Earnings management (“EM”) is the practice of earnings smoothing. Research shows there are three reasons why managers engage in EM. They include: optimal contract design, signaling and rational expectations. One example of an optimal contract design is when management’s compensation is tied to the earnings of the firm. Risk-averse managers will engage in EM to …
If you’re a business owner and preparing to sell soon, these six steps will prepare you for an orderly and well-orchestrated process: Identify your personal and business goals. For most business owners, much of their personal wealth is in their business. Therefore, it is important to integrate your personal and business goals. Start by speaking …
One of the first items we ask for when engaged to value a holding company interest is the governing agreement of that entity. This could be either an Operating or Partnership Agreement (with all amendments). Sometimes we are asked why we need the governing agreement to prepare a valuation. In the valuation of holding company …
For business owners preparing for the next chapter in the business cycle, the terminology used by consultants can be a little confusing. Most owners believe that succession planning and exit planning are the same, but they are not. We offer the following descriptions of each term to assist those of you who are looking to …
One of the three major changes included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) that impacts multinational companies (MNC) is the ability to repatriate cash from overseas. The TCJA makes it easier for MNCs to get cash earned abroad back to the United States. A sudden increase in cash on an MNC …
With the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in December 2017, most people have heard about the changes in tax brackets, the elimination of exemptions, the reduced tax rate for corporations and the qualified business deduction for certain passthrough entities. For those in the midst of divorce, or contemplating a divorce, the …
The valuation of a business is prepared as of a certain date in time. This could be any date, often determined by the purpose of the valuation. A valuation prepared for estate tax purposes is as of the date of death. A valuation for divorce purposes is often the date of service. The valuation date …
Recently, a number of clients have engaged us to value their business because they do not have a firm grasp of what their company is worth and they are considering selling their interest in the near future. After we performed the assignment and met with the client to discuss the value drivers of their business, …
There is a reason it is called exit planning – there are steps required for you to ultimately leave the company you have built. One-step is to understand who will be on the other side of the negotiation table in a potential transaction. In most cases, there are five types of buyers in the market …
I was approached by a prospective client a few years ago requiring forensic accounting services in connection with his divorce. The prospective client made it clear to me what his ultimate objective was. He told me, “I want you to review documents I’m going to show you and conclude with me that my wife stole …