Valuation : What Assets Are Really Worth

American businesses spend almost $1 billion annually to determine the value of all types of assets. In the current flood of mergers and acquisitions, financial managers should always be prepared to put a value on their entire company, a division, or even a department. With reliable, insider advice, this guide helps financial managers grasp the concepts of valuation and make informed decisions. This is not a do it yourself handbook on performing appraisal, since experience is, by far, the best teacher. Instead, it shows you how appraisers determine values in order to make you a well informed buyer of appraisal services. It will teach you how to determine the quality of an appraisal report and decide whether or not to utilize it. There are no rules that guarantee a realistic valuation and, depending on the reason for the valuation, widely divergent valuations can be given. There is always risk in an appraisal, but knowledge is the most important way you can lower that risk. This book supplies that knowledge by explaining the key valuation concepts, the strengths and weaknesses, and the risks inherent in a valuation. It includes case studies, sample reports, and real world valuation problems. Valuation will help you understand the important differences between cost, value, and price. It explains the critical assumptions employed in the valuation process and will help you determine whether or not to hire an appraiser and how to read an appraiser s report. It includes expert advice on negotiating valuations in adversarial relationships and achieving and determining objectivity and independence in a valuation. This is the only book on the market dedicated to helping corporate financial professionals determine what type of appraisal is necessary and what questions to ask. It will give any manager or business owner the necessary knowledge to approach the appraisal process realistically and with total confidence.