appraisers use tests that ask…
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(Part III) To look to the future of the BV profession, we must explore the relevant dynamics within the industry. That starts with looking to our past to see what events and milestones brought us to where we are today, followed by ascertaining the economic and demographic trends leading us into the future, and culminating with identifying those trends which will have the greatest impact upon the profession. NACVA set upon drafting a white paper that would provide valuable insight to the future of the business valuation profession, with Chris Mercer taking the lead who is known by nearly every…
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Theory to Practice VPS StraightTalk Webinar, June 15, 2023 This article summarizes key takeaways from the June 15, 2023, VPS StraightTalk Webinar presentation co-led by R. James Alerding, CPA, ABV and Carli D. Lehr, CPA, CVA, CSEP. The speakers discussed how to differentiate between a projection and forecast, the importance of developing a reliable cash flow or projection evaluation of specific risk to the overall valuation, lessons from court cases regarding the use of forecasts, and what valuation standards say about the use of prospective financial information in business valuations. This article summarizes key points. Business valuation analysts spend a…
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The Use of Hypotheticals to Illustrate What Is Known or Knowable In valuation, the concept of “known or knowable” refers to events or circumstances that are (or are not) known or able to be known as of a specific date. This concept is important in the valuation process because every valuation is performed as of a particular point in time, which is referred to as the valuation date. Because the valuation process is typically completed after the effective valuation date, there may be events or circumstances that could impact value which take place after the valuation date. This article presents…
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An Unimpeachable Cure for Delusive Exactness This 15th article of the unimpeachable neutrality series discusses the pathology, symptoms, and treatment for a bad case of delusive exactness. Delusive exactness affects thousands of financial experts every day and can be fatal to a case if left untreated. On balance, delusive exactness, as described herein, refers to the testimonial delirium exhibited by a financial expert witness that overstates the strength of their conclusion of damages or value beyond that which can or should reasonably be drawn from the application of the methods, data, or sources of information relied upon, considered, or applied…
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A Primer on the Tax Law Issues Years ago, “golden parachute” payments were fully tax deductible by the employer if they were “ordinary and necessary” business expenses under Internal Revenue Code § 162. However, due to controversy over large executive pay packages, the Tax Reform Act of 1984 added § 280G to the Internal Revenue Code. This article discusses planning and tax deductibility issues under the current law. Golden parachute arrangements typically provide for large cash payments to a corporation’s key executives if those individuals are terminated due to a change in the control of the company. Years ago, these…
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(Part II) To look to the future of the BV profession, we must explore the relevant dynamics within the industry. That starts with looking to our past to see what events and milestones brought us to where we are today, followed by ascertaining the economic and demographic trends leading us into the future, and culminating with identifying those trends which will have the greatest impact upon the profession. NACVA set upon drafting a white paper that would provide valuable insight to the future of the business valuation profession, with Chris Mercer taking the lead who is known by nearly every…
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An Option to Full-Blown Litigation This article is the first of a multi-part series wherein I will provide the broad strokes of the Collaborative Process and continue with examples of engagements wherein the process has been used (both successfully and unsuccessfully). For the first two years of my practice (2013 through 2015), I worked almost exclusively in pre-nuptial agreements and divorce, mostly in business valuation services and litigation support. These first two years, as is likely the case for many sole proprietors, were from a professional perspective, the most significant for me and the future operations of my company. It…
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A Deeper Inquiry to Better Understand Risk and Performance Key performance indicators (KPIs) can provide business valuation better insight regarding the risk profile of the company, revenue drivers, forecasts, and performance of management in the market served. In this article, the author provides insight regarding what metrics are potentially available to better understand a firm that is being valued. When performing a business valuation analysis, one essential consideration is understanding the subject company’s revenue drivers. Looking at the company’s top-line revenues, a growth or a decline rate is clearly visible. Throughout the valuation engagement, a valuation professional may inquire about…
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(Part IV of IV) Analysts often apply the cost approach to value special-purpose property. And the measurement of economic obsolescence is an important but often controversial procedure in such cost approach analyses. Part one of this four-part series considered economic obsolescence concepts. Part two discussed the generally accepted measurement methods. Part three recommended responses to the most typical assessment authority objections to economic obsolescence measurements. This fourth part recommends best practices responses to other (but still common) assessor objections to economic obsolescence measurements. Introduction Valuation analysis (“analysts”) are often asked to value special-purpose industrial and commercial property. When analysts value…
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To look to the future of the BV profession, we must explore the relevant dynamics within the industry. That starts with looking to our past to see what events and milestones brought us to where we are today, followed by ascertaining the economic and demographic trends leading us into the future, and culminating with identifying those trends which will have the greatest impact upon the profession. NACVA set upon drafting a white paper that would provide valuable insight to the future of the business valuation profession, with Chris Mercer taking the lead who is known by nearly every person in…
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(Part III of IV) Part one of this four-part series discussed the unit principle of property appraisal. Part two discussed the methods of economic obsolescence measurement. This third part recommends best practices responses to the most typical assessment authority objections for economic obsolescence measurements. Introduction Valuation analysts (“analysts”) are often asked to develop value for complex industrial and commercial properties for taxation and other purposes. Unit principle appraisals value these complex properties as a single unit operating collectively on a going concern basis. And the analysis of economic obsolescence is an important cost approach component in the unit principle appraisal…
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(Part II of IV) The first of this four-part series considered the differences between the unit principle of property appraisal and the summation principle of property appraisal. This second part describes and illustrates the generally accepted economic obsolescence measurement methods (with particular emphasis on the capitalization of income loss method). Introduction Valuation analysis (“analysts”) are often called on to value complex, special-purpose industrial and commercial property operating collectively as a single “unit” of property. Analysts typically apply the cost approach to value such special-purpose property. This discussion focuses on the identification and measurement of economic obsolescence within the application of…