Paul Vogt

E: pvogt@pcecompanies.com

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Change is hard to initiate even when we know the results will be better for us. This is true when there are signs that our ESOP valuation firm is no longer providing the necessary professional assistance. Our reluctance fades however, if warning signs begin pointing to increased risks for our company.

While it is a simple, trouble-free approach to maintain status quo and continue using the same valuation firm year after year, this approach does not mitigate those potential risks. Switching valuation firms is not a straight forward exercise. But by taking certain precautionary measures, you might reduce exposure to claims that there has been a breach of duty or insufficient oversight.

While ESOP trustees are not usually valuation experts, they do have a responsibility to measure the competence of the current valuation firm. Ideally, a valuation firm employs the latest methodologies and adheres to the latest valuation standards as opposed to adopting the same calculations used year after year, which could lead to careless and even incorrect results.

Given the potential for faulty valuations, ESOP trustees might find it beneficial to consider a new valuation firm, or at a minimum, obtain assistance from a third-party to analyze the current valuation firm to ensure the proper processes and standards are being met. A third-party review, or peer review as it is often called, will provide a solid foundation to decide if your current valuation firm needs to be replaced or not. 

Reasons to Consider a New Valuation Firm

There are many reasons why an ESOP trustee should consider a third-party review, or the hiring of a new valuation firm altogether.

1. Reliance on a Template

After several years of repetitive valuations, it is not uncommon for valuation firms to take certain liberties and shortcuts in their appraisal process. Appraisers might take the approach that once their “template” is created, the annual updates are merely an update of a few numbers and current metrics. The incumbent firm’s valuations are no longer a thorough and thoughtful analysis. No longer is the incumbent performing proper due diligence or asking the necessary probing questions. There may be signs that their accuracy and supporting data fall short of expectations and may even lead to omissions of relevant data. Not only can this lead to lengthy, costly, and sometimes contentious reviews by an audit firm, the results can become flawed, leading to incorrect values for repurchase obligations. 

2. Failure to Reconcile Value with Appraisals for Other Purposes

A common flaw in a valuation of shares in an ESOP is a failure to reconcile those values with valuations completed for other purposes. Perhaps the incumbent valuation firm does not assist the subject company in annual valuations for tax or financial reporting purposes. Any discrepancy could suggest serious issues and result from errors, complacency or even advocacy. Once again, this difference could lead to costly and time-consuming reviews by the company’s auditor, tax advisor, or financial institution and could lead to interrogatories from the DOL. In this case, both the company and the trustee acting as the fiduciary would be wise to obtain an independent peer review of the work performed.

3. Customer Service Issues

Often, the client is under a strict timeline to receive their annual ESOP valuation. An appraiser needs to be responsive and provide exceptional customer service during the valuation process. While some firms might be proud to be the low-cost provider, there is likely a valid reason why their fees fall below their competitors. They might lack appropriate staff, education, tools, and competencies in performing their analyses.

Moreover, efficiency and speed should not compromise thoroughness and accuracy. Errors are likely the result of one or a combination of the above factors, and this should not be the case. Trustees, companies, as well as the participants themselves, deserve a trusted advisor who can perform a supportable valuation analysis while offering insight on the subject company’s performance.

4. ESOP Company has Grown More Complex

While growth and market success are beneficial for an ESOP company, these features might be detrimental for the incumbent valuation firm. As companies grow, they will encounter increased market complexities, require a more sophisticated management team, and face an evolving business model, which a once small ESOP company and trustee must address with their business valuation firm. No valuation is simple, but there are varying degrees of complexities and an appraiser must have the resources and competencies to understand and address their client’s growing needs.

5. Incumbent Valuation Firm Lacks Knowledge of Current Methodology and Standards

A lack of training and education in current valuation standards, methodologies, and best practices cannot compromise accuracy or compliance with current valuation guidelines. Valuation firms and their appraisers must continue to improve and advance their knowledge base and continually enhance their analyses so that they adhere to current valuation standards. A failure to utilize current analytical processes, recent changes in regulatory requirements, or changes in tax legislation such as the recently issued Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA), could create errors and potentially lead to adverse results.

6. Lack of Understanding in Applying Discounts or Premiums

It is common in ESOP valuations to apply discounts or premiums based on the ownership being valued, repurchase obligations, and other factors. Applying a control premium without proper support or reconciliation can lead to inaccurate conclusions. An appraiser should support the application of a control premium through quantitative and financial means, such as quantifying synergies or margin improvements. Similarly, discounts for lack of marketability should be applied and properly supported, considering the company’s financial stability or expectations among plan participants. These issues should be well documented, supported, and reasonably applied. Otherwise the trustee and company could face costly regulatory scrutiny.

ESOP valuations are complex and the decision between retaining the existing valuation firm or hiring a new one is not a simple task. However, as a trustee, you should consider the benefits of changing providers if you recognize any of the issues described above. Trustees and companies need an advisor they can rely upon. One who understands the valuation process, the industry, and the issues of ESOP ownership. While change is difficult, changing your valuation firm could lead to benefits that are unknown today.  

 

Paul Vogt

 

Paul Vogt

Valuation

pvogt@pcecompanies.com

Atlanta Office

407-621-2100 (main)

678-641-4760 (direct)

407-621-2199 (fax)

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Paul Vogt

 

Paul Vogt

Valuation

Atlanta Office

678-641-4760 (direct)

pvogt@pcecompanies.com

Connect
678-641-4760 (direct)

407-621-2199 (fax)