Expert report proves best defense against Daubert offense
In litigation, attacks on expert opinions are par for the course, but a sound expert report can ward off a Daubert challenge and clear the way to admission at trial, as a recent fraud case illustrates.
Why Divorce Valuation Does Not Accord With Chapter 7 Liquidation Analysis
Bankruptcy Court says differing standard of value in divorce and bankruptcy proceedings precludes use of divorce valuation of husband’s interest in dental practice; but valuation based on shareholder agreement accords with Chapter 7 liquidation analysis.
Why Bankruptcy Court declines to be bound by divorce valuation
Following the divorce, the husband filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy and asked for confirmation of his plan. The issue was whether the plan could meet the liquidation test applicable under the Bankruptcy Code’s section 1325(a)(4). In essence, the test requires that creditors in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy receive present value payments that are at least equal to the amount the creditors would receive in a Chapter 7 case.
‘Dramatic’ Valuation Adjustment Justifies Equity Committee
In a rare nod to shareholder concerns, Bankruptcy Court approves formation of equity committee based on “dramatic adjustment in valuation” and inconsistent management positions as to financial health of debtors pre-Chapter 11 and post-petition filing.
In re Horsehead Holding Corp.
In a rare nod to shareholder concerns, Bankruptcy Court approves formation of equity committee based on “dramatic adjustment in valuation” and inconsistent management positions as to financial health of debtors pre-Chapter 11 and post-petition filing.
Daubert Flexible as to Solvency Determination for Multiple Debtor Entities
Court finds Daubert centers on reliability, not persuasiveness, and can accommodate experts’ different approaches to determining solvency in case with multiple debtor entities; court rejects exclusion of expert opinion relying on GAAP-based financials.
Burtch v. Opus, LLC (In re Opus East, LLC) (II)
In Chapter 7 case, district court upholds Bankruptcy Court’s insolvency determination, which was a predicate to many of trustee’s claims; reviewing court says evidence supports use of going-concern valuation and rejection of liquidation discount.
Post-Confirmation Comm. for Small Loans, Inc. v. Martin
Court finds Daubert centers on reliability, not persuasiveness, and can accommodate experts’ different approaches to determining solvency in case with multiple debtor entities; court rejects exclusion of expert opinion relying on GAAP-based financials.
Bankruptcy Court Favors DCF to Value Dissociated Interest
Court finds debtor’s fraudulently conveyed interest represents a dissociated interest that is held by the estate; appropriate valuation date is date of trial, and DCF analysis, as modified by court, best captures value of the interest at that time.
In re Cole
Bankruptcy Court says differing standard of value in divorce and bankruptcy proceedings precludes use of divorce valuation of husband’s interest in dental practice; but valuation based on shareholder agreement accords with Chapter 7 liquidation analysis.
Court Rebuffs Attempt to Allocate Excess Value to Intangible Assets
Bankruptcy Court rejects proposition that sales price increase has to be attributed to one debtor’s business, as goodwill, because other debtor’s real property allegedly remains constant in value; court denies request to change allocation of proceeds.
‘Reasonably Equivalent Value’ Analysis Meets FMV Standard, Court Says
On remand, Bankruptcy Court determines sale of plaintiff’s subsidiaries to defendants yielded “reasonably equivalent value” when viewed from objective creditor’s perspective, under FMV standard and without considering debtor’s subjective needs or beliefs.
Hanckel v. Campbell (In re Hanckel)
Court finds debtor’s fraudulently conveyed interest represents a dissociated interest that is held by the estate; appropriate valuation date is date of trial, and DCF analysis, as modified by court, best captures value of the interest at that time.
In re Case No. 800 Bourbon St.
Bankruptcy Court rejects proposition that sales price increase has to be attributed to one debtor’s business, as goodwill, because other debtor’s real property allegedly remains constant in value; court denies request to change allocation of proceeds.
In re Mercury Companies, Inc. (II)
On remand, Bankruptcy Court determines sale of plaintiff’s subsidiaries to defendants yielded “reasonably equivalent value” when viewed from objective creditor’s perspective, under FMV standard and without considering debtor’s subjective needs or beliefs.
Bankruptcy Court Accepts Rationale for Tax Affecting
In a fraudulent transfer case involving S corp, court says valuation should reflect that buyers of S corps would experience a reduction in the value of the corporations' earnings because of the need to pay personal income taxes on those earnings.
Burtch v. Opus, LLC (In re Opus East, LLC) (I)
In Chapter 7 case, Bankruptcy Court finds trustee expert’s liquidation valuation fails to meet insolvency tests; court says expert’s substantial discounting of debtor’s assets is based on mistaken assumption and incompatible with going-concern valuation.
Bank of America, N.A. v. Veluchamy (In re Veluchamy)
In a fraudulent transfer case involving S corp, court says valuation should reflect that buyers of S corps would experience a reduction in the value of the corporations' earnings because of the need to pay personal income taxes on those earnings.
Industry Characteristics Bolster Reliance on Net Asset Value
In fight over plan confirmation, court finds nature of industry supports debtors’ reliance on net asset value approach to value Chapter 11 dry bulk shipper but not to the exclusion of more traditional methods; however, court rejects use of DCF.
Regulatory Issue Causes Bankruptcy Valuation to Falter
Court praises debtors’ expert valuation of wireless venture’s spectrum but says the determination improperly assumes FCC license approval where the agency’s decision is uncertain; lacking reliable asset value, court rejects reorganization plan.
‘Blurred’ Solvency Analysis Diminishes Expert’s Credibility
Bankruptcy court finds expert’s analysis “blurred the line” between going concern and liquidation value, detracting from opinion’s credibility; but court approves of expert’s “precise” time frame for capturing data with which to determine solvency.
Court Finds Facts Back Expert’s Value-Per-Subscriber Metric
Court finds trust failed to prove insolvency; its expert’s use of DCF alone was inappropriate where there were no cash flow projections untainted by fraud, but competing expert’s market-based approach and value per subscriber analysis were solid.