When to Consider Subsequent Events in a Business Valuation

Business valuators sometimes consider major events that happen after the valuation date. For example, what if a business is subsequently sold, files for bankruptcy, discovers new technological advances, or experiences a major fraud loss, data breach or natural catastrophe? Such events could potentially affect a business’s fair market value, but whether a valuator will consider a particular event depends on the facts and circumstances of the valuation assignment. “Known or knowable” principle In general, events that are known or knowable on the valuation date will be factored into a valuation. Or valuators might consider the risk that a particular event will happen. But there are several exceptions. For example, in Estate of Jung v. Commissioner (101 T.C. 412, 1993), the U.S. Tax Court concluded, “Actual sales made in...