James Hitchner (Valuation Products and Services) has released the first issue of Hardball With Hitchner. One point he makes in the premier issue is about the reliability of valuations of firms impacted by COVID-19. He disagrees with some analysts who say that valuations may be less reliable than those prepared pre-COVID-19. “I believe that valuations under COVID are more difficult, but they are not less reliable,” he writes. Analysts strive to make sure valuations are as reliable as possible regardless of the environment or nature of the economy. The problem now is not different from, for example, valuing early-stage companies whose future performance is not predictable. Of course, there may be times when the difficulties may not be manageable. “If you do not believe you can prepare a reliable valuation under COVID, you should not take the engagement,” he stresses. Hardball With Hitchner is a monthly publication. For subscription information, click here.