Tag: Valuation
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The Timing of Your Gift of Stock Is More Important Than You Think
Authored by: Patrick Lowry Quick Facts For owners of privately held businesses, gifting company stock can be an effective way to transfer wealth, reduce potential estate tax exposure, and take advantage of available tax exemptions. But beyond how much you give, when you make the gift can significantly influence its valuation and potential tax benefits.…
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When Does a Company Need an Independent 409A Valuation?
For private companies, equity compensation can be an important tool for attracting and retaining employees, executives, and other key contributors. But when a company grants stock options, it also needs to establish the fair market value of its common stock. That is where a 409A valuation comes in. An independent 409A valuation helps a private…
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Decoding Valuation Fees: How Are They Determined?
Authored By: Patrick Guthrie, CFA One of the first questions clients often have when considering a business valuation is simple: What will it cost? The answer depends on the engagement. Valuation fees are influenced by several factors, including the purpose of the valuation, the complexity of the business, and the level of analysis and documentation…
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An ESOP Feasibility Study—How It Guides the ESOP Decision
Authored By: Patrick Guthrie, CFA When business owners begin exploring exit strategies or liquidity events, the idea of selling to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) often surfaces as one of several options. Assessing whether an ESOP is the right financial and strategic fit for both the company and its owner requires a thorough, data-driven…
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Business Valuation Services Explained: Which Method Fits Your Company and Why
Authored By: Patrick Guthrie There is no one-size-fits-all approach to business valuation. The appropriate methodology depends on the purpose of the valuation, the characteristics of the business, and the financial and market data available. Business owners seek valuations for many reasons, including mergers and acquisitions, tax planning, financial reporting, litigation, succession planning, and strategic planning. Because…
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4 Key Drivers That Increase Business Value
Valuing a business requires synthesizing a wide range of information, including financial statement trends, operating performance, management strength, public company comparisons, and private market transactions. These factors are evaluated in the context of the risk and potential returns investors can achieve through alternative investments in the market. During a business valuation, owners often ask what…
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When Not to Implement an ESOP: Considerations for Businesses
Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) can be a powerful tool for engaging employees and fostering a sense of alignment within a company, but much like any business strategy; they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Business owners should carefully consider the risks and rewards prior to implementing an ESOP, as the various financial needs and growth…
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4 Key Takeaways From the 2026 National ESOP Conference
Authored By: Patrick Lowry At The ESOP Association’s National 2026 Conference, Daniel Aronowitz, head of the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), outlined the agency’s evolving approach to ERISA enforcement and oversight. His comments signaled a potentially more balanced regulatory posture, including reduced second-guessing of responsible fiduciaries and a focus on fair and even-handed enforcement efforts.…
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Spring 2026 Fair Value Conference – AI Impacts on Valuation Practices
Authored By: Will O’Donnell At the Spring 2026 ASA Fair Value Conference, the opening panel session brought together managing directors from industry leaders at Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG, and Kroll to discuss how artificial intelligence (“AI”) is reshaping valuation practices. The conversation offered a candid look at both the opportunities and challenges as firms integrate…
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What New DOL Guidance Means for ESOP Valuations—and Why It Matters Now
Authored By: Pat Lowry For years, ESOP transactions have operated under a consistent backdrop of regulatory and legal scrutiny—especially around trustee independence, fiduciary processes, and transaction fairness. For trustees, fiduciaries, and business owners, valuation challenges remain a key concern. In April 2026, the DOL’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) outlined updated enforcement priorities that point…