Breon & Associates

Many construction businesses eventually decide to maintain inventories. Maybe yours already does. A construction company’s tax accounting method for inventory can significantly affect its tax bill. Although inventory items generally aren’t taxed until they’re sold, inventory impacts your taxes before then because of its role in determining your business’s taxable income. The two most common tax accounting methods for inventory are first-in, first-out (FIFO) and last-in, first-out (LIFO). FIFO is easier to administer and more in line with how contractors use their inventories. LIFO, however, can have tax advantages in an inflationary environment. #Consulting #Risk #BusinessResiliancy #Manufacturing #Construction #Business #LitigationSupport #BusinessConsulting #ExpertWitness #InternalAudit #TrialConsultant #DataAnalytics #BVal

A contentious issue when valuing a private business for a divorce is the treatment of goodwill. What’s appropriate varies based on jurisdiction, state law, legal precedent and case facts. Many jurisdictions require goodwill to be broken down into 1) enterprise goodwill (tied to the business) and 2) personal goodwill (linked to the owner). The multi-attribute utility model offers a structured six-step approach to allocating goodwill by evaluating specific attributes, such as the business’s location and trademarks and the owner’s skills and reputation. This model provides an objective framework that helps develop fair settlements of marital estates. Contact us for more information. #Consulting #Risk #BusinessResiliancy #Manufacturing #Construction #Business #LitigationSupport #BusinessConsulting #ExpertWitness #InternalAudit #TrialConsultant #DataAnalytics #BVal

Cybersecurity is more critical than ever for manufacturers as they increasingly integrate advanced technologies into their operations. While these innovations boost productivity, they also expand potential areas for cyberattacks. Specifically, hackers can target connected systems to disrupt production lines, steal intellectual property, or compromise sensitive customer and supplier data. To mitigate the risks, consider adopting a robust cybersecurity framework that includes real-time monitoring, employee training, and secure network architecture to protect assets and help ensure operational continuity. Also develop incident response plans to help speed recovery in the event of an attack. #Consulting #Risk #BusinessResiliancy #Manufacturing #Construction #Business #LitigationSupport #BusinessConsulting #ExpertWitness #InternalAudit #TrialConsultant #DataAnalytics #BVal

Deepfakes are digital video or audio forgeries produced by artificial intelligence (AI). Although deepfakes have commercial uses, they also pose threats. For example, a deepfake purporting to represent one of your company’s executives could instruct an employee to wire money to a criminal’s account. To identify possible deepfakes, look for videos with unnatural eye movements, unrealistic faces, and inconsistent backgrounds and audio files that don’t sync with the video. And if employees receive unusual task requests (particularly involving money), they should first verify them with the managers who supposedly made the requests. #Consulting #Risk #BusinessResiliancy #Manufacturing #Construction #Business #LitigationSupport #BusinessConsulting #ExpertWitness #InternalAudit #TrialConsultant #DataAnalytics #BVal

The term “digital transformation” refers to a business’s conscious effort to integrate technology into every area of its operations. This trend has taken hold in many industries, including construction. Here are some ways your business can embark on a digital transformation: 1) Seek out tech solutions that address specific needs, such as enhancing communication or boosting efficiency. 2) Involve employees by determining their technological proficiency levels and getting their input. 3) Tailor training to workers’ needs and learning styles. 4) Be ready to refresh employees’ tech skills regularly. 5) Nurture a culture that celebrates a data-driven, innovation-minded, tech-friendly approach. #Consulting #Risk #BusinessResiliancy #Manufacturing #Construction #Business #LitigationSupport #BusinessConsulting #ExpertWitness #InternalAudit #TrialConsultant #DataAnalytics #BVal

Valuing a business requires a comprehensive understanding of how it runs. Financial statements and tax returns tell only part of the story. In-person site visits and management interviews provide additional insights that can significantly impact value conclusions. Inquiries may cover a broad range of subjects, from hiring practices and marketing programs to the condition of fixed assets and internal controls. Preventing an expert from performing these key steps severely compromises the perceived reliability of the value conclusion. Contact us to discuss how meeting face-to-face can facilitate the valuation process, engender trust and improve accuracy. #Consulting #Risk #BusinessResiliancy #Manufacturing #Construction #Business #LitigationSupport #BusinessConsulting #ExpertWitness #InternalAudit #TrialConsultant #DataAnalytics #BVal

Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking start-up funds or the owner of an established business that needs capital to make an acquisition, be careful when looking for a lender. To avoid predatory lenders, take your time and carefully screen them. Be particularly wary of “lenders” that demand upfront loan application fees or solicit loans via phone, email or text. Instead, contact a range of reputable lenders and ask your professional advisors and other business owners for referrals. Finally, consider working with equity investors. #Consulting #Risk #BusinessResiliancy #Manufacturing #Construction #Business #LitigationSupport #BusinessConsulting #ExpertWitness #InternalAudit #TrialConsultant #DataAnalytics #BVal

Are you thinking about buying or selling a business in 2025? Global M&A volume is expected to surpass $4 trillion this year, the highest in four years. A business valuation professional with M&A experience can help you navigate all the stages of your deal. This includes getting a business sale-ready; conducting acquisition due diligence; negotiating a deal that optimizes the price, terms and tax outcomes; and managing post-deal integration, accounting and tax issues. #Consulting #Risk #BusinessResiliancy #Manufacturing #Construction #Business #LitigationSupport #BusinessConsulting #ExpertWitness #InternalAudit #TrialConsultant #DataAnalytics #BVal

The construction industry continues to struggle with a labor shortage. One way your business may be able to better attract and retain workers is by offering earned wage access (EWA). It allows participants to access part of or all their earned but unpaid wages before their next payday. Generally, employers contract with third-party providers to fund early payroll disbursements based on the employer’s time and attendance records. Your construction business may benefit by attracting job candidates who want EWA and by employing less financially stressed workers. But you must be prepared to teach employees how EWA works and find a reputable provider that’s easy to work with. #Consulting #Risk #BusinessResiliancy #Manufacturing #Construction #Business #LitigationSupport #BusinessConsulting #ExpertWitness #InternalAudit #TrialConsultant #DataAnalytics #BVal

Conducting comprehensive employee performance reviews can be challenging for manufacturing managers. They require significant effort, and there’s potential for conflict if an employee disagrees with the assessment. But when done right, the process can boost a manufacturing company’s productivity and strengthen employee retention. How? Constructive feedback with clear advice or instruction can help workers refocus efforts to sharpen their skills, increasing the likelihood they’ll meet company-wide objectives. Positive feedback can boost morale and make employees feel appreciated and inspired to stay with the company and continue to perform at a high level. #Consulting #Risk #BusinessResiliancy #Manufacturing #Construction #Business #LitigationSupport #BusinessConsulting #ExpertWitness #InternalAudit #TrialConsultant #DataAnalytics #BVal