• QuickRead Top Story - Valuation/Appraisal

    Are We Taking Our Net Working Capital Calculations Seriously Enough?

    April 15, 2026

    In an economic environment where supply shocks and inflation are either not risks or pressing concerns, changes in net working capital receive limited attention. However, where supply shocks and or inflation are real risks, analysts must reassess traditional views to understand net working capital is fluctuating and what strategy management is espousing, along with the risks those strategies bring. In this article, the author invites readers to reassess their views on the implications of changes in net working capital. To answer this question, a brief review is helpful. Working capital (total current assets – total current liabilities) is an accounting…

  • QuickRead Top Story - Valuation/Appraisal

    Net Working Capital

    September 3, 2025

    A Key Component Used in Business Valuation For valuation purposes, net working capital involves a more comprehensive analysis than the straightforward traditional accounting definition of current assets minus current liabilities. This article examines the concept of net working capital and highlights its significance in business valuation. Net working capital represents a vital aspect of business valuation, as it influences a company’s enterprise value through projected cash flows, as well as its equity value based on excess or deficient net working capital at the valuation date. For valuation purposes, net working capital involves a more comprehensive analysis than the straightforward traditional…

  • QuickRead Top Story - Valuation/Appraisal

    Understanding Net Working Capital

    May 29, 2024

    A Key Formula Used in Business Valuation Net working capital is a crucial component of business valuation since it impacts both a company’s enterprise value via its projected cash flows and its equity value via excess or deficient net working capital levels as of the valuation date. In addition, net working capital for valuation purposes is more nuanced than simply taking current assets minus current liabilities, as is often done when calculating net working capital in an accounting context. This article discusses what is net working capital and why it is important to value a business. When valuing a business,…

  • QuickRead Top Story - Valuation/Appraisal

    Estimating Nonprofit

    February 5, 2020

    Asset Values (Part II of III) This is the second of a three-part article that focuses on valuing nonprofit corporation assets. Valuation analysts are commonly engaged to provide fair market value guidance related to nonprofit business transactions. Nonprofit businesses are often involved in arms-length transactions. Common transactions include royalty payments for the use of intellectual property, royalty revenue earned by licensing intellectual property, sales of assets, and purchases of assets. If the subject transaction is between a nonprofit and a related party, the transaction is required to be a fair market value transaction. This series provides an example of certain…

  • QuickRead Top Story - Valuation/Appraisal

    In re Appraisal of DFC Global

    June 27, 2018

    A Study of the Experts’ Inputs and Court Opinion How does a court go about deciding a valuation case when two experts oppose each other? The author examines the DFC Global Corporation decision to see what that reveals and how that may impact an expert’s future engagement. The author finds three takeaways for readers.