Authored by: Rick Kohr, Founder and CEO What Is Your Construction Company Worth? For construction business owners considering a sale, understanding what their company is worth is an important first step. However, there is no single valuation multiple or formula that applies to every contractor. Two companies with similar earnings can receive very different offers…
Authored by: Will O’Donnell Artificial intelligence is changing how accounting, business valuation, and financial advisory professionals approach their work. From analyzing financial data and reviewing documents to streamlining research and reporting, AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and Claude are creating new opportunities to improve efficiency across valuation and advisory practices. But adopting AI…
Authored by: Patrick Lowry, Managing Director of Business Valuation 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…