Is It Reasonable? Normalizing Adjustments

As part of the appraisal due diligence process, information is obtained from general partners and/or managing members as well as from a variety of other sources. Such information provides a basis for the appraiser to understand the composition, operations, strategy, and governance of the entity. This article focuses on the importance of analyzing, from a valuation perspective, the reasonableness of this information.

S Corporation Banks Beware

While most banks and their directors are generally aware of the tax benefits of an S election, there are some potential disadvantages.

Sub-Chapter S Election for Banks

Excerpted from Mercer Capital’s book, The Bank Director’s Valuation Handbook: What Every Director Needs to Know About Valuation.

Capital Conundrums

This article provides a summary of capital raising transactions that have occurred in 2008 and offers insight into the financial considerations present in evaluating each capital alternative.

2007: A Year to Forget for Banks

As the world celebrated the closing of another year on December 31,2007, many bankers hoped to soon forget one of the worst periods for bank stock performance in recent history.

What’s in a Name: Valuing Trademarks and Trade Names

In March 2010, Diamond Foods, Inc. completed its acquisition of Kettle Foods. Nearly 40%, of the purchase price was allocated to “brand intangibles.” Such a high value leads to the question: How are such valuations determined and what are the drivers?

FASB Modifies Goodwill Impairment Test

On August 10, 2011, the FASB approved a pending exposure draft, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment,” which adds an optional qualitative assessment (referred to by some as the “Step Zero” test) to the annual goodwill impairment testing process.