Valuing a company is neither a simple activity nor a one-time event. Every private company throughout its lifecycle will develop a series of valuations for a variety of reasons. It is important to create a strategy by which you determine the approach and process needed for valuing the company now and into the future. Each business represents a unique set of challenges and requires knowledgeable and experienced professionals who can apply both science and art to the valuation process.

This Practice Group has strong working knowledge of the various methods for determining business values that can be employed and can provide the necessary expertise and guidance. Our valuation experts are proficient with the IRS requirements under IRC Section 409A as well as the AICPA suggested best practices. The practice group also advises companies on how to manage activities leading up to a valuation including the preparation of budgets/forecasts, business plans, and strategic plans.

CFOs2GO advises and assist companies seeking business valuation services by:

• Work with executive teams to identify the “drivers” of value using both traditional and industry specific methodologies
• Assist CFOs and executive teams prepare for and manage independent IRC valuations by other firms or individuals.
• Provide direction and support CFOs and executive teams in pricing common stock options to be granted at no less than fair market value.
• Complete independent valuations in accordance with IRC 409A regulations along with annual updates.
• Develop and execute business valuations for family-owned businesses shares to be transferred.
• Work with clients in establishing balanced approaches to buy/sell agreements.
• Complete independent valuations for gifting and estate planning purposes in accordance with IRC 2701 and 2702 Gift tax regulations.
• Complete independent valuations for merger or acquisition purposes in accordance with ASC 805 / FAS 141R for Business Combinations and ASC 350 / FAS 142 for Goodwill and Other Intangibles.
• Work with clients on valuations performed by other firms or individuals to understand terms, distinctions and valuation methods.

Our team works with all types of companies, including:

Privately held companies are required to seek valuations for a variety of business situations in order to comply with tax and financial accounting standards. For instance, companies and grantees face significant tax liabilities and penalties if stock options are issued at less than fair market value. As a result, companies either considering or currently issuing stock options should consider an independent IRC 409A valuation annually and more frequently. Other compliance concerns that required valuations include ASC 718 / FAS 123R stock compensation or ASC 350 / FAS 142 Goodwill and Other Intangibles.

The owners of many private family-owned and operated companies have found that the recent changes in the gifting rules for tax purposes, with expanded life time exemptions, make it an interesting time to make ownership transfers to the next generation. One of the keys is a properly planned and executed business valuation so that the shares to be transferred can be correctly priced and compliant with IRC 2701 and 2702 on gift taxes.

Whether your company is adding new partners or shareholders, negotiating a buy-sell agreement, looking for investment capital or seeking acquisitions, you need expert guidance on developing a valuation. We work with companies in transition to determine a robust valuation strategy for the long-term such as ASC 805 / FAS 141R for Business Combinations or ASC 350 / FAS 142 for Goodwill and Other Intangibles as well as complete well-researched valuations for immediate needs.