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Perspectives & Insights

Explore Perspectives, our quarterly publication, as well as archives of Insights.

Perspectives

Perspectives is a quarterly digital publication that covers an array of topics, including valuation, taxation, litigation, transactions, financing, bankruptcy, and strategic planning. Like its award-winning predecessor, Insights, each edition of Perspectives is authored by Willamette Management Associates analysts, with occasional contributions from prominent attorneys and other professionals. Perspectives offers insights and analyses from our analysts to help readers stay informed on complex issues in the areas of valuation, forensic analysis, and financial advisory services.

January 2025

Editor for this issue: Scott R. Miller

Perspectives

The Potential Application of Artificial Intelligence in Business Valuation

Lerry A. Suarez and Dakota K. Ask

In the field of business valuation, artificial intelligence (“AI”) has the potential to be revolutionary. Although AI possesses promising abilities that can assist a valuation analyst with developing an analysis, its application raises concerns. There are several key considerations that a valuation analyst must carefully evaluate before relying on AI.

Perspectives

Providing Support and Rationale for the Estimation of a Company-Specific Risk Premium

Lisa H. Tran

The application of a company-specific risk premium (“CSRP”) when estimating the discount rate is controversial in the valuation industry. No generally accepted data source can be accessed to quantify the CSRP because the CSRP is specific to a subject company or asset. To estimate a relevant CSRP, the valuation analyst should perform a qualitative factor analysis and review quantifiable data sources that support the reasonableness of the CSRP.

Perspectives

Comparison of the Business Valuation Development Standards Among Organizations

Tia R. Hutton and Elizabeth Jones

Business valuation standards are promulgated by different authoritative bodies to create specific guidance for valuation analysts to improve quality and consistency. Each organization requires its members to adhere to its standards. However, navigating the different organizations and their standards can be difficult.

Previous Issues

Perspectives

October 2024 Perspectives

Editors for this issue: Jesse J. Gillett

  • Key Considerations in the Valuation of Carried Interest from a Tax Perspective
  • Digging in the Dirt: Performing Forensic Analysis of Financial Records for Valuation Purposes
  • Jointly Retained Valuation Engagements: A Road Map for Trust and Cooperation
Perspectives

July 2024 Perspectives

Editors for this issue: Brent A. McDade

  • Speculative, Viral, and Volatile: Valuation Considerations for Cryptocurrency Assets
  • Company Stock Repurchases at Fair Market Value May Deliver Value Accretion for Remaining Shareholders
  • Qualified Appraisals and Charitable Contribution Deductions: The Lessons of Hoensheid
Perspectives

April 2024 Perspectives

Editors for this issue: Nathan P. Novak and Timothy J. Meinhart

  • Control Considerations in the Valuation of a 50 percent Ownership Interest
  • The Expatriation Tax: How to Present Assets to the IRS When You Say Goodbye to the United States
  • The Valuation of Controlling Ownership Interests in the Context of Gift Tax Planning
Perspectives

January 2024 Perspectives

Editors for this issue: Justin M. Nielsen and Lisa H. Tran

  • The Applicability of Discounts for Lack of Marketability on Controlling Ownership Interests
  • Higher Interest Rates and Tax Exemptions May Maximize Benefits in Gift and Estate Tax Planning
  • Key Person Considerations When Valuing Private Companies in a Gift and Estate Tax Context
Perspectives

October 2023 Perspectives

Editor for this issue: Weston C. Kirk

  • Preferred Equity in a Rising Interest Rate Environment
  • Considerations for Valuing the Stadium Seat Licenses of Sports Teams for Estate Tax Purposes
  • Convertible Bonds as a Component of a Company’s Capital Structure
Perspectives

July 2023 Perspectives

Editor for this issue: Timothy J. Meinhart

  • Understanding the Implications of Cecil v. Commissioner
  • How to Properly Use Asset Transactions in the Guideline Merged and Acquired Company Method
  • Getting the Most out of Every Engagement
Perspectives

April 2023 Perspectives

Editors for this issue: Charles A. Wilhoite and Scott R. Miller

  • Incorporating ESG Performance in Equity Valuations
  • Key Considerations Regarding the Valuation of “Small” Businesses
  • The Tax Benefits and Challenges of Allocating Total Business Goodwill to Personal Goodwill in a Transaction
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Insights

For over three decades, Insights was a respected publication that provided valuable information on topics related to business valuation, forensic analysis, and financial opinions. In 2023, we replaced this print publication with our new digital publication, Perspectives.

Insights

Winter 2023 - Best Practices

  • Transfer Tax Valuation Thought Leadership
  • Damages Measurement Thought Leadership
  • Property Appraisal Thought Leadership
  • Fair Value Measurement Thought Leadership
  • Valuation, Damages, and Transfer Price Thought Leadership
  • Reasonableness of Compensation Analysis Thought Leadership
Insights

Autumn 2022 - Thought Leadership in Wealth Transfer Valuation Issues

  • Estate and Gift Tax Planning Thought Leadership
  • Estate and Gift Tax Valuation Thought Leadership
  • Income Taxation Thought Leadership
  • Bankruptcy Thought Leadership
Insights

Summer 2022 - Thought Leadership in Professional Practices and Licenses Valuation, Damages, ...

  • Professional Practice Valuation, Damages, and Transfer Price Thought Leadership
  • Professional Practices and Licenses Valuation Thought Leadership
  • Income Tax Thought Leadership
Insights

Spring 2022 - Thought Leadership in Economic Damages Measurement and Forensic Accounting

  • Damages Measurement Thought Leadership
  • Forensic Analysis Thought Leadership
  • Income Tax Thought Leadership
Insights

Winter 2022 - Thought Leadership in Unit Valuation Principle Property Tax Appraisals

  • Unit Principle Property Valuation Thought Leadership
  • Federal Income Tax Thought Leadership
Insights

Autumn 2021 - Thought Leadership in Intellectual Property Valuation, Damages, ...

  • Intellectual Property Valuation Thought Leadership
  • Intellectual Property Valuation and Damages Thought Leadership
Insights

Summer 2021 - Thought Leadership in Taxation-Related Valuation and Transfer Pricing Issues

  • Tax Pass-Through Entity Thought Leadership
  • Intercompany Transfer Price Analysis Thought Leadership
  • Income Tax Thought Leadership
  • Review of Judicial Decisions
Insights

Spring 2021 - Thought Leadership in Fair Value Measurements

  • Private Company Council Recent Developments Thought Leadership
  • Intangible Asset Valuation Best Practices Thought Leadership
  • ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations Thought Leadership
Insights

Winter 2021 - Thought Leadership in Estate and Gift Transfer Tax Valuation Matters

  • Gift and Estate Tax Planning Thought Leadership
  • Transfer Tax and Income Tax Thought Leadership
  • Trust and Estate Thought Leadership
  • Income Tax Thought Leadership
  • Gift and Estate Tax Controversy Thought Leadership
Insights

Autumn 2020 - Thought Leadership in Transaction-Related Board Advisory Services

  • Transaction Planning Thought Leadership
  • Transaction Best Practices Thought Leadership
  • Transaction Litigation Thought Leadership
  • Estate Tax Planning Thought Leadership
Insights

Summer 2020 - Thought Leadership in Property Tax Planning, Compliance, and Appeals

  • Property Tax Planning Thought Leadership
  • Property Tax Compliance Thought Leadership
  • Property Tax Thought Leadership
  • Income Tax Thought Leadership
Insights

Spring 2020 - Thought Leadership in Employee Stock Ownership Plan Employer Stock Valuations

  • ESOP Installation Thought Leadership
  • ESOP Administrative and Valuation Thought Leadership
  • ERISA Litigation Thought Leadership
  • Sponsor Company Sale Transaction Thought Leadership

Insights Archives