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Working Capital Changes in a Free Cash Flow Forecast– Part III

Working Capital Changes in a Free Cash Flow Forecast– Part III

Part II of my working capital blog identified methods often used by business appraisers when forecasting working capital. In this installment, I will present some additional thoughts regarding this topic. Depending on the facts and circumstances, it is typically appropriate to consider the company’s historical working capital ratios and industry working capital metrics at the composite level (e.g. total working capital), as well as each separate component of working capital (e.g. accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable, etc.).
Working Capital Changes in a Free Cash Flow Forecast– Part II

Working Capital Changes in a Free Cash Flow Forecast– Part II

Part I of my working capital related blog addressed the impact on free cash flow of changes in current assets and changes in current liabilities, which are the two components that comprise working capital (calculated as current assets minus current liabilities). The combined impact of changes in current assets and changes in current liabilities equals the impact of changes in working capital on free cash flow. Part II of this blog identifies methods often used by business appraisers when forecasting working capital.
The Value of Advanced Data Analytics

The Value of Advanced Data Analytics

A picture says a thousand words – and nothing tells a story better than electronic data. FSS has successfully used advanced data analytics for years to ferret out the truth and bring a story to life through data visualization, from supporting ...
Capital Expenditures, Depreciation and Amortization in a Cash Flow Forecast

Capital Expenditures, Depreciation and Amortization in a Cash Flow Forecast

When valuing a private operating company, an appraiser is likely to use an income approach, either as the main valuation method or in conjunction with another method. Whether the appraiser capitalizes cash flows in a capitalized cash flow (“CCF”) model or uses forecasts of future cash flows in a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model, they have incorporated both explicit and implicit assumptions into the cash flows used in their model.
25 Years of FSS: Looking into the Past, Present and Future

25 Years of FSS: Looking into the Past, Present and Future

25 years ago, a dream came true – Forensic Strategic Solutions (FSS) came to life! In October of 1992, FSS was created as the product of a plan to specialize in investigative financial services. We narrowed our scope to the specific field of fraud investigation, while also serving as expert witnesses on complicated financial matters. Many people thought such a niche practice would not be successful, but today, the industry continues to flourish. In fact, back in 1992, few people – especially in the general public – had even heard of forensic accounting. Most folks thought forensic accounting was providing accounting services to dead people!
Technology is Changing Auditing

Technology is Changing Auditing

Or… has technology already changed auditing? The accounting and auditing world is buzzing with talk of how automation and other technologies will reshape the accounting profession. Oh, how slow this world catches on! The reshape should have already taken place as both technology and automation have far surpassed the capabilities and knowledge of most auditors.
Analyzing Assumptions in a Cash Flow Forecast

Analyzing Assumptions in a Cash Flow Forecast

Forecasts of future cash flows within the income approach to business valuation are loaded with assumptions. During my nearly two decades of business valuation experience, I have reviewed hundreds of valuation reports prepared by other experts that serve as a constant reminder that mathematical accuracy does not always equate to a reasonable value. I have seen erroneous assumptions made by business appraisers that range from illogical disconnects within the valuation to outright errors or unsubstantiated speculation.