New Market Evidence Confirms Control Premium Best Practices

The Appraisal Foundation’s forthcoming VFR Valuation Advisory #3, The Measurement and Application of Market Participant Acquisition Premiums (“Advisory #3”) suggests that control of a business enterprise has limited value for its own sake. Rather, the value of control is correlated to the expectation for enhanced economic benefits from exercising such control. Recently published research from McKinsey & Company confirms this insight, finding that investors view acquisitions more favorably when specific synergies are identified and quantified at the announcement date.

Alt Managers Bounce Back After Years of Underperformance

We think performance fees will likely continue to fall (in one form or another), but, like active management, never be totally eliminated.  So on balance, a modestly improving outlook for the sector is probably justified after a rough 2015 and 2016 for most industry participants.

Market Trends: 3Q17 Update

The first three quarters of 2017 were active for U.S. markets.  Major indices were characterized by low volatility and upward momentum against a backdrop of tightening monetary policy and strong economic indicators.  Private equity saw steady deal flow despite challenging market conditions, and record levels of venture capital deployment were seen amidst declining deal volume as capital continued to gravitate to the unicorns.  With one quarter left, we take a look at market activity during the first three quarters of 2017.   

Held (or Held Up?) by Production

Depending on which side of an oil and gas negotiation one is on, Held By Production (HBP) provisions can be a favorable, or unfavorable, value contributor. We discuss the concept and provide helpful information for mineral owners to consider.

How to Value your Exploration and Production Company

We recently published a white paper explaining how to value an E&P company. The purpose of the paper is to provide an informative overview regarding the valuation of exploration and production (E&P) companies operating in the oil and gas industry.

Laissez Le Bon Temps Rouler! RIA Market Caps Peak Despite Headwinds

If you only followed the press surrounding asset managers, you’d think the entire industry was in serious trouble.  Fee compression, fund outflows, regulatory overhang, rising costs, and a host of other issues have dominated headlines in recent years, yet the market doesn’t seem to care.

Harms and Davis to Present at ASA Advanced Business Valuation Conference

Travis W. Harms, CFA, CPA/ABV, senior vice president, and Jeff K. Davis, CFA, managing director of Mercer Capital’s Financial Institutions Group, will be presenting at the American Society of Appraisers’ (ASA) Advanced Business Valuation Conference October 7 – 10 in Houston, Texas.

Social Capital’s Backdoor Unicorn IPO

We have recently discussed the changing dynamics of the IPO market and startups’ shifting perspectives in regards to going public.  Public offerings haven’t all gone wrong this year, but latest rounds of unicorn IPO flops appear to have dampened some investors’ outlook on the traditional IPO route.  Nevertheless, unicorn investors still need liquidity and are turning to creative ways to get the IPO pipeline flowing again.

Recent Trends in Asset Management

This week, we’re sharing some recent media on trends in asset management, including the breakaway broker phenomenon, M&A activity, and the ongoing shift towards passive products.

How Do Post-Production Deductions Affect the Value of Your Oil and Gas Royalty Interest?

From the first Board Meeting to the last session of the conference, post-production deductions were discussed in great detail at the NARO National Convention.  Why were these deductions brought up time and time again? Because post-production deductions affect the value of a mineral owner’s interest yet the regulations surrounding them is somewhat unclear and exists mainly on a contractual basis.

A New Framework and Credential for Financial Instrument Valuation

Global accounting standards increasingly call for financial measurements and disclosures that comply with a defined measurement objective, such as fair value.  Additionally, financial instruments are becoming increasingly complex in their terms, conditions, and structure.  As a result, the AICPA has announced the creation of a new Disclosure Framework for the Valuation of Financial Instruments (the “DF-FI”) and a new professional credential relating to financial instruments called the CVFI (Certified in Valuation of Financial Instruments).

Additional Considerations for Leaving a Wirehouse or Brokerage Firm

Piggybacking off of our post from last week, we discuss the various options one faces when leaving a wirehouse firm, including the various pros and cons to doing so.  The advisory profession has evolved significantly over time, so we’re writing this post to keep you apprised of your options as you consider the big leap.

Options for Today’s Financial Advisors

Ever since the Financial Crisis, wirehouse advisors have been pondering this question as the independent model continues to lure wealth managers from the big banks and brokerage firms.  This post discusses the various options that financial advisors (FAs) are faced with today and when it makes sense for them to stick around or do their own thing.

Webinar: What Is My RIA Worth?

Matthew R. Crow, CFA, ASA, president, and Brooks K. Hamner, CFA, ASA, vice president, will host the webinar What Is My RIA Worth? on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 from noon – 1:00 pm. 

What Is Your Name Worth as a Tradename?

Tradenames are valuable if customers associate the name with products or services that are of higher quality than alternate offerings. For the acquiring firm, such an association can lead to greater financial returns. However, a market participant acquirer will likely pay (up) for the privilege of continuing to use the founder’s name only if she expects the superior financial performances, as well as the signaling benefits, will be transferable.

How to Use Reserve Reports When Determining Fair Market Value

Last week, we analyzed the SEC’s $6.2 million settlement with a Big 4 audit firm relating to auditing failures associated with Miller Energy Resources, an oil and gas company with activities in the Appalachian region of Tennessee and in Alaska. The SEC order determines that the Big 4 audit firm did not properly use the reserve reports conclusion of PV-10 (present value at 10%).  This post considers the proper use of reserve reports and risk adjustment factors when determining fair market value.

What Is My RIA Worth?

Of all the topics we cover in RIA Valuation Insights, the most popular concerns what an investment management firm is actually worth.  As a consequence, we thought it would be worthwhile to offer a webinar on the topic, and are planning to do so on Tuesday, October 3. 

$475 Million Bargain Purchase Leads to a SEC Settlement

Originally published on Mercer Capital’s Financial Reporting Blog, Lucas Parris analyzed the SEC’s $6.2 million settlement with a Big 4 audit firm relating to auditing failures associated with Miller Energy Resources, an oil and gas company with activities in the Appalachian region of Tennessee and in Alaska.