M&A Activity Updates For Q2: 2024
The merger and acquisition (M&A) market showed signs of rejuvenation in Q2 2024 as optimism began to return among dealmakers. While the M&A environment had struggled to break free from a prolonged slump over the past two years, the latest data and survey insights suggest a growing confidence in the market’s trajectory. According to a mid-year survey by KPMG, more than half of U.S. dealmakers expect deal volumes for 2024 to exceed last year’s totals, with this bullish sentiment extending into 2025. Private equity (PE) firms, in particular, showed the greatest optimism, with 70 percent anticipating an increase in deal activity in 2024 compared to 2023 and 84 percent projecting further growth in 2025. This expectation of rising deal volumes reflects a strategic pivot towards transformational M&A as firms seek to reshape their operations and capitalize on market shifts.
A distinct trend driving this surge involves the increasing emphasis on large-scale, transformational deals that alter the core nature of businesses. Nearly four in 10 PE firms anticipate pursuing at least one such significant transaction this year, highlighting a strategic appetite for deals that redefine business models and competitive landscapes. Corporates also share this focus, though to a slightly lesser degree, with many aiming to leverage acquisitions to drive strategic shifts rather than incremental expansions. This trend aligns with broader market conditions, where shifting valuations, fluctuating interest rates, and inflationary pressures heavily influence decision-making. Dealmakers indicate that even minor adjustments in interest rates—specifically, a decline of 25 to 50 basis points—could significantly boost deal flow, underscoring how sensitive M&A activity remains to macroeconomic variables.
The technology and healthcare sectors continue to stand out as hotbeds of M&A activity, reflecting ongoing digital change across industries and the urgent need for innovation in life sciences. Within technology, PE firms increasingly incorporate generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) into their acquisition strategies, seeking to bolster their portfolios with cutting-edge AI capabilities. In contrast, corporations are leveraging GenAI more in their dealmaking processes rather than directly acquiring GenAI companies, demonstrating varied approaches between strategic buyers and financial sponsors. These differing strategies illustrate a broader divergence in how companies seek to harness technology-driven disruption, with each path tailored to unique business needs and competitive pressures.
Geopolitical issues further shape the current M&A landscape, influencing both the timing and nature of deals. Conflicts such as those in Ukraine and tensions in the Asia-Pacific region prompt many firms to accelerate M&A plans as part of a strategic response to geopolitical risks. Approximately 38 percent of survey respondents reported that geopolitical concerns have either expedited their M&A timelines or increased their focus on securing strategic assets. Meanwhile, private equity firms cite antitrust regulation as a pivotal factor in dealmaking decisions, with compliance concerns shaping their investment strategies. The evolving regulatory environment thus plays a critical role, balancing the opportunities presented by the M&A market against the potential pitfalls of increased scrutiny.
As the market progresses, the outlook for M&A remains cautiously optimistic, buoyed by the strategic imperatives that drive companies to pursue growth through acquisitions despite potential hurdles. The push towards transformational deals, the integration of advanced technologies, and the navigation of complex geopolitical landscapes all underscore a dynamic and evolving deal environment. While challenges such as fluctuating valuations and regulatory headwinds persist, the underlying drivers—ranging from technological innovation to strategic consolidation—suggest that dealmakers will continue to seek out value in every corner of the market, confident in the long-term benefits of well-executed M&A strategies.
Increasing Popularity of Hybrid BESS and Standalone BESS Systems
The increasing popularity of hybrid battery energy storage systems (BESS) and standalone BESS reflects a significant shift in how energy is managed and utilized across various sectors. These systems, pivotal in integrating renewable energy sources, are becoming essential for both residential and non-residential users.
The essence of hybrid BESS lies in its ability to merge with photovoltaic (PV) systems, creating a more resilient and efficient energy framework. These configurations enable users to harness solar energy more effectively, storing excess power generated during peak sunlight hours for later use. This self-consumption model reduces reliance on the grid and optimizes energy costs. Moreover, BESS enhances the controllability of renewable energy, addressing issues of intermittency that often plague solar and wind power. The ability to store and dispatch energy as needed ensures a steady power supply and contributes to grid stability.
Energy flexibility through demand-side management (DSM) becomes significantly more feasible with the integration of BESS. These systems enable various DSM strategies, such as time-scheduled charging and frequency regulation. By enabling consumers to adjust their energy usage based on real-time grid conditions and electricity prices, BESS helps flatten demand peaks and fill in-demand troughs, which is crucial for maintaining grid balance. This dynamic interaction between energy supply and demand underscores the transformative potential of BESS in modern power systems.
Exploring the economic viability of BESS, especially in hybrid systems, reveals a complex interplay of factors. The initial investment costs are high, necessitating precise system sizing to avoid unnecessary expenses. Techno-economic analyses dominate current research, aiming to optimize the cost-benefit ratio of BESS installations. Studies highlight the importance of matching system components accurately to users’ specific energy needs, ensuring that the benefits of energy storage outweigh the costs.
Operational control of BESS also garners significant research attention, focusing on how these systems can be best managed to maximize efficiency and lifespan. Advanced control algorithms and predictive maintenance strategies are being developed to enhance BESS performance. These innovations ensure that BESS can respond swiftly to changes in energy demand and supply, further solidifying its role in a reliable energy infrastructure.
Demand response (DR) represents another critical area BESS can substantially impact. By enabling consumers to modify their energy consumption patterns in response to signals from grid operators, BESS supports more flexible and responsive energy usage. Despite its potential, DR remains underexplored compared to other aspects of BESS research. Bridging this gap requires more focused studies integrating BESS into DR frameworks, exploring how these systems can enhance consumer participation and improve grid reliability.
Geographically, the research and implementation of BESS vary widely. Europe leads with significant interest and investment, driven by stringent renewable energy targets and supportive policies. Oceania and the Americas also show considerable activity, each with unique focuses based on regional energy needs and policy frameworks. Asia, while also active in BESS research, tends to prioritize different aspects compared to other regions, reflecting diverse energy landscapes and objectives.
The rise of hybrid and standalone BESS is a pivotal advancement in energy management, and the path forward involves addressing existing research gaps – particularly in demand response – and fostering a more integrated approach that combines all dimensions of BESS studies.
Along the way, if you find yourself in need of a BESS system appraisal, consider Appraisal Economics’ BESS valuation services, which offer an in-depth, comprehensive analysis of your system’s fair market value.
FTX
Appraisal Economics has valued bankruptcy claims on the assets of FTX Trading Ltd. FTX was a large cryptocurrency exchange and trading platform that abruptly collapsed and filed for bankruptcy and whose CEO, Sam Bankman-Fried, was found guilty of fraud and money laundering. The bankruptcy trustee is working to find and collect FTX assets to provide to FTX’s clients and victims. Those who are unable or unwilling to wait for the ultimate outcome of the bankruptcy proceedings can sell their claims to investors with more risk tolerance. The value of a bankruptcy claim depends on due diligence regarding the validity and likelihood that the claim will be accepted by the bankruptcy trustee, the claim’s seniority and preference amounts, the value and volatility of the underlying assets, asset recovery expenses, and the expected time until the bankruptcy estate is settled. Appraisal Economics valued the FTX bankruptcy claims for gift and estate tax planning purposes.
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Transfer Pricing
Appraisal Economics has conducted a transfer pricing study and determined the arm’s length royalty rates for intellectual property licensed between U.S. and Canadian entities. We determined separate royalty rates for trademarks, patents, and unpatented proprietary technology (trade secrets). The licensee is generally allowed a tax deduction for royalties paid, and the licensor generally reports the royalties received as taxable income. It is therefore necessary for related parties to fairly apportion taxable earnings in each tax jurisdiction. We reviewed market data for fair rates of return on intellectual property, as well as internal financial data that helped quantify the economic benefits of each class of the IP portfolio. Our concluded royalty rate for each category of intellectual property was supported by independent research of third-party data and a reasonable allocation of the profit margin among licensor and licensee (referred to as a “profit split”). The results of our analysis were used for tax reporting in the United States and Canada.
Split-Dollar Receivable
Appraisal Economics has determined the fair market value of a split-dollar receivable in connection with a second-to-die joint life insurance policy. The trustees of the policy entered into a split-dollar agreement with the beneficiary of their life insurance policy. The policy was funded with a single premium payment, and the Split-Dollar Agreement would pay the beneficiary upon the realization of the policy (the “Receivable”). The first step in valuing the Receivable was to determine the appropriate discount rate to use to calculate the present value. Next, we considered the lack of an active trading market for such an instrument. Our concluded value was used for the purpose of the trustee’s gift and estate tax planning.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
Appraisal Economics has determined the fair value of an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), for financial reporting under ASC 718 for a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT). The purchase price under the Type B plan was established as a 15 percent discount to the lesser of the stock’s publicly traded price on the grant date and its publicly traded price at the end of the ESPP. The award was economically analogous to a financial instrument known as a “look-back option.” We determined the fair value of the look-back option and, therefore, the ESPP using a synthetic option structure and the Black-Scholes-Merton Model. Our concluded value considered the six-month lock-up that participants were subject to after the end of the ESPP’s term.
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83(b) APPRAISAL
Appraisal Economics has determined the fair market value of restricted blockchain tokens that are not yet publicly traded in connection with Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. The blockchain technology underpins cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ether, and the recent surge in popularity has resulted in other entities issuing blockchain-based units, often issued as compensation to employees and advisors. As part of our valuation, we reviewed the firm’s white paper, management’s projections, the restricted token award agreement, and the advisor agreement. Then, we analyzed the failure rates of new companies and rates of return by venture capital investors that invest in early-stage, high-risk investments similar to the tokens to determine the probability-weighted expected payoff to a holder of the tokens and a discount rate to account for the time value of money. Our report was used to facilitate a Section 83(b) election for federal income tax purposes.
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HOSPITAL VALUATION
Appraisal Economics has determined the fair value of the property and equipment of a large hospital in California for financial reporting under ASC 805. We determined the fair value of the land by conducting a sales comparison analysis. All comparables were verified by several sources, including brokers, municipal officials, tax searches, and real estate commercial services. Buildings and improvements, furniture, fixtures, and equipment were valued using the cost approach. As part of our analysis, we made adjustments to the values of the subject property and equipment to account for their physical depreciation, functional obsolescence, and economic obsolescence.
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RIGHTS AGREEMENT (NOT-FOR-PROFIT HEALTH MEDICAL JOURNAL)
Appraisal Economics has determined the fair market value of a bundle of intangible rights associated with the publishing of a scholarly journal in the health and medical field. These rights included the limited use of certain intangibles including trademark, subscriber list, and advertiser relationships. We used the income approach to determine the aggregate fair market value of these rights. Key issues included the probable term of the agreement, given the option of extensions, as well as the projected growth in the various revenue streams, in view of the recent historical decline. Another key issue was the tax status of a willing buyer for the rights, as the payment of income taxes would reduce the income derived from the rights and thus the net rate of return to be realized.
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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
Appraisal Economics has completed the valuation of a New Jersey-based commercial real estate development company engaged in construction management and the development of properties for light industrial use, including warehouses, distribution centers, and light manufacturing. The company also provides property management services. We valued the Company using the discounted cash flow method of the income approach and the guideline transaction method of the market approach. A key issue was the determination of a market-based level of owners’ compensation, as the majority owner was significantly under-compensated for the value of his services rendered to the business.
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