Business Valuation

[Palantir]

Does anyone here work in Biz Val? I'm considering an entry level position at such a place, and I'd like to get an idea about exit opps etc....

 

Any info is much appreciated.

[JSArbitrage]

Big 4 BVAL here.  PM me if you'd like.

[Packer16]

I am also a Bval person.  You can PM me also.

 

Packer

[Guest deepValue]

You may already be aware of it, but Wall Street Oasis is usually a good place to get answers to these types of questions.

 

http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/

[JSArbitrage]

WSO is kind of crappy for BVAL.  Way too iBanking oriented. 

[LC]

What designations are necessary for bval positions? Is a CPA necessary?

[prunes]

Feel free to reach out to me as well. I used to work in Big4 valuations.

[Packer16]

Typically an MBA or CFA is what we look for starting valuation analysts.

 

Packer

[mcliu]

Why start in BV and not IB?

[Packer16]

The main reason in my book is lifestyle.  BV is not quite as intense in terms of hours (occasional 50 to 55 hours per week) versus continuous 60+ hours per week. 

 

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[rainman]

Typically an MBA or CFA is what we look for starting valuation analysts.

 

Packer

 

What concentration for the MBA ? Finance?

[Packer16]

Yes finance.  It is probably the closest job to an academic finance curriculum you can find.

 

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[jay21]

What type of clients do business valuation analysts have and why do they need your services?  Eg. Is for MTM accounting or advisory, or something else?

 

I am familiar with the Big 4 groups and as I understand it the primary service is external audit support (i.e. testing reasonableness of client's MTM valuations).  Not as familiar with non-Big 4 groups.

[Packer16]

MTM is a part of it.  Larger funds typically have their larger Level 3 assets appraised by a third-party and reviewed by their own valuation teams.  There is also purchase accounting, where third-parties per form purchase price allocations and impairment tests.  Then there is derivative accounting (option and other derivative valuation). These 2 types of analyses are also reviewed by their valuation team.

 

There are tax valuations for gift and estate purposes.  There lending collateral valuations.  There are ESOP valuations for plan participants and there also valuations/fairness opinions for various corporate transactions.  The clients include refferal sources like lawyers and accountants.  Firms also directly engage firms but it is typically by refferal.

 

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