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A business interest’s value is more than just a number to its owner. It represents years of hard work, sacrifice and investment. Owners often believe they have a clear understanding of their company’s worth. But emotions and optimism about future […]

Business valuation experts often rely on prospective financial statements when applying the discounted cash flow (DCF) method to value a private business interest. However, when management prepares financial projections for another purpose — such as a loan application — repurposing […]

There are three commonly accepted techniques for valuing a closely held business: the cost (or asset-based) approach, the market approach and the income approach. Valuation professionals routinely consider all three approaches before deciding which is most appropriate for the circumstances […]

Giving Tuesday is a global event that promotes charitable giving and awareness for philanthropic causes. This year, it falls on December 3. While many people donate cash or volunteer for their favorite causes, charities also welcome donations of company stock. […]

In today’s global economy, an established business might consider expanding its revenue base by acquiring or merging with a company in an emerging market. These markets — for example, in Brazil, China, India, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey — provide […]

Discounts for lack of marketability are well established when valuing minority interests in closely held businesses. But many valuation experts believe that controlling business interests also warrant a marketability discount to reflect the uncertainty and risk associated with the timing […]

Goodwill impairment is often a negative indicator. It potentially signals that a business combination failed to meet management’s expectations due to internal or external factors. In recent years, uncertain markets, lingering inflation and high interest rates have caused goodwill impairments […]

Financial statements help managers, lenders and investors evaluate a company’s financial performance. But they tell only part of the story — and they might not reveal financial distress until it’s too late, especially for companies that issue only annual reports. […]

A chart of accounts is the foundation of accurate financial reporting, so it needs to be set up correctly. A disorganized chart or one that lumps transactions into broad, undefined “buckets” of data can make it difficult for management to […]

It’s critical for business owners and managers to understand how to present contingent liabilities accurately in the financial statements. Under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), some contingent losses may be reported on the balance sheet and income statement, while […]

Running a closely held business is challenging. Owners usually prioritize core business operations — such as managing employees, serving customers and bringing in new sales — over tedious bookkeeping tasks. Plus, the accounting rules can be overwhelming. However, access to […]

In recent years, the accounting rules have undergone significant changes, including updated standards for reporting revenue, leases and credit losses. While business owners and managers often express frustration over the complexity of these rules, they’re more than an exercise in […]