Authored By: Will O’Donnell A sound business valuation provides the foundation for strategic initiatives such as planning a sale, evaluating investments, meeting tax requirements, and ensuring transparent financial reporting. In valuation, there are a variety of approaches commonly used. One of the most widely used market-based approaches is the Guideline Transaction Method (GTM). This method…

Read more

Authored By: Patrick Lowry If you’re exploring succession planning or liquidity strategies, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) may be worth considering. While ESOPs can be complex and highly regulated, they offer unique tax advantages and long-term benefits for both business owners and employees. Here’s what to know when evaluating whether your company is a…

Read more

Authored By: Patrick Lowry Business owners and investors looking to maximize the capital gains tax benefits available under Section 1202 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) just received meaningful improvements. In July, the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) expanded several provisions tied to the Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) exclusion, making…

Read more

Authored By: Patrick Lowry When valuing a business—or even just a minority stake in one—understanding the standard of value being applied is essential. Different standards can lead to very different conclusions. Whether the purpose is estate planning, shareholder litigation, ESOP compliance, or preparing for a sale, the valuation framework needs to align with the intent.…

Read more

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…

Read more

Authored By: Will O’Donnell In early May, Evergreen Advisors attended the American Society of Appraisers’ (ASA) 2025 Spring Fair Value Conference—an event that brings together top valuation professionals, thought leaders, and regulators to discuss the latest developments and challenges in fair value reporting. For Evergreen’s Business Valuation team, this annual conference offers an opportunity to…

Read more

Authored By: Patrick Guthrie, CFA Pre-sale planning is essential for private business owners who want to maximize valuation, enhance marketability, and reduce tax liabilities before selling their business. A well-timed transfer of ownership interests—such as gifting shares to a trust—can help minimize taxes while preserving future gains. Understanding key transaction milestones ensures a smoother sale…

Read more

Authored By: Patrick Guthrie Valuing carried interest is a nuanced and essential process for fund managers, investors, and those seeking effective estate planning strategies. Carried interest, while often misunderstood, represents a future claim on profits from investment funds, making it an attractive tool for wealth transfer. However, given the complexity of fund structures, understanding how…

Read more

Authored By: Will O’Donnell Valuing early-stage companies involves not only understanding their growth trajectory but also examining the broader forces shaping their markets. While traditional company stages and valuation methods provide a foundational framework, evolving market trends are redefining how these methods apply in today’s venture environment. Key trends are emerging that significantly impact early-stage…

Read more

Authored By: Will O’Donnell Valuing early-stage companies presents unique challenges compared to established businesses. The complexity arises from multiple factors, including the company’s stage of development, the appropriate valuation methods for these entities, and the types of equity typically issued. In this article, we’ll break down these topics, including the latest guidance from the American…

Read more