• ONWC Chain From Asset Dispositions to True Up
    Dec 19 2025
    Connect with Us and Access Show Resources: https://snip.ly/mas_interact29In this episode, we connect asset dispositions (Form 4797), depreciation timing and Section 179 (Publication 946 / Form 4562 support), operating net working capital (process-first peg method + dollar-for-dollar true-up), and asset allocation reporting (Form 8594 residual method). We focus on building a defensible, repeatable approach that holds up in buyer diligence and reduces friction in LOI and purchase agreement drafting.Topics DiscussedIntroduction and Problem StatementThe episode opens by identifying a common pattern in M&A deals: parties argue about working capital adjustments and purchase price before agreeing on what the numbers actually mean. Simultaneously, seller earnings appear distorted due to equipment sales, asset write-offs, or Section 179 depreciation elections. This creates confusion among buyers, sellers, attorneys, CPAs, and brokers who talk past one another. The host promises a process-first methodology connecting four critical elements: IRS Form 4797 asset dispositions, depreciation choices like Section 179, operating working capital, and asset allocation reporting.Asset Dispositions and Form 4797When businesses sell or dispose of property, tax reporting flows through IRS Form 4797. The key concept is "recapture," where some or all disposition gains are treated as ordinary income depending on the asset type, depreciation method, and sale price. Part 3 of Form 4797 computes ordinary income recapture based on the difference between depreciated value and disposition value. The critical valuation takeaway: disposition gains and losses distort operating earnings. A one-time equipment sale may boost income in a non-repeatable way, while disposal losses can depress earnings despite healthy operations. Applying multiples to this "noise" leads to business mispricing.Classification Framework for DispositionsThe proper approach involves classification rather than panic. The key question: Is the business selling assets as a one-time event, or is it part of the operating model structure? Fleet-driven businesses (car rentals, delivery fleets) have planned asset turnover baked into their model—vehicles run for two years then sell on schedule. These dispositions aren't random income events but part of the business engine that will continue with the next buyer. For such cases, create a "steady state view" using averages: replacement cadence, typical proceeds, replacement capex, and recurring earnings impact. Use trailing twelve-month or seasonally adjusted numbers to model the asset cycle as normal operating pattern, normalizing to what buyers should expect going forward. This eliminates buyer skepticism by modeling rather than hand-waving.Section 179 and Depreciation ChoicesIRS Publication 946 outlines depreciation frameworks, including Section 179 elections allowing taxpayers to expense qualifying property immediately rather than depreciating over time—"rapid depreciation" with obvious tax advantages. For deal advisors, Section 179 changes timing: it can make P&L look worse when the business is healthy and investing, or make future years look artificially better because deductions were pulled forward. The solution: normalize with steady state thinking by smoothing out fluctuations to find what's normal. Ask: What level of capex and depreciation is required to keep this business operating as is? Separately address cash reality of replacements versus tax timing of deductions. When buyers claim earnings are low due to high depreciation, normalize to maintenance capex levels and steady state depreciation, applying multiples to maintainable performance, not tax timing.Operating Net Working Capital FoundationIn accounting, "current" means expected to be realized in cash, sold, consumed, or settled within a normal operating cycle (typically 12 months)—the backbone of current assets and current liabilities. The GAAP definition of working capital is current assets minus current liabilities, which is correct but insufficient for sales processes. The deal context requires identifying what's operating versus non-operating—what contributes to business performance in the current period versus what doesn't. The core formula: Operating Net Working Capital = Operating Current Assets - Operating Current Liabilities. The word "operating" is the critical addition.Process-First Method for Working CapitalThe most important move: before discussing numbers, change the conversation early and guide everyone to agree on definitions—specifically what's included and excluded. In Main Street and lower middle market deals, operating net working capital typically excludes cash, interest-bearing debt, owner and related party items, and non-operating one-time balances unless the deal specifies otherwise. The first win is definitional clarity—you cannot have a target peg without good definitions. The process-first method: tell parties you're not...
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    21 mins
  • Inside the Spring 2025 M&A Source Conference: A Conversation with Jaclyn Ring
    May 12 2025
    Whether you’re a seasoned advisor or just making the leap from main street to the lower middle market, this episode highlights why M&A Source is the room to be in—and how you can make the most of every minute there.
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    27 mins
  • Stock Certificates and Ledgers: Reconstructing Ownership
    Mar 22 2025
    In this episode, we talk about stock certificates, what they are, how they work, and how to reconstruct equity ownership history when a ledger doesn’t exist.
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    29 mins
  • Unpacking Lease Analysis: A Key to Transaction Success
    Jan 22 2025
    Analyzing the lease is a step no advisor should miss. In this episode, we talk about one method to analyze the lease and using the links in the show notes, we provide access to the lease analysis form.
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    20 mins
  • Top 10 Tax Code Provisions to Leverage in M&A (Part 2)
    Nov 4 2024

    Interact with the show: https://snip.ly/mas_interact25

    In this episode of the M&A Source podcast, Dave Dejewski continues a series on essential tax code provisions for mergers and acquisitions, discussing five additional provisions that can significantly impact tax outcomes for buyers, sellers, and their advisors.

    Topic Discussed

    The exchange is a podcast discussing 10 tax code provisions that are relevant for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions. It is divided into two parts, with Part 1 covering the first 5 provisions and Part 2 covering the remaining 5 provisions.

    Part 2 covers the following tax code provisions:

    1. Section 368 - Tax-Free Reorganizations

    This provision allows for tax-deferred treatment of certain corporate reorganizations, such as mergers and acquisitions, to encourage business continuity, growth, and realignment without triggering immediate tax liabilities. It requires continuity of interest and continuity of business enterprise.

    2. Section 409A - Deferred Compensation

    This provision establishes strict rules for when income can be deferred and when it must be paid, preventing abuse and ensuring fairness in the tax system. It imposes penalties for non-compliance and encourages proper planning and transparency in deferred compensation plans.

    3. Section 1031 - Like-Kind Exchanges

    This provision allows for the deferral of capital gains taxes when exchanging real properties for similar properties, stimulating growth in real estate-heavy businesses.

    4. Section 721 - Contributions to Partnerships

    This provision promotes the creation and growth of partnerships by allowing individuals or entities to contribute property to a partnership without triggering immediate tax consequences, facilitating partnership formation and encouraging joint ventures and investments.

    5. Section 453 and 453A - Installment Sales

    Section 453 allows sellers to report capital gains income over time through the installment sale method, aligning tax payments with the receipt of sale proceeds and providing tax deferral. Section 453A imposes an interest charge on large installment sales over $5 million to limit the tax benefits of deferring large amounts of tax.

    Key Takeaways

    These final five of ten tax provisions cover a wide range of areas, including tax-free reorganizations, deferred compensation, like-kind exchanges, partnership contributions, and installment sales.

    The episode highlights the importance of understanding these provisions and leveraging them to minimize tax liabilities, encourage business continuity, and facilitate growth and realignment. It also emphasizes the need for proper planning, transparency, and compliance to avoid penalties and ensure that the intended tax benefits are realized.

    Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into the tax considerations and strategies that should be taken into account when structuring M&A deals, making it a valuable resource for advisors, business owners, and investors involved in such transactions.

    LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This resource is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. The information provided herein should not be relied upon for any specific business or financial decision without first consulting appropriate professional counsel. Readers are encouraged to seek advice from qualified attorneys, accountants, or other professionals to address their unique circumstances. Neither the authors nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for actions taken based on the information provided in this resource.

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    1 hr
  • Top 10 Tax Code Provisions to Leverage in M&A (Part 1)
    Oct 20 2024

    Interact with the show: https://snip.ly/mas_interact24

    The episode discusses 10 key tax code provisions relevant to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions. It is divided into multiple parts, with Part 1 covering the following provisions:

    1. Section 338 - Election for Treating Stock Purchases as Asset Purchases

    This provision allows buyers to treat a stock purchase as if they are purchasing the underlying assets of the business, enabling them to step up the basis of the acquired assets to their fair market value for tax purposes.

    2. Section 1202 - Qualified Small Business Stock Exclusions

    This provision allows investors to exclude capital gains taxes on the sale of stock in qualified small businesses, subject to certain eligibility criteria.

    3. Section 197 - Amortization of Goodwill and Intangibles

    This provision provides uniform rules for the amortization of intangible assets, such as goodwill, franchise rights, patents, and trademarks, over a 15-year period.

    4. Section 280G - Golden Parachute Payments

    This provision addresses excessive compensation packages (golden parachutes) paid to executives and key employees during a change of control event, such as a merger or acquisition.

    5. Section 382 - Limitation on Net Operating Losses

    This provision limits the amount of net operating losses that a company can use after an ownership change to prevent companies from acquiring loss corporations solely for tax benefits.

    5 Best Quotes

    1. "Section 338 allows buyers to treat a stock purchase as if they're purchasing the underlying assets of the business. And that means for tax purposes, the buyer can step up the basis of the acquired assets to their fair market value as opposed to the book value, which can result in greater depreciation, amortization deductions over time."

    2. "Section 1202 is a powerful tool for investors and business owners who want to maximize their returns by excluding capital gains taxes on the sale of stock in small businesses."

    3. "Section 197 was introduced to basically provide some uniform rules around amortization of intangible assets intangible assets, what are they it's goodwill, it's franchise rights, it's patents, it's trademarks."

    4. "Section 280G of the US tax code was created to address this golden parachute concept. Golden parachute are these large compensation packages there's severance payments that are paid to executives and they're paid out to key employees when there's a change of control event so a merger or an acquisition is considered a change of control event."

    5. "Section 382, it curbs this practice by limiting the amount of net operating losses that a company can use after the acquisition and that's based on the company's value at the time of the ownership change and this prevents companies from using net operating losses as a tax sheltering tool."

    Lessons Learned

    This episode provides a high level overview of several key tax code provisions that can significantly impact the structuring and tax implications of M&A transactions. It highlights the importance of understanding these provisions and working closely with legal and financial advisors to ensure that deals are structured efficiently and in compliance with tax regulations. The detailed explanations, examples, and practical considerations offered in the show are valuable for M&A advisors, business owners, and investors involved in buying or selling businesses.

    LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This resource is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. The information provided herein should not be relied upon for any specific business or financial decision without first consulting appropriate professional counsel. Readers are encouraged to seek advice from qualified attorneys, accountants, or other professionals to address their unique circumstances. Neither the authors nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for actions taken based on the information provided in this resource.

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    40 mins
  • Fall 2024 Conference Preview
    Oct 11 2024
    The M&A Source fall conference is a premier event for M&A professionals, focusing on larger deals in the lower mid-market. Hosted by Dave Dejewski, this podcast episode features an in-depth interview with Kathlene Thiel, the conference committee chair, who provides a comprehensive overview of the event. The conference aims to offer a balanced mix of learning, networking, and deal-making opportunities, with a focus on educational sessions, expert panels, and a deal market. Kathlene shares insights into the agenda, which includes keynotes by Dr. Tom Deans, sessions on due diligence, deal sourcing, and professional ethics, and the evolving content tailored to investor buyers and larger deals. Networking is highlighted as the conference's most significant benefit, allowing attendees to connect with private equity groups and industry veterans. Although sessions won't be recorded, attendees will receive presentation materials. Listeners also get practical tips on maximizing the conference experience, including bringing deal teasers and engaging with M&A Source committees for ongoing involvement. This episode emphasizes the conference as a valuable platform for professional growth and relationship-building within the M&A community.
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    39 mins
  • Cross Border Accounting with Katrina Nacci
    Aug 27 2024
    Links:Visit the Show: https://podcast.masource.org Become a member or register for a class or event: https://masource.orgSummary of this EpisodeIntroduction to US GAAP and its importance for companies expanding into the US marketKey differences between US GAAP, UK GAAP, and IFRSThe process of converting from UK GAAP to US GAAPCompliance requirements and auditing considerations for US GAAPPreparing for fundraising rounds with US investorsChallenges and common issues faced during the conversion processStrategies for effective knowledge transfer and ongoing US GAAP supportTopic DiscussedIntroduction to US GAAP and its importance for companies expanding into the US marketThe discussion began with an introduction to US GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and its significance for companies looking to expand into the US market. Katrina Nachi, a cross-border accounting advisor, highlighted that companies often face challenges when entering the US market due to differences in accounting standards and regulations. Understanding and complying with US GAAP is crucial for companies seeking US investors, acquiring US companies, or planning an IPO in the US.Key differences between US GAAP, UK GAAP, and IFRSKatrina explained the key differences between US GAAP, UK GAAP, and IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards). While IFRS and US GAAP are becoming more aligned, there are still nuances, particularly in areas such as revenue recognition, capitalization of costs, and share-based compensation. UK GAAP, on the other hand, has more significant differences from US GAAP, especially in terms of what can be capitalized.The process of converting from UK GAAP to US GAAPKatrina outlined a three-phase process for converting from UK GAAP to US GAAP:1. Qualitative assessment: Identifying differences in accounting policies and creating a matrix comparing current policies under UK GAAP with suggested US GAAP policies.2. Quantitative assessment: Adjusting calculations and schedules to reflect US GAAP requirements and quantifying conversion adjustments.3. Financial statement preparation: Preparing financial statements and footnote disclosures under US GAAP, incorporating conversion adjustments.Compliance requirements and auditing considerations for US GAAPThe discussion covered the additional compliance requirements and auditing considerations when adopting US GAAP. Companies may need to undergo a US GAAP audit, which typically involves a lower materiality threshold and more thorough walkthroughs and control testing. The timing of audits and potential overlap with local audits were also discussed.Preparing for fundraising rounds with US investorsKatrina emphasized the importance of being proactive in preparing for fundraising rounds with US investors. Presenting a qualitative assessment of US GAAP differences and potential conversion adjustments can demonstrate an understanding of the requirements and facilitate due diligence processes. This can potentially broaden the range of investors available to the company.Challenges and common issues faced during the conversion processSeveral challenges and common issues were discussed, including:- Lack of documentation and messy calculations under current GAAP, making the conversion process more difficult.- Determining the appropriate retrospective period for conversion, which may depend on the intended use of the financial statements.- Ensuring knowledge transfer and ongoing support for the local finance team to maintain US GAAP reporting after the conversion.Strategies for effective knowledge transfer and ongoing US GAAP supportKatrina highlighted the importance of effective knowledge transfer and ongoing support for the local finance team. She suggested exploring options such as working with a fractional Chief Accounting Officer or leveraging external advisors for specific transactions or new accounting standards. This approach can provide access to US GAAP expertise while enabling the local team to maintain day-to-day reporting.ActionsFor companies considering US expansion or fundraising with US investors:Document current accounting policies and procedures under local GAAP. Responsible: Finance Team, OngoingAssess the qualitative differences between local GAAP and US GAAP. Responsible: Katrina Nachi or other US GAAP advisor, Prior to fundraising/expansionEngage with auditors to align on the conversion process and required documentation. Responsible: Finance Team, Prior to conversionFor companies undergoing a US GAAP conversion:Develop a detailed conversion plan, including quantitative assessments and financial statement preparation. Responsible: Katrina Nachi or other US GAAP advisor, Prior to conversionEnsure knowledge transfer and training for the local finance team on US GAAP reporting. Responsible: Katrina Nachi or other US GAAP advisor, During and after conversionExplore options for ongoing US GAAP support, such as a fractional Chief Accounting Officer. ...
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    1 hr and 4 mins