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Locating Lost Retirement Savings
People who have lost track of retirement savings from previous employers can now utilize a valuable resource: the Labor Department’s Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database. Launched in late December 2024, this initiative aims to help individuals reconnect with their forgotten funds. Key Statistics Although the Labor Department does not track the outcomes after users…
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How to Value: Venture Capital & Principal Trading
Industry Description The venture capital & principal trading industry in the U.S. comprises principals in financial contract transactions, specifically buying and selling for their own portfolios (NAICS 52391). The industry excludes securities dealers, investment bankers, and commodity contracts dealers who trade as principals. The following are some basic characteristics of the venture capital &…
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SEC Proposes Semiannual Reporting
The Securities & Exchange Commission’s first major disclosure overhaul in decades would let firms replace three quarterly filings with a single mid-year report, dividing markets between efficiency advocates and investor-protection watchdogs. The SEC has unveiled a proposal that would allow publicly traded companies to file earnings reports twice a year rather than four times, marking…
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The Basics of the Market Approach
The market approach remains a cornerstone of business valuation because it reflects real-world pricing behavior between willing buyers and sellers. While valuation professionals often rely heavily on the income approach, integrating market-based evidence strengthens conclusions, improves defensibility, and aligns valuations with observable transaction data. But both are functional, sound methodologies The Role of the Market…
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How to Value: Alarm, Horn & Traffic Control Equipment Manufacturing
Industry Description The alarm, horn & traffic control equipment manufacturing industry in the U.S comprises the production of various communication devices, including alarm systems, hazard detection systems, traffic signals, sirens, and intercom systems (NAICS 33429). This industry excludes the manufacturing of telephone apparatuses, radio and TV broadcast equipment, and wireless communications equipment. The following…
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Tariff Refund System Launched
A long-awaited refund system for up to $166 billion in illegally collected tariffs is now live, This new system offers relief to tens of thousands of U.S. importers, though many are tempering their optimism with pragmatic concern about technical glitches and potential legal interference. The system, known as CAPE and developed by U.S. Customs and…
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Management’s Projections in Disputes
Financial projections prepared by management often play a central role in valuation and damages analyses. However, their use in litigation and dispute contexts presents a fundamental tension: while management typically possesses the deepest operational insight into a business, its forecasts may also reflect optimism, bias, or litigation-driven incentives. As a result, professional standards, judicial precedent,…
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How to Value: Architects
Industry Description The architects industry in the U.S. comprises professionals who develop plans and designs for various structures such as residential homes, institutional facilities, recreational complexes, commercial centers, and industrial buildings (NAICS 54131). They apply design principles, construction methods, building codes, zoning laws, and material properties to create functional built environments. The following are…
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A Guide for Section 530A Accounts
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced a new category of tax-advantaged savings vehicle for children: the Section 530A account. While early coverage has focused almost exclusively on the federal government’s one-time $1,000 pilot contribution, the full planning opportunity is considerably richer. These accounts offer families, grandparents, employers, and advisors a powerful new tool for…
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IRS’ 2026 “Dirty Dozen”
The IRS has released its 2026 “Dirty Dozen” list, an annual compilation of prevalent tax scams that threaten taxpayers, businesses, and tax professionals. Published as part of a broader awareness initiative led by the Internal Revenue Service in coordination with the Security Summit, the list highlights evolving fraud schemes and reinforces the importance of vigilance,…
