12 Comments
 

hmm, depends.

if the 'transaction' fees are related to financing, then they can be capitalized. new rule makes it so you can't include restructuring, retention, etc. fees as a part of total consideration for an M&A transaction, these fees have to be expensed now.

 
hisabnesshmm, depends.

if the 'transaction' fees are related to financing, then they can be capitalized. new rule makes it so you can't include restructuring, retention, etc. fees as a part of total consideration for an M&A transaction, these fees have to be expensed now.

what about fees paid to ibanks?

 

From a GAAP perspective, I agree. Capitalize debt financing fees only and amortize over life of the debt.

From a cash taxes perspective, I believe it differs. Last I recall, all deal expenses accrued following submission of an LOI can be amortized.

What periods do people use to amortize from a cash taxes perspective?

 

If the cash amount of the transaction fee is paid upfront and you are amortizing the capitalized balance, don't forget to add back the amortization amount below net income but above cash flow from operations on the statement of cash flows, as the amortization is a non-cash expense. Net the cash transaction fee with the debt issuance proceeds to get the "net debt" proceeds, and that is what you bring in on the cash flow from financing line.

 

amort fee of $1m in first period, here is how it should work...

Income Statement - Net income decreases $1m due to write-off (I'm assuming no taxes, but it will work at any tax rate)

CFS - Starts off with NI down $1m, add-back the $1m in amortization as a non-cash expense. No change to cash.

BS - L&E is down $1m due to decrease in net income. Assets are also down $1m, due to no change in cash and the $1m amorization to your asset.

idk where you are going wrong. feel free to PM me and i can take a look, but considering you have the basic logic now you should be able to figure it out... i think your L&E is correct, you need to amortize the asset though. or you are not accounting for this on the CFS correctly.

peace out - hope that helped.

 

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