Mercer Capital

Year-end 2024 is quickly approaching so that means it's time to take a look back at the year. Read the top ten Energy Valuation Insights posts for the year here: https://mer.cr/4fnwSMO.

For the last twelve months ended December 9, 2024, FinTech indices had total returns between 27.5% and 32.5%, lagging the broader market as the S&P 500 index returned 33.3% over the same time period. Get the latest data in our December 2024 FinTech Snapshot below. https://mer.cr/FinTechSnap

Cash-strapped early-stage companies have long relied on equity-based compensation to attract, motivate, and retain employees. But for a variety of reasons, the IPO is no longer the goal line for family businesses, where many are now content to remain private far longer than previously expected. While founders may be content with their illiquid billions, most employee-shareholders want to convert at least some of their illiquid thousands to spendable cash. In this week's post we identify creative strategies for satisfying shareholder liquidity preferences that may prevent derailing the family business's desire to remain independent and private. https://mer.cr/4fmwPkc

The 2024 election outcome highlights that estate planning is no longer a static process but one that requires vigilance, adaptability, and a long-term perspective. The next few years will be crucial for those looking to secure their legacies under a tax regime still in flux. We cover the evolving needs for estate planning in our newly released Value Added: Gift, Estate, and Income Tax Valuation Insights Newsletter. Read it here: https://mer.cr/3ZGT6Un

Have you ever heard of the "difficult partner discount?" While our RIA team hasn't directly applied this discount even in partnership disputes, that doesn't mean that partner disputes and departures can't significantly impair the value of a company. In this week's post, we discuss the need for a solid succession plan and clear paths for employee growth. https://mer.cr/3ZPKL1I

At Mercer Capital, we’ve seen how buy-sell agreements can go bad. Our newest book, authored by Chris Mercer and published by the American Bar Association, provides essential insights for businesses and law professionals alike from his own experience throughout the years. Get your copy now. https://mer.cr/3MSPGYv

Do you have an estate plan? Just like Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, most family business owners aim to provide financial stability and support for future generations of their families. Putting in the work on the front end and establishing a plan can potentially result in significant estate tax savings for you and your family in the future. Read more at the link: https://mer.cr/41zECrE.

In case you missed it, we are excited to have contributed to the third edition of Shannon Pratt’s Business Valuation Handbook for Lawyers. Chris Mercer, Travis W. Harms, Timothy R. Lee, and Lucas Parris added their many years of valuation experience to chapters of the book. Purchase a copy for your library at the link. https://mer.cr/3YuwWp0

Mercer Capital has its finger on the pulse of the minerals market, specifically the rise of mineral aggregators, which have largely supplanted trusts as the primary method of publicly traded minerals ownership. In this week's post, we analyze the latest market data for mineral aggregators. Get the full study here: https://mer.cr/4f4q4Ue.

What type of an RIA firm are you? While posing that question may seem like the latest Buzzfeed quiz, thinking about the type of clients you want to serve and what services you offer to them can help you think about your firm's practice management. In this week's post, we review the 4 types of RIAs and how figuring out yours can be the key to success. https://mer.cr/3VnYkTu