This book focuses on the valuation needed to apply IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards), and provides coverage of financial instruments – indeed this is the starting point of the exposition. The book adopts a logical sequence where models of financial instruments are explained first and models of other assets (such as property, an enterprise, or multiple intangibles) are presented as extensions. The book uses mathematical notation in presenting many of the models, but the focus is on application rather than proof. The mathematics is presented at a level that assumes sufficient background in high school algebra and coordinate geometry, prior knowledge of elementary probability, and a knowledge of basic statistics. Readers should also be aware of what linear regression does and should be able to run a regression and interpret the output. Calculus is not assumed. The models discussed almost always require a computer to apply. However, the emphasis is on understanding the models rather than learning computer skills, especially in the case of financial instruments.

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are now mandatory in many parts of the world, including Europe, Australia and China. In addition, many countries are in the process of IFRS adoption. Lastly, foreign registrants in US companies no longer have to undertake a costly US-IFRS reconciliation. Therefore, it is clear that investors, analysts and valuers need to understand financial statements produced under IFRS to feed in to their valuations and broader investment decisions. Written by practitioners for practitioners, the book addresses valuation from the viewpoint of the analyst, the investor and the corporate acquirer. It starts with valuation theory: what is to be discounted and at what discount rate? It explains the connection between standard methodologies based on free cash flow and on return on capital. And it emphasizes that, whichever method is used, accurate interpretation of accounting information is critical to the production of sensible valuations. The authors argue that forecasts of cash flows imply views on profits and balance sheets, and that non-cash items contain useful information about future cash flows - so profits matter. The book then addresses the implications for analysis and valuation of key aspects of IFRS including: - Pensions - Stock options - Derivatives - Provisions - Leases The text also sets out which countries use GAAP, as well as the key differences between IFRS and US GAAP treatments of these issues, in addition to their implications for analysis. A detailed case study is used to provide a step-by-step valuation of an industrial company using both free cash flow and economic profit methodologies. The authors then address a range of common valuation problems, including cyclical or immature companies, as well as the specialist accounting and modelling knowledge required for regulated utilities, resource extraction companies, banks, insurance and real estate companies. Accounting for mergers and disposals is first explained and then illustrated with a detailed potential acquisition using real companies.

Essential procedures for the measurement and reporting of fair value in Financial statements Trusted specialists Michael Mard, James Hitchner, and Steven Hyden present reliable and thorough guidelines, case studies, implementation aids, and sample reports for managers, auditors, and valuators who must comply with the Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Nos. 141, Business Combinations; 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets; 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets; and the new 157, Fair Value Measurements. This important guide: * Explains the new valuation aspects now required by SFAS No. 157 * Presents the new definition of fair value and certain empirical research * Distinguishes fair value from fair market value * Provides a case study that measures the fair values of intangible assets and goodwill under SFAS Nos. 141 and 157 * Includes a detailed case study that tests the impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets and measures the financial impact of such impairment under SFAS Nos. 142 and 144 * Cross-references and reconciles the valuation industry's reporting standards among all of the valuation organizations * Includes two sample valuation reports, one of which is a new USPAP- compliant PowerPoint? presentation format * Includes implementation aids for controlling the gathering of data necessary for analyses and for guiding the valuation work program

Accounting for Value teaches investors and analysts how to handle accounting in evaluating equity investments. The book's novel approach shows that valuation and accounting are much the same: valuation is actually a matter of accounting for value. Laying aside many of the tools of modern finance the cost-of-capital, the CAPM, and discounted cash flow analysis Stephen Penman returns to the common-sense principles that have long guided fundamental investing: price is what you pay but value is what you get; the risk in investing is the risk of paying too much; anchor on what you know rather than speculation; and beware of paying too much for speculative growth. Penman puts these ideas in touch with the quantification supplied by accounting, producing practical tools for the intelligent investor. Accounting for value provides protection from paying too much for a stock and clues the investor in to the likely return from buying growth. Strikingly, the analysis finesses the need to calculate a "cost-of-capital," which often frustrates the application of modern valuation techniques. Accounting for value recasts "value" versus "growth" investing and explains such curiosities as why earnings-to-price and book-to-price ratios predict stock returns. By the end of the book, Penman has the intelligent investor thinking like an intelligent accountant, better equipped to handle the bubbles and crashes of our time. For accounting regulators, Penman also prescribes a formula for intelligent accounting reform, engaging with such controversial issues as fair value accounting.

Valuation lies at the heart of much of what we do in finance, whether it is the study of market efficiency and questions about corporate governance or the comparison of different investment decision rules in capital budgeting. In this paper, we consider the theory and evidence on valuation approaches. We begin by surveying the literature on discounted cash flow valuation models, ranging from the first mentions of the dividend discount model to value stocks to the use of excess return models in more recent years. In the second part of the paper, we examine relative valuation models and, in particular, the use of multiples and comparables in valuation and evaluate whether relative valuation models yield more or less precise estimates of value than discounted cash flow models. In the final part of the paper, we set the stage for further research in valuation by noting the estimation challenges we face as companies globalize and become exposed to risk in multiple countries.

"Aswath Damodaran is simply the best valuation teacher around. If you are interested in the theory or practice of valuation, you should have Damodaran on Valuation on your bookshelf. You can bet that I do." -- Michael J. Mauboussin, Chief Investment Strategist, Legg Mason Capital Management and author of More Than You Know: Finding Financial Wisdom in Unconventional Places In order to be a successful CEO, corporate strategist, or analyst, understanding the valuation process is a necessity. The second edition of Damodaran on Valuation stands out as the most reliable book for answering many of today?s critical valuation questions. Completely revised and updated, this edition is the ideal book on valuation for CEOs and corporate strategists. You'll gain an understanding of the vitality of today?s valuation models and develop the acumen needed for the most complex and subtle valuation scenarios you will face.

Chances are you’re looking to buy, sell, or merge your CPA firm. Owners at firms of all sizes are seeking solutions to fund retirements or grow their practices. And, CPA firm M&A activity is only going to increase in the coming years—new deals are announced almost daily. Fortunately, there are steps you can take right now to position you and your firm for success. Written with both buyers and sellers in mind, this comprehensive resource aims to ensure that both parties to a transaction achieve their goals. Authors and transition experts Joel Sinkin and Terrence Putney demonstrate that it is possible to arrive at a reasonable deal where retiring partners are paid a satisfying price for the practice they’ve built, remaining partners make more than they did before, and new owners take on a practice that is poised for continuing success and potential growth. Sinkin and Putney share their best advice on how to: Determine your firm’s value, Get to know your potential partner in a deal, Select a successor your clients will love, Structure alternative deals, Avoid roadblocks, Prepare a practice continuation agreement, Perform due diligence, Execute a win-win deal, and Time and plan for your transition. Each chapter concludes with an Action Agenda to help spur your planning. Plus, it includes a collection of practical tools to assist you through the process of buying, selling, or merging, including practice summary tools, an annual succession planning checklist, sample practice continuation agreement, sample client announcements, due diligence tools, and sample transition letters.