Expert Survives Daubert—Allowed to Testify as to Lost Business Value
The case dealt with two motions to preclude testimony of an expert witness as to the loss in value of the plaintiff’s business. The plaintiff was an environmental consulting firm allegedly injured as a result of the actions of certain employees including breach of their fiduciary duty. The court concluded that the witness may testify because his report was based on sufficient facts and data and he applied reliable principles to the facts of this case.
White Buffalo Env’t, Inc. v. Hungry Horse, LLC
The case dealt with two motions to preclude testimony of an expert witness as to the loss in value of the plaintiff’s business. The plaintiff was an environmental consulting firm allegedly injured as a result of the actions of certain employees including breach of their fiduciary duty. The court concluded that the witness may testify because his report was based on sufficient facts and data and he applied reliable principles to the facts of this case.
In a damages case, one expert survives Daubert, another does not
In an ongoing damages case in Delaware, the plaintiff had a Daubert motion to exclude the opinions of the defendant’s rebuttal expert.
What BV developments did you miss in 2022?
Now’s your chance to catch up on all things BV with the latest editions of two BVR yearbooks.
Ipse dixit nixes some of expert’s opinion
In an economic damages case in Delaware, both sides filed a number of motions to exclude expert testimony, evidence, and arguments.
BVLaw Review: The Top Valuation Cases of 2022
Here is our pick for the most noteworthy valuation cases that emerged over the past year. They include state and federal court decisions covering many areas of law that enhanced our understanding of valuation issues as they arose in a litigation setting.
Appraisers Continue to Be Excluded Most Under Daubert, Per PwC Study
Under Daubert, appraisers were excluded more often in 2021 than any other type of financial expert witness, according to the latest edition of an annual PwC survey. Of the three most common financial experts (economists, accountants, and appraisers), appraisers had a 38% exclusion rate in 2021, followed by accountants (32%) and economists (27%). The article gives more insights into the survey and some ways to avoid a Daubert challenge.
Delaware Court Grants in Some Cases and Denies in Others Motions to Exclude Expert Witnesses and Certain Evidence to Be Presented
In this ongoing case regarding investment banking services and fees, the court ruled on various motions of the parties to exclude certain testimony from two expert witnesses, one from each side, and to exclude certain evidence to be presented by those witnesses. The court denied the plaintiff’s motions but granted the defendant’s motions.
LCT Capital, LLC v. NGL Energy Partners LP
In this ongoing case regarding investment banking services and fees, the court ruled on various motions of the parties to exclude certain testimony from two expert witnesses, one from each side, and to exclude certain evidence to be presented by those witnesses. The court denied the plaintiff’s motions but granted the defendant’s motions.
Appraisers have highest exclusion rate under Daubert, per PwC study
Under Daubert, appraisers were excluded more often in 2021 than any other type of financial expert witness, according to the PwC survey, “Daubert Challenges to Financial Experts (2000-2021).”
Some surprising takeaways from the VSCPA BV conference
The Virginia State Society of CPAs held its 22nd annual Forensic and Valuation Conference. Harold Martin (Keiter) chaired the two-day conference and acknowledged the help of a task force in putting the event together. The sessions and speakers were top-notch, and some of the takeaways from the first day’s sessions may surprise you.
Appraisers Have the Highest Exclusion Rate Under Daubert, Per PwC Study
A look at the latest study from PwC that analyzes challenges to financial expert witnesses (appraisers, accountants, economists, and others) under the Daubert standards from 2000 to 2020. Also, some classic advice on how to survive a Daubert challenge.
Rule 702 and the Daubert Standard
Recently, another case has raised questions about what is and what is not admissible. In Auto Konnect, LLC v. BMW of N. Am., LLC; 2022 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 42345 *, the court allowed the testimony of a damages expert for the plaintiff who, according to the defendant, was not a CPA.
King v. King
In this Maryland divorce case, the Court of Special Appeals affirmed the trial court on all appealed issues including marital property determinations; monetary award to the wife; determination of incomes of the husband and wife; and determinations of alimony, child support, and related expenses. The Court of Special Appeals also affirmed that the husband’s business was not a gift and was marital property, and it determined the value of the business as the wife’s expert presented. Both parties were forensic accountants.
Maryland Appellate Court Affirms Trial Court on Value of Husband’s Business as Well as Several Other Divorce-Related Issues
In this Maryland divorce case, the Court of Special Appeals affirmed the trial court on all appealed issues including marital property determinations; monetary award to the wife; determination of incomes of the husband and wife; and determinations of alimony, child support, and related expenses. The Court of Special Appeals also affirmed that the husband’s business was not a gift and was marital property, and it determined the value of the business as the wife’s expert presented. Both parties were forensic accountants.
Experts in, lay witnesses out in damages case
In a Michigan case, there were a number of motions to exclude expert witnesses in a damages case that involved employee poaching in the automotive industry.
Proposed Rule 702 Change Targets Unqualified Experts
Too many experts who are not qualified are being allowed to testify in court, and this has triggered proposed changes to strengthen Rule 702, which is the federal rule of evidence regarding testifying experts.
So You Want to Testify as a Financial Expert Witness? Testimony Tips, Traps and Video Demonstrations From the Trenches
Learn how to testify in bench and jury trials and depositions from a seasoned forensic CPA who has testified in the trenches for 27 years. See video clips from an actual testimony by Robert Vance and from popular TV shows and movies (which are mostly very humorous) to learn how to answer questions and keep your cool. Receive tips on how to construct your litigation-oriented curriculum vitae and engagement letter. Get prepared for subpoenas, Daubert ...
BV News and Trends March 2022
A monthly roundup of key developments of interest to business valuation experts.
Proposed rule change cracks down on testifying experts
Too many experts who are not qualified are being allowed to testify in court, and this has triggered proposed changes to strengthen Rule 702, which is the federal rule of evidence regarding testifying experts.
Auto Konnect, LLC v BMW of North America, LLC
The U.S. District Court (Michigan) denied motions to exclude the plaintiff’s and the defendant’s expert witnesses and granted motions from both parties to exclude “expert” testimony from lay witnesses. The case involved alleged breach of contract on the part of the defendants regarding raiding of the plaintiff’s employees, and damages related thereto.
U.S. District Court Denies Motions to Exclude Experts but Grants Motions to Exclude Lay Witnesses ‘Expert’ Testimony
The U.S. District Court (Michigan) denied motions to exclude the plaintiff’s and the defendant’s expert witnesses and granted motions from both parties to exclude “expert” testimony from lay witnesses. The case involved alleged breach of contract on the part of the defendants regarding raiding of the plaintiff’s employees, and damages related thereto.
Questions a Trier of Fact Will Ask About Your Valuation
The fear of every valuation analyst is to be unprepared to answer a question in a deposition or on the witness stand. Here are some questions a judge or attorney will likely ask, either directed to themselves when reviewing your report or directly to you.
BVLaw Review: The Top Valuation Cases of 2021
Here is our pick for the state and federal court decisions that enhanced our understanding of valuation issues as they arose in a litigation setting during 2021.
Latest editions of two BVR yearbooks now available
Over 70 articles and hundreds of news items are included in the Business Valuation Update Yearbook, 2022 edition.