1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256 | Tax Ct. | 1995
1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="1" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*256 Decisions will be entered under Rule 155.
MEMORANDUM FINDINGS OF FACT AND OPINION
LARO,
| Additions to Tax | |||
| Taxpayer | Year | Deficiency | Sec. 6660 |
| Bernard | 1987 | $ 9,057 | -- |
| Leon | 1987 | 38,761 | -- |
| Max | 1987 | 37,772 | -- |
| Pearl | 1987 | 36,911 | -- |
| Beverly | 1987 | 38,761 | -- |
| Bernard | 1988 | 47,033 | $ 9,406 |
| Leon | 1988 | 49,410 | 9,882 |
| Max | 1988 | 43,308 | 8,662 |
| Pearl | 1988 | 43,308 | 8,662 |
| Beverly | 1988 | 49,410 | 9,882 |
| Bernard | 1989 | 25,833 | 7,750 |
| Leon | 1989 | 39,235 | 11,771 |
| Max | 1989 | 27,398 | 8,219 |
| Pearl | 1989 | 27,398 | 8,219 |
| Beverly | 1989 | 39,235 | 11,771 |
| Bernard | 1990 | 472,370 | 94,474 |
| Leon | 1990 | 752,715 | 150,543 |
| Max | 1990 | 10,451 | 2,090 |
| Pearl | 1990 | 486,023 | 97,205 |
| Beverly | 1990 | 11,292 | 2,258 |
1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="3" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*258 In her answers (including amendments thereto) for 1987, respondent asserted that the deficiencies in Federal gift tax and additions under
| Additions to Tax | ||
| Taxpayer | Deficiency | Sec. 6660 |
| Bernard | $ 66,134 | $ 19,840 |
| Leon | 122,401 | 36,720 |
| Max | 115,577 | 34,673 |
| Pearl | 114,579 | 34,374 |
| Beverly | 122,401 | 36,720 |
In her answers (including amendments thereto) for 1989 and 1990, respondent asserted that she had erroneously referenced
| Additions to Tax | ||
| Taxpayer | Year | Sec. 6662(a) and (g) |
| Bernard | 1989 | $ 5,167 |
| Leon | 1989 | 7,847 |
| Max | 1989 | 5,480 |
| Pearl | 1989 | 5,480 |
| Beverly | 1989 | 7,847 |
| Bernard | 1990 | 122,284 |
| Leon | 1990 | 198,860 |
| Max | 1990 | 2,090 |
| Pearl | 1990 | 64,232 |
| Beverly | 1990 | 2,258 |
Following concessions, 4 we must decide:
1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="4" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*259 1. What discount for lack of marketability should be applied to determine the fair market value of certain shares of stock owned by some or all of petitioners on the following valuation dates: December 31, 1986, December 16, 1987, December 23, 1988, December 15, 1989, February 1, 1990, and December 30, 1990. We hold the marketability discount is 30 percent on all of these dates.
2. Whether petitioners are liable for additions to their 1987 and 1988 Federal gift taxes for valuation understatements under
3. Whether petitioners are liable for additions to their 1989 and 1990 Federal gift taxes for substantial gift tax valuation understatements under
FINDINGS OF FACT
Some of the facts have been stipulated and are so found. The stipulations and attached exhibits are incorporated herein by this reference. Each petitioner was a resident of New Jersey when he or she petitioned the Court. They each filed Form 709, United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, for the 1986 through 1990 taxable years. Each reported on Form 709 that he or she had made a gift of the stock of Big1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="5" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*260 M, Inc. (Big M), during the corresponding year.
Leon, Max, and Bernard are brothers. Leon is married to Beverly, and they have four children: Kenneth, Beth, Joan, and Michael. Max is married to Pearl, and they have three children: Laurence, Alan, and Susan. Bernard is divorced and has three children: Ken, Lee, and Gini.
We hereinafter collectively refer to these 15 people as the Mandelbaum family.
Big M is a privately held, family-owned corporation that was incorporated as a C corporation under the laws of the State of New Jersey. Big M operated as a C corporation until it elected to be an S corporation effective with its taxable year beginning on July 26, 1987. Big M uses a fiscal year to report its income and expenses for Federal income tax purposes. Big M's fiscal year originally ended on the last Saturday in July. Big M changed its taxable year in July 1988 to a fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in January.
Big M was originally founded by Leon, Max, and Bernard. These three men, who initially were equal shareholders, were Big M's sole shareholders until 1976. In 1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="6" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*261 1976, Leon and Max began transferring some of their Big M shares to their children. Bernard began transferring some of his Big M shares to his children in 1978. Big M stock has always been owned within the three branches of the Mandelbaum family formed by the brothers and their children. The Mandelbaum family does not plan to make Big M public, sell it, or seek nonfamily equity investors.
Big M had one class of common stock outstanding in its 1986 and 1987 taxable years. This stock, totaling 9,643 shares, was owned by all members of the Mandelbaum family except for Pearl and Beverly. Big M restructured its corporate form during its taxable year ended July 30, 1988. Big M recapitalized, exchanging 9,643 shares of its common stock for 6 shares of its newly issued class A voting common stock and 9,637 shares of its newly issued class B nonvoting common stock. One share of class A voting stock each was issued to Leon, Bernard, Laurence, Kenneth, Ken, and Alan. 5 Shares of class B nonvoting stock were issued to each member of the Mandelbaum family in the same ownership percentages that they each had held before the recapitalization. All members of the Mandelbaum family, except1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="7" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*262 for Pearl and Beverly (who were not shareholders at that time), agreed that a share of class A stock would become a share of class B stock if it was transferred. These members also agreed that Big M's board of directors (the Board) could restore the voting rights to the transferred share if the transferee was a member of the Board.
Big M operates predominantly in a single industry segment; i.e., women's apparel retail stores, in the States of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. Bernard, Max, Leon, and their mother opened Big M's first store in 1950. All three brothers were actively involved in the business then, and they and their children continue to operate the business today. A number of the children are currently active in the management of the business on a full-time basis. The oldest of these children is Max's son, Laurence, who is currently Big M's chief executive officer and president. 1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="8" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*263 Several of the grandchildren of Leon, Max, and Bernard also work in the business.
Big M has two retail divisions: Mandee Shops and Annie Sez. 6 Mandee Shops offers popular-priced contemporary junior fashions. Its average store size is 8,000 square feet. Annie Sez offers off-price, designer, and brand name women's clothing. Its average store size is 15,000 square feet. Each store employs approximately 15 people. Big M employs between 3,500 and 4,000 people, depending on the season, including 250 at its Totowa, New Jersey, headquarters.
Big M's stores are primarily situated in downtown locations of densely populated cities and "strip center" locations on major highways. Big M had the following number of stores as of the end of the years indicated:
| Year | Number of Stores |
| 1983 | 48 |
| 1984 | 60 |
| 1985 | 71 |
| 1986 | 105 |
| 1987 | 110 |
| 1988 | 107 |
| 1989 | 115 |
| 1990 | 122 |
Retail sales of women's apparel is highly competitive. Competition1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="9" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*264 relates to price, style, selection, quality, display, customer service, and store location. Mandee Shops and Annie Sez have different competitors. Their competitors include specialty stores, department stores, factory outlet malls, and mills projects.
Big M purchases practically all of its merchandise on the open market from various suppliers. Big M maintains sufficient inventory in its stores throughout the year, and it promotes its goods to the public through different methods of advertisement, such as radio, television, and newspapers. Big M accepts national credit cards and offers layaway plans.
On November 4, 1982, Big M and its then shareholders (i.e., all members of the Mandelbaum family except Beverly, Pearl, Lee, and Gini) executed an agreement (First Agreement). The First Agreement required that Laurence be elected as Big M's president; that Leon be elected as vice president and chairman of the Board; and that Bernard be elected as secretary and vice chairman of the Board.
The First Agreement was revoked by a second agreement (Second Agreement) dated June 13, 1988. The Second Agreement was executed by Big M and its then shareholders; i.e., all1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="10" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*265 members of the Mandelbaum family except Beverly and Pearl. The Second Agreement required that Laurence be elected as Big M's president; that Leon be elected as vice-president and chairman of the Board; that Bernard be elected as secretary, treasurer and vice chairman of the Board; that Kenneth be elected as vice president of real estate; that Ken be elected as vice president of retail operations; and that Alan be elected as vice president of merchandising.
The freely traded values of 1 share of the 9,643 shares of Big M common stock outstanding on December 31, 1986, and December 31, 1987, were $ 7,505 and $ 6,631, respectively. The freely traded values of 1 share of the 9,637 shares of Big M class B common stock outstanding on December 23, 1988, December 15, 1989, February 1, 1990, and December 30, 1990, were $ 7,376, $ 8,675, $ 7,325, and $ 4,397, respectively.
1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="11" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*266
The First Agreement and the Second Agreement (collectively referred to as the Shareholders' Agreements) were executed with respect to Big M's stock. The Shareholders' Agreements were prepared by Big M's outside counsel, Arne Siegel (Siegel), 8 and Big M's outside accountant, Robert Kaye (Kaye). Both Siegel and Kaye are longtime advisers to Big M.
Siegel and Kaye initially met with Leon to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the Shareholders' Agreements. Leon later met with Big M's other shareholders to discuss the agreements with them. None of the shareholders were personally represented by counsel during any discussion of the Shareholders' Agreements. The Shareholders' Agreements were approved by Big M's shareholders without meaningful negotiations. The shareholders merely adopted the recommendations of Siegel and Kaye, making no significant changes to the terms of either agreement.
The First Agreement provided that1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="12" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*267 Big M and its shareholders "believe it is in their best interest to provide for continuity in the management and policies of * * * [Big M]." The First Agreement required the shareholders to elect the following individuals to the Board: Leon, Bernard, Laurence, Kenneth, Ken, and Alan. 9 The First Agreement required that vacancies in the Board be filed by the remaining board members, and that any new director must be an "issue" of a current shareholder or a spouse of a current shareholder. The First Agreement did not provide a price or a formula for determining the fair market value of transferred shares of Big M stock. The First Agreement, however, provided the following rules with respect to such a transfer: (1) The representative of an estate of a deceased shareholder could sell the decedent's stock to Big M, and Big M had to purchase the stock in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey pertaining to the purchase by a corporation of its own shares of stock. Big M was given the sole discretion to pay for the stock over any length of time (with interest at 10 percent) that Big M desired; (2) a shareholder could freely transfer Big M stock to his or her immediate family; 1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="13" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*268 and (3) except as provided elsewhere in the First Agreement, a shareholder wanting to transfer Big M stock had to first offer the stock to Big M on the same terms and conditions as the proposed transfer. Big M had 90 days to decide whether it would purchase the stock. Big M had the sole discretion to pay for the stock over any length of time (with interest at 10 percent) that Big M desired.
The Second Agreement provides that Big M's shareholders "desire to maintain ownership and control of * * * [Big M] among themselves and to provide for continuity in the management and ownership of * * * [Big M]", and "It is the desire of all of the parties to maintain, if at all possible, the same proportionate interest of each [family] Group in * * * [Big M]." Like the First Agreement, the Second Agreement requires the shareholders to elect the following individuals to the Board: Leon, Bernard, Laurence, Kenneth, Ken, and Alan. 10 The Second Agreement1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="14" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*269 requires that vacancies on the Board be filled by the remaining board members, and any new director must be a child of a current shareholder or a spouse of a current shareholder. The Second Agreement, which may be changed at any time by unanimous consent of Big M's shareholders, provides the following rules with respect to a transfer of Big M stock: (1) Each shareholder may freely transfer Big M stock to members of his or her family group; (2) if a shareholder wants to transfer Big M stock outside of his or her family group, the shareholder must first offer the stock to the members of his or her family group on the same terms and conditions on which the stock is offered to others. The members of the shareholder's family group have 90 days to exercise a right of first refusal. If the family members do not exercise such a right, Big M has 30 days to exercise the right of first refusal. Big M has the sole discretion to pay for the stock over any length of time (with interest at the prime rate) that Big M desires. If Big M does not exercise its right of first refusal, the shareholder may transfer the stock to an outsider. The shareholder must transfer all of his or her stock, and1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="15" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*270 the transferee must agree to be bound by the Second Agreement; and (3) upon the death of a shareholder, the representative of the estate may sell the decedent's stock to Big M, and it must purchase the stock in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey that pertain to the purchase by a corporation of its own stock. Big M has the sole discretion to pay for the stock over any length of time (with interest at the prime rate) that Big M desires. The price at which Big M will purchase the stock is determined solely by the holders of the voting stock.
Relevant data from the consolidated financial statements of Big M and its subsidiaries are as follows:
| Taxable year ended | 7/27/85 | 7/26/86 |
| Current assets | $ 25,493,497 | $ 30,530,663 |
| Other assets | 22,701,570 | 31,934,578 |
| Total assets | 48,195,067 | 62,465,241 |
| Current liabilities | 12,011,827 | 15,993,239 |
| Other liabilities | 1,850,755 | 7,550,747 |
| Total liabilities | 13,862,582 | 23,543,986 |
| Stockholders' equity | 34,332,485 | 38,921,255 |
| Total liabilities and equity | 48,195,067 | 62,465,241 |
| Net sales | 122,517,683 | 142,105,100 |
| Other income | 2,381,289 | 2,726,960 |
| Total revenue | 124,898,972 | 144,832,060 |
| Costs and expenses | ||
| Cost of sales | 72,211,079 | 82,833,851 |
| Selling and administrative expense | 39,067,790 | 48,343,988 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 1,997,689 | 3,278,966 |
| Interest expense | 154,566 | 258,270 |
| Total expenses | 113,431,124 | 134,715,075 |
| Income before income taxes and | ||
| cumulative effect of a change | ||
| in accounting principle | 11,467,848 | 10,116,985 |
| Provision for income taxes | 5,628,000 | 5,480,000 |
| Cumulative effect on prior years | ||
| of change in method of computing | ||
| depreciation, net of income taxes | (468,320) | -0- |
| Net Income | 6,308,168 | 4,636,985 |
1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="16" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*271 Relevant data (in thousands) from the financial statements of Big M are as follows:
| Taxable year ended | 7/25/87 | 1/30/88 | 7/30/88 |
| Current assets | $ 47,723 | $ 53,176 | $ 62,088 |
| Other assets | 38,397 | 40,998 | 40,862 |
| Total assets | 86,120 | 94,174 | 102,950 |
| Current liabilities | 24,155 | 22,741 | 26,544 |
| Other liabilities | 15,802 | 12,712 | 12,320 |
| Total liabilities | 39,957 | 35,453 | 38,864 |
| Stockholders' equity | 46,163 | 58,721 | 64,086 |
| Total liabilities & equity | 86,120 | 94,174 | 102,950 |
| Net sales | 194,876 | n/a | 217,398 |
| Other income | 4,682 | n/a | 7,081 |
| Total revenue | 199,558 | n/a | 224,479 |
| Costs and expenses | |||
| Cost of sales | 114,133 | n/a | 129,244 |
| Selling and administrative | |||
| expense | 65,535 | n/a | 76,654 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 4,604 | n/a | 5,281 |
| Interest expense | 682 | n/a | 1,169 |
| Total expenses | 184,954 | n/a | 212,348 |
| Income before income taxes and | |||
| cumulative effect of a change | |||
| in accounting principle | 14,604 | n/a | 12,131 |
| Provision for income taxes | 7,314 | n/a | 848 |
| Release of deferred Federal and | |||
| State income taxes | -0- | n/a | (5,414) |
| Cumulative effect on prior | |||
| years (to July 25, 1987) of | |||
| the change in inventory | |||
| costing method | -0- | n/a | (1,226) |
| Net income | 7,290 | n/a | 17,923 |
| Taxable year ended | 1/28/89 | 1/27/90 | 1/26/91 |
| Current assets | $ 70,988 | $ 72,283 | $ 76,327 |
| Other assets | 43,089 | 47,448 | 48,331 |
| Total assets | 114,077 | 119,731 | 124,658 |
| Current liabilities | 30,484 | 37,381 | 50,985 |
| Other liabilities | 11,679 | 16,330 | 9,016 |
| Total liabilities | 42,163 | 47,711 | 60,001 |
| Stockholders' equity | 71,914 | 72,020 | 64,657 |
| Total liabilities & equity | 114,077 | 119,731 | 124,658 |
| Net sales | 227,057 | 251,602 | 264.100 |
| Other income | 8,472 | 9,214 | 8,803 |
| Total revenue | 235,529 | 260,816 | 270,903 |
| Costs and expenses | |||
| Cost of sales | 136,163 | 151,112 | 156.130 |
| Selling and administrative | |||
| expense | 77,662 | 92,506 | 101,530 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 6,332 | 6,622 | 6,743 |
| Interest expense | 1,275 | 4,006 | 4,933 |
| Total expenses | 221,432 | 254,246 | 269,336 |
| Income before income taxes and | |||
| cumulative effect of a change | |||
| in accounting principle | 14,097 | 6,570 | 1,567 |
| Provision for income taxes | 904 | 406 | 116 |
| Release of deferred Federal and | |||
| State income taxes | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cumulative effect on prior | |||
| years (to July 25, 1987) of | |||
| the change in inventory | |||
| costing method | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Net income | 13,193 | 6,164 | 1,451 |
n/a -- Data not available
For its fiscal years that ended before 1983, Big1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="18" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*273 M generally paid annual dividends of $ 3.50 per share. Big M paid dividends of $ 28,350, $ 32,400, $ 36,450, $ 48,215, and $ 48,000 during its fiscal years ended in 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1987, respectively.
In 1988 and 1989, Big M made distributions sufficient to cover its shareholders' tax liabilities. In 1990, Big M made distributions sufficient to cover its shareholders' tax liabilities, and it distributed approximately $ 52 per share to all of its shareholders in connection with the establishment of three grantor trusts. 11
1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="19" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*274 In 1976, Siegel and Kaye advised Leon, Max, and Bernard that they should establish a program under which they would give stock to their children. Each year thereafter, Siegel and Kaye advised Leon, Max, and Bernard as to the number of shares to give to their children. The following tables show the gifts of Leon, Max, and Bernard on each valuation date and list each shareholder's holding immediately after the gifts. 12
| December 31, 1986 | ||||
| Gifts | Holdings | |||
| Shares | ||||
| of Stock | Class A | |||
| SHAREHOLDERS OF RECORDS: | Received by Gift | % | Common | % |
| Leon Mandelbaum | -- | -- | 1,415 | 14.7 |
| Kenneth A. Mandelbaum * | 60 | 0.6 | 835 | 8.7 |
| Beth Mandelbaum | 40 | 0.4 | 447 | 4.6 |
| Joan Mandelbaum | 30 | 0.3 | 437 | 4.5 |
| Michael Mandelbaum | 30 | 0.3 | 437 | 4.5 |
| Sub-Total | 160 | 1.7 | 3,571 | 37.0 |
| Max Mandelbaum | -- | -- | 1,575 | 16.3 |
| Laurence H. Mandelbaum | 50 | 0.5 | 825 | 8.6 |
| Alan W. Mandelbaum | 50 | 0.5 | 825 | 8.6 |
| Susan Mandelbaum | 25 | 0.3 | 346 | 3.6 |
| Sub-Total | 125 | 1.3 | 3,571 | 37.0 |
| Bernard Mandelbaum | --- | --- | 1,585 | 16.4 |
| Ken Mandelbaum | 40 | 0.4 | 648 | 6.7 |
| Lee Elliot Mandelbaum | 0 | 0.0 | 134 | 1.4 |
| Gini Mandelbaum | 0 | 0.0 | 134 | 1.4 |
| Sub-Total | 40 | 0.4 | 2,501 | 25.9 |
| Total | 325 | 3.4 | 9,643 | 100.0 |
| December 16, 1987 | ||||
| Gifts | Holdings | |||
| Shares | ||||
| of Stock | Class A | |||
| SHAREHOLDERS OF RECORDS: | Received by Gift | % | Common | % |
| Leon Mandelbaum | -- | -- | 1,200 | 12.4 |
| Kenneth A. Mandelbaum * | 80 | 0.8 | 915 | 9.5 |
| Beth Mandelbaum | 55 | 0.6 | 502 | 5.2 |
| Joan Mandelbaum | 40 | 0.4 | 477 | 4.9 |
| Michael Mandelbaum | 40 | 0.4 | 477 | 4.9 |
| Sub-Total | 215 | 2.2 | 3,571 | 37.0 |
| Max Mandelbaum | -- | -- | 1,375 | 14.3 |
| Laurence H. Mandelbaum | 75 | 0.8 | 900 | 9.3 |
| Alan W. Mandelbaum | 75 | 0.8 | 900 | 9.3 |
| Susan Mandelbaum | 50 | 0.5 | 396 | 4.1 |
| Sub-Total | 200 | 2.1 | 3,571 | 37.0 |
| Bernard Mandelbaum | --- | --- | 1,510 | 15.7 |
| Ken Mandelbaum | 55 | 0.6 | 703 | 7.3 |
| Lee Elliot Mandelbaum | 10 | 0.1 | 144 | 1.5 |
| Gini Mandelbaum | 10 | 0.1 | 144 | 1.5 |
| Sub-Total | 75 | 0.8 | 2,501 | 25.9 |
| Total | 490 | 5.1 | 9,643 | 100.0 |
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| December 23, 1988 | ||||||
| Gifts | Holdings | |||||
| Shares of | ||||||
| SHAREHOLDERS OF | Stock | |||||
| Cla | Class B | |||||
| ss A | ||||||
| SHAREHOLDERS OF | BY | Com- | Common | Total | ||
| RECORD: | Gift | mon | (Voting) | (Nonvoting) | Common | % |
| % | ||||||
| Leon Mandelbaum | -- | -- | 1 | 1,134 | 1,135 | 11.8 |
| Kenneth A. | 25 | 0.3 | 1 | 939 | 940 | 9.7 |
| Mandelbaum * | ||||||
| Beth Mandelbaum | 16 | 0.2 | 0 | 518 | 518 | 5.4 |
| Joan Mandelbaum | 12 | 0.1 | 0 | 489 | 489 | 5.1 |
| Michael Mandelbaum | 12 | 0.1 | 0 | 489 | 489 | 5.1 |
| Sub-Total | 65 | 0.7 | 2 | 3,569 | 3,571 | 37.0 |
| Max Mandelbaum | -- | -- | 0 | 1,320 | 1,320 | 13.7 |
| Laurence H. | 21 | 0.2 | 1 | 920 | 921 | 9.6 |
| Mandelbaum | ||||||
| Alan W. Mandelbaum | 21 | 0.2 | 1 | 920 | 921 | 9.6 |
| Susan Mandelbaum | 13 | 0.1 | 0 | 409 | 409 | 4.2 |
| Sub-Total | 55 | 0.6 | 2 | 3,569 | 3,571 | 37.0 |
| Bernard Mandelbaum | -- | -- | 1 | 1,479 | 1,480 | 15.3 |
| Ken Mandelbaum | 20 | 0.2 | 1 | 722 | 723 | 7.5 |
| Lee Elliot | 5 | 0.1 | 0 | 149 | 149 | 1.5 |
| Mandelbaum | ||||||
| Gini Mandelbaum | 5 | 0.1 | 0 | 149 | 149 | 1.5 |
| Sub-Total | 30 | 0.3 | 2 | 2,499 | 2,501 | 25.9 |
| Total | 150 | 1.6 | 6 | 9,637 | 9,643 | 100.0 |
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| December 15, 1989 | ||||||
| Gifts | Holdings | |||||
| Shares of | ||||||
| SHAREHOLDERS OF | Stock | |||||
| Received | Class A | Class B | ||||
| SHAREHOLDERS OF | BY | Com- | Common | Total | ||
| RECORD: | Gift | mon | (Voting) | (Nonvoting) | Common | % |
| % | ||||||
| Leon Mandelbaum | -- | -- | 1 | 1,099 | 1,100 | 11.4 |
| Kenneth A. | 16 | 0.2 | 1 | 955 | 956 | 9.9 |
| Mandelbaum * | ||||||
| Beth Mandelbaum | 7 | 0.1 | 0 | 525 | 525 | 5.4 |
| Joan Mandelbaum* | 6 | 0.1 | 0 | 495 | 495 | 5.1 |
| Michael Mandelbaum | 6 | 0.1 | 0 | 495 | 495 | 5.1 |
| Sub-Total | 35 | 0.4 | 2 | 3,569 | 3,571 | 37.0 |
| Max Mandelbaum | -- | -- | 0 | 1,295 | 1,295 | 13.4 |
| Laurence H. | 8 | 0.1 | 1 | 928 | 929 | 9.6 |
| Mandelbaum | ||||||
| Alan W. Mandelbaum | 8 | 0.1 | 1 | 928 | 929 | 9.6 |
| Susan Mandelbaum | 9 | 0.1 | 0 | 418 | 418 | 4.3 |
| Sub-Total | 25 | 0.3 | 2 | 3,569 | 3,571 | 37.0 |
| Bernard Mandelbaum | -- | -- | 1 | 1,467 | 1,468 | 15.2 |
| Ken Mandelbaum | 4 | 0.0 | 1 | 726 | 727 | 7.5 |
| Lee Elliot | 4 | 0.0 | 0 | 153 | 153 | 1.6 |
| Mandelbaum | ||||||
| Gini Mandelbaum | 4 | 0.0 | 0 | 153 | 153 | 1.6 |
| Sub-Total | 12 | 0.1 | 2 | 2,499 | 2,501 | 25.9 |
| Total | 72 | 0.7 | 6 | 9,637 | 9,643 | 100.0 |
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| February 1, 1990 | ||||||
| Gifts | Holdings | |||||
| Shares of | ||||||
| Stock | ||||||
| Received | Class A | Class B | ||||
| SHAREHOLDERS OF | BY | Comm | Common | Total | ||
| RECORD: | Gift | on % | (Voting) | (Nonvoting) | Common | % |
| Leon Mandelbaum | -- | -- | 1 | 99 | 100 | 1.0 |
| Kenneth A. Mandelbaum | 0 | 0.0 | 1 | 955 | 956 | 9.9 |
| Beth Mandelbaum | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 525 | 525 | 5.4 |
| Joan Mandelbaum | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 495 | 495 | 5.1 |
| Michael Mandelbaum | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 495 | 495 | 5.1 |
| L. Mandelbaum Retained | 1,000 | 10.4 | 0 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 10.4 |
| Interest Trust | ||||||
| Sub-Total | 1,000 | 10.4 | 2 | 3,569 | 3,571 | 37.0 |
| Max Mandelbaum | -- | -- | 0 | 295 | 295 | 3.1 |
| Laurence H. Mandelbaum | 0 | 0.0 | 1 | 928 | 929 | 9.6 |
| Alan W. Mandelbaum | 0 | 0.0 | 1 | 928 | 929 | 9.6 |
| Susan Mandelbaum | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 418 | 418 | 4.3 |
| P. Mandelbaum Retained | 1,000 | 10.4 | 0 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 10.4 |
| Interest Trust * | ||||||
| Sub-Total | 1,000 | 10.4 | 2 | 3,569 | 3,571 | 37.0 |
| Bernard Mandelbaum | -- | -- | 1 | 467 | 468 | 4.9 |
| Ken Mandelbaum | 0 | 0.0 | 1 | 726 | 727 | 7.5 |
| Lee Elliot Mandelbaum | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 153 | 153 | 1.6 |
| Gini Mandelbaum | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 153 | 153 | 1.6 |
| B. Mandelbaum Retained | 1,000 | 10.4 | 0 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 10.4 |
| Interest Trust | ||||||
| Sub-Total | 1,000 | 10.4 | 2 | 2,499 | 2,501 | 25.9 |
| Total | 3,000 | 31.3 | 6 | 9,637 | 9,643 | 100.0 |
| December 30, 1990 | ||||||
| Gifts | Holdings | |||||
| Shares of | ||||||
| SHAREHOLDERS OF | Stock | |||||
| Received | Class A | Class B | ||||
| SHAREHOLDERS OF | BY | Com- | Common | Total | ||
| RECORD: | Gift | mon | (Voting) | (Nonvoting) | Common | % |
| % | ||||||
| Leon Mandelbaum | -- | -- | 1 | 59 | 60 | 0.6 |
| Kenneth A. | 10 | 0.1 | 1 | 965 | 966 | 10.0 |
| Mandelbaum * | ||||||
| Beth Mandelbaum | 10 | 0.1 | 0 | 535 | 535 | 5.5 |
| Joan Mandelbaum | 10 | 0.1 | 0 | 505 | 505 | 5.2 |
| Michael Mandelbaum | 10 | 0.1 | 0 | 505 | 505 | 5.2 |
| L. Mandelbaum Retained | 1,000 | 10.4 | 0 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 10.4 |
| Interest Trust | ||||||
| Sub-Total | 40 | 0.4 | 2 | 3,569 | 3,571 | 37.0 |
| Max Mandelbaum | -- | -- | 0 | 265 | 265 | 2.7 |
| Laurence H. | 10 | 0.1 | 1 | 938 | 939 | 9.7 |
| Mandelbaum | ||||||
| Alan W. Mandelbaum | 10 | 0.1 | 1 | 938 | 939 | 9.7 |
| Susan Mandelbaum | 10 | 0.1 | 0 | 428 | 428 | 4.4 |
| P. Mandelbaum Retained | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 10.4 |
| Interest Trust | ||||||
| Sub-Total | 30 | 0.3 | 2 | 3,569 | 3,571 | 37.0 |
| Bernard Mandelbaum | -- | -- | 1 | 452 | 453 | 4.7 |
| Ken Mandelbaum | 5 | 0.1 | 1 | 731 | 732 | 7.6 |
| Lee Elliot | 5 | 0.1 | 0 | 158 | 158 | 1.6 |
| Mandelbaum | ||||||
| Gini Mandelbaum | 5 | 0.1 | 0 | 158 | 158 | 1.6 |
| B. Mandelbaum Retained | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 10.4 |
| Interest Trust | ||||||
| Sub-Total | 15 | 0.2 | 2 | 2,499 | 2,501 | 25.9 |
| Total | 85 | 0.9 | 6 | 9,637 | 9,643 | 100.0 |
Beginning in 1976 and for most years thereafter (including each of the years in issue), Bernard, Leon, and Max filed Federal gift tax returns and reported the transfer of Big M stock to their children and/or the grantor trusts. For the 1986 through 1989 calendar years, Beverly and Pearl each agreed to split the gifts with their husbands, see sec. 2513, and filed Federal gift tax returns.
Petitioners' 1976 through 1989 Federal gift tax returns were prepared by Siegel. Siegel and Kaye valued the shares of Big M for reporting on these returns. In valuing the shares, Siegel and Kaye first determined the total value of Big M stock by subtracting the net asset value of Big M's leasehold improvements from Big M's shareholders' equity. Siegel and Kaye then determined the per-share value of Big M by multiplying Big M's total value (as determined by them) by 50 percent1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="26" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*281 (to reflect a minority and marketability discount) and dividing the product by Big M's outstanding shares (9,643). Siegel and Kaye determined that each share of Big M stock was worth $ 1,469, $ 2,335, and $ 2,473 on the 1987, 1988, and 1989 valuation dates, respectively.
Petitioners' 1990 Federal gift tax returns were prepared by the firm of Cole, Schotz, Bernstein, Meisel & Forman, P.A. (Cole, Schotz). Cole, Schotz valued the subject shares of Big M based on Big M's average income for the current and prior 4 years. Cole, Schotz first computed Big M's average income for these years, and then reduced the average amount by 50 percent in order to reflect a discount for minority interest and lack of marketability. Cole, Schotz determined that each share of Big M stock was worth $ 1,560 on both valuation dates in 1990. Cole, Schotz determined that the values of the gifts in trust made by Pearl, Leon, and Bernard were $ 504,638, $ 746,972, and $ 498,390, respectively.
Respondent conducted two separate audits with respect to petitioners' gifts of Big M stock. Siegel and Kaye represented petitioners during each audit. Respondent conducted1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="27" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*282 the first audit on the 1976, 1977, and 1978 Federal gift tax returns of Max, Pearl, Leon, and Beverly. Respondent conducted the second audit on the 1981 and 1982 Federal gift tax returns of Max, Pearl, Leon, Beverly, and Bernard. Leon, Max, Pearl, and Bernard consented to an additional gift tax assessment in connection with respondent's audit of 1982.
In her notices of deficiency, respondent determined that the values shown on petitioners' gift tax returns were incorrect. Respondent determined that the per-share values of Big M stock on the relevant valuation dates in 1987, 1988, and 1989 were $ 2,789, $ 5,129, and $ 8,020, respectively. Respondent determined that the per-share value of Big M stock on December 30, 1990, was $ 3,377, 13 and that the February 1, 1990, values of the gifts in trust by Pearl, Leon, and Bernard were $ 1,092,412, $ 1,617,006, and $ 1,078,887, respectively. Respondent also determined (and reflected in her notices of deficiency) additions to tax under
1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="28" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*283 In her answers for the 1989 and 1990 years, respondent clarified that the additions to tax for valuation understatements for those years were asserted under
In March 1995, following the trial of these cases, respondent moved the Court for leave to amend her answers to the 1990 petitions of Pearl, Leon, and Bernard, to conform her pleadings to the proof. We granted respondent's motion shortly thereafter. Respondent currently alleges that the per-share values of Big M stock were $ 5,127 and $ 3,077 on February 1, 1990, and December 30, 1990, respectively; i.e., the freely traded values of Big M stock, as stipulated to by the parties, 1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="29" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*284 less a 30-percent marketability discount. Respondent also currently alleges that Pearl, Leon, and Bernard are liable for additions to their 1990 gift taxes under
OPINION
The parties have stipulated the fair market values of the subject shares of Big M stock on the relevant valuation dates, but their stipulated values do not include any discount for lack of marketability. After a trial during which each side introduced expert testimony on the subject of a proper discount, we are asked to determine the correct allowance for the subject shares' lack of marketability. The record is replete with charts, graphs, factual data, testimony, and expert opinion. We must evaluate all of the evidence and render a judgment. We are not bound by precise appraisal formulas. As the Court has previously observed, the valuation of property is an inexact science, and, if not settled by the parties, must be resolved by the judiciary by way of "Solomon-like" pronouncements.
As typically occurs in a case of valuation, the parties primarily rely on their experts' testimony and reports to support the parties' contrary positions on the valuation issue. Expert testimony sometimes aids the Court in determining valuation. Other times, it does not. 15The Court is not bound by an opinion of an expert. We weigh an expert's testimony in light of his or her qualifications, as well as with regard to all other credible evidence in the record. Depending on what we believe is appropriate under the facts and circumstances of the case, we may reject an expert's opinion in its entirety, accept it in its entirety, or accept only selective portions of it.
1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="31" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*286
Petitioners must prove that respondent's determinations of value set forth in her notices of deficiency are incorrect.
1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="33" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*288
For Federal gift tax purposes, the fair market value of the subject property is determined as of the date of each gift, and, ordinarily, no consideration is given to any unforeseeable future event that may have affected the value of the property.
Special rules govern the valuation of corporate stock. When stock is listed on an established securities market, the stock's value usually equals its listed market price. When stock is not listed on such a market, the stock's value may be based on the unlisted stock's recent arm's-length sales.
When determining the value of unlisted stock by reference to listed stock, a discount from the listed price is typically warranted in order to reflect the unlisted stock's lack of marketability. Such a discount, commonly known as a "lack of 1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="36" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*291 marketability discount" (or, more succinctly, a "marketability discount"), reflects the absence of a recognized market for closely held stock and accounts for the fact that closely held stock is generally not readily transferable. A marketability discount also reflects the fact that a buyer may have to incur a subsequent expense to register the unlisted stock for public sale. See
The parties have stipulated the "freely traded" values of Big M's class B common stock on the pertinent valuations dates. These stipulated values take into account any applicable minority discount. The stipulated values must be discounted to reflect the fact that Big M's stock is unlisted and is not easily marketable. Ascertaining the appropriate discount for limited marketability is a factual determination. Critical to this determination is an appreciation of the fundamental elements of value that are used by an investor in making his or her investment decision. A nonexclusive list of these factors includes: (1) The value of 1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="37" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*292 the subject corporation's privately traded securities vis-a-vis its publicly traded securities (or, if the subject corporation does not have stock that is traded both publicly and privately, the cost of a similar corporation's public and private stock); (2) an analysis of the subject corporation's financial statements; (3) the corporation's dividend-paying capacity, its history of paying dividends, and the amount of its prior dividends; (4) the nature of the corporation, its history, its position in the industry, and its economic outlook; (5) the corporation's management; (6) the degree of control transferred with the block of stock to be valued; (7) any restriction on the transferability of the corporation's stock; (8) the period of time for which an investor must hold the subject stock to realize a sufficient profit; (9) the corporation's redemption policy; and (10) the cost of effectuating a public offering of the stock to be valued, e.g., legal, accounting, and underwriting fees. See
Respondent determined that the freely traded value of Big M stock must be discounted by 30 percent to reflect its lack of marketability on the six valuation dates. Respondent supports her determination with the testimony of her expert, Paul R. Mallarkey (Mallarkey). Mallarkey is the Northeast regional valuation director for Valuation and Appraisal Services at BDO, Seidman, a major international accounting firm. Mallarkey is also a senior member and accredited senior appraiser in business valuation with the American Society of Appraisers, and a chartered financial analyst with the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts.
Mallarkey used three studies on the sale of "restricted stock" 171995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="40" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*295 to ascertain the marketability discount for the subject shares. 18 The first study, Securities and Exchange Commn., Institutional Investor Study Report, H.R. Doc. 92-64 (Vol. 5), 92d Cong., 1st Sess. (1971), is based on more than 300 private transactions of the restricted stock of corporations that had shares of the same class of stock which were publicly traded. The study finds that the median discount1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="39" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*294 for restricted stock of over-the-counter nonreporting companies is between 30.1 and 40 percent. 19 The second study, Moroney, "Most Courts Overvalue Closely Held Stocks",
Given the fact that these three restricted stock studies find that restricted stock generally sells at a 30- to 35-percent discount from unrestricted stock, Mallarkey concluded that a 30-percent discount is appropriate for all six valuation dates. Mallarkey found that the risk associated with holding Big M stock is neutralized by its size and stable gross profits, which have allowed Big M to remain profitable. Mallarkey also found that the Shareholders' Agreements do not seriously affect the marketability of Big M stock.
Petitioners contend that a 75-percent marketability discount applies to 1986 through 1989, and a 70-percent discount applies for 1990. Petitioners support their 70- and 75-percent rates with the testimony of1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="41" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*296 their expert, Roger J. Grabowski (Grabowski). Grabowski is a principal and the national director of Valuation Services Group at Price Waterhouse, LLP. Grabowski valued the subject shares and calculated the following range of marketability discounts for the shares:
| Date | Discount Range |
| 1986 | 66-94% |
| 1987 | 63-93 |
| 1988 | 69-95 |
| 1989 | 73-96 |
| Feb. 1990 | 68-83 |
| Dec. 1990 | 64-78 |
Grabowski opined that a 75-percent discount applies for 1986 through 1989 and a 70-percent discount applies for 1990.
In reaching his opinion, Grabowski concluded that Big M stock is "virtually illiquid" and assumed that an investor in Big M would have to wait 10 to 20 years for his or her investment to become liquid. Grabowski based his conclusions primarily on the fact that Big M's shareholders executed the Shareholders' Agreements. 20 Grabowski also based his conclusions on the facts that: (1) Members of the Mandelbaum family have always owned Big M, (2) the family has no plans to make Big M public or to seek outside investors, (3) Big M's senior management is relatively young and approximately 20 years from normal retirement age; and (4) none of the gifts in issue significantly changed the voting 1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="42" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*297 power of Big M. Grabowski further based his conclusions on his allegations that Big M had an erratic dividend history, and that any investor in Big M would be uncertain as to whether he or she would receive regular dividends.
Grabowski analyzed the same three restricted stock studies analyzed by Mallarkey. Grabowski1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="43" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*298 also analyzed four other restricted stock studies and three studies on initial public offerings (IPO). The four other restricted stock studies were: Gelman, An Economist-Financial Analysts Approach 353 (1972) (average discount on restricted stock purchased by four closed-end investment companies that specialized in restricted stock); Trout, "Estimation of the Discount Associated with the Transfer of Restricted Securities",
Grabowski also analyzed IPO studies. 21IPO studies report the differences between the sale prices of stocks in IPO's and the sale prices of the1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="44" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*299 same stocks in private sales occurring shortly before the public transactions. The three IPO studies analyzed by Grabowski were: Emory, "The Value of Marketability as Illustrated in Initial Public Offerings of Common Stock -- January 1980 through June 1981", Business Valuation News 21 (Sept. 1985); Emory, "The Value of Marketability as Illustrated in Initial Public Offerings of Common Stock -- January 1985 through June 1986", Business Valuation Reviews 12 (Dec. 1986); and Willamette Management Associates Studies, as described in Pratt,
Grabowski concluded that the marketability discount for the subject shares is higher than the discounts in the restricted stock and IPO studies because Big M stock is illiquid. Grabowski interviewed a number of investment firms to ascertain the rate of return that they would require from an investment in a company similar1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="45" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*300 to Big M stock. These investors generally reported returns ranging from 25 to 40 percent. Grabowski concluded that an investor's required rate of return for an investment in Big M would be 35 to 40 percent. Grabowski assumed that such an investor would have to hold his or her stock for 10 to 20 years. Grabowski calculated his range of discounts based on his assumed holding period of 10 to 20 years and his ascertained required rate of return of 35 to 40 percent. Grabowski's calculations for 1990 reflect the fact that Big M made larger distributions during that year than in prior years.
We are unpersuaded by Mallarkey's analysis and conclusions. Given the fact that the record adequately shows that the Mandelbaum family plans to keep Big M family controlled and privately held, we do not believe that Mallarkey gave enough weight to the fact that a person outside of the Mandelbaum family would acquire no meaningful powers in Big M if he or she invested in the company. We also find that Mallarkey did not give enough weight to the transferability restrictions embodied in the Shareholders' Agreements. Although we conclude below that these restrictions1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="46" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*301 are not determinative with respect to the valuation issue, we believe that the Shareholders' Agreements create a chilling effect on prospective investors, and, accordingly, that some consideration must be given to the agreements' effect on the issue of marketability.
We are further troubled by the fact that Mallarkey relied primarily (if not entirely) on the restricted stock studies to support his conclusion of a 30-percent discount rate. Because the restricted stock studies analyzed only "restricted stock", the holding period of the securities studied was approximately 2 years. Mallarkey has not supported such a short holding period for Big M stock, and we find no persuasive evidence in the record to otherwise support it. 22 In addition, the restricted stock studies analyzed only the restricted1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="47" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*302 stock of publicly traded corporations. Big M is not a publicly traded corporation.
We are no more persuaded by Grabowski's analysis or conclusions. First, Grabowski's determination of fair market value focuses only on a hypothetical willing buyer and does not reflect the view of a hypothetical willing seller. Although the record indicates that petitioners adamantly desire to keep the ownership of Big M within their family, the test of fair market value rests on the concept of a hypothetical willing buyer
Second, we give the Shareholders' Agreements less weight than Grabowski. According to Grabowski, the right of first refusal contained in the Shareholders' Agreements "severely restricts" marketability of Big M stock. Grabowski, however, has not persuaded us that his assertion is true, let alone that the right results are 70- and 75-percent marketability discounts. We find Grabowski's heavy reliance on the Shareholders' Agreements especially troublesome, given the fact that the agreements specify no price or formula (such as book value per share) at which the shares must be offered to Big M or to its other shareholders. In most cases, especially where an operating company is concerned, a right of first refusal without a fixed price has little, if any, effect on fair market value (which inherently includes any marketability discount), see, e.g.,
Third, we are troubled by the fact that Grabowski failed to consider hypothetical willing buyers who are genuine representatives of prospective investors in Big M. Although Grabowski conducted interviews with nine investors, Grabowski's interviewees included only leveraged buyout groups, merchant bankers, and venture capitalists. Such a group of investors may (and did) require a higher1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="50" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*305 rate of return than other investors. Grabowski should have included in his test a more representative sample of willing buyers of Big M stock, e.g., competitors of Big M or independent investors. Grabowski did not do so. We find that Grabowski's failure to do so weakens his testimony. 23 See
Fourth, we have problems with1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="51" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*306 many of the assumptions that Grabowski relied on to determine the marketability discount. Grabowski relied on his interviews for the proposition that a willing buyer of Big M stock must receive a 35- to 40-percent annual rate of return for his or her investment. As mentioned above, we find this reliance misplaced. Grabowski also relied on his assumption that a buyer would have to hold Big M stock for 10 to 20 years in order to make his or her investment worthwhile. We find this reliance equally misplaced. Although Grabowski mentioned retirement for the current generation in the same breath as his 10-to 20-year assumption, Grabowski fails to explain how the current generation's retirement will add to the marketability of Big M stock. Grabowski also mentioned petitioners' intent to keep the stock family owned. The record, however, does not support Grabowski's assumption that petitioners will surrender family control in 10 to 20 years.
Having found limited refuge in the opinions of either expert, we proceed to determine the value of the marketability discount. We do so by analyzing the above mentioned factors as of the1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="52" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*307 following valuation dates: December 31, 1986, December 16, 1987, December 23, 1988, December 15, 1989, February 1, 1990, and December 30, 1990. 24
To determine a marketability discount for unlisted stock, sales of similar interests in like companies are frequently considered. Numerous studies have been made with respect to this factor. We find that the 10 studies analyzed by Grabowski are more encompassing than the three studies analyzed by Mallarkey. Because Grabowski's studies found that the average marketability discount for a public corporation's transfer of restricted stock is 35 percent, and that the average discount for IPO's is 45 percent, we use these figures as benchmarks of the marketability discount for the shares at hand.
Investors normally1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="53" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*308 regard the analysis of a company's financial statements as a significant factor for determining the worth of the company's stock. Financial statements include the annual results of a company's operations (an income statement) and the company's status at its yearend (a balance sheet). Financial statements also include relevant footnotes relating to the statements, and the opinion of the preparer, e.g., an independent certified public accountant (C.P.A.), as to the condition of the company and the presentation of its financial statements. A nonexclusive list of relevant inquiries to make when analyzing financial statements includes the type of opinion rendered by the preparer; the soundness of the company's capitalization; the ratio of the company's assets to liabilities; the company's net worth and future earning power; the quality of the company's revenue and earnings; and the company's goodwill.
Turning to the facts at hand, we find that Big M engaged independent C.P.A.'s to perform certified audits on, and gave unqualified opinions with respect to, Big M's financial position on (and for the taxable years ended) January 26, 1991; January 27, 1990; January 28, 1989; July 30, 1988; 1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="54" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*309 and July 25, 1987. Big M's independent C.P.A.'s also performed certified audits on, and gave unqualified opinions with respect to, Big M and its subsidiaries' financial position on (and for the taxable years ended) July 26, 1986, and July 27, 1985.
Big M had strong capitalization on the six valuation dates. It also had solid current ratios of assets to liabilities. Accordingly, Big M was able to finance its operations to the extent necessary.
Big M's net worth, revenue, and earnings also were substantial for the subject years: For example, the net sales of Big M and its subsidiaries increased approximately 16 percent from their taxable year that ended in 1985 to their taxable year that ended in 1986; Big M's net sales continually increased for each of its taxable years ended in 1987 to 1991; Big M's net sales increased by 35.5 percent from its taxable year that ended in 1987 to its taxable year that ended in 1991; the net income for Big M and its subsidiaries exceeded $ 4.6 million for their taxable years ending in 1985 and 1986; Big M's net income exceeded $ 6.1 million for all of its taxable years that ended in 1987 through 1990; and Big M's net income exceeded $ 1.4 million1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="55" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*310 for its taxable year that ended in 1991. We also find relevant the fact that Big M paid $ 5,719,000 in cash to purchase 30 retail stores of a competitor in 1986. The presence of cash is important in an apparel business, and Big M had sufficient cash during each of the subject years. Given the additional fact that Big M's stores are widely recognized in the industry, we conclude that these factors favor a below-average marketability discount for stock in Big M on each of the six valuation dates.
Investors regard a company's dividend policy as a factor to consider in determining the worth of that company's stock. Critical to this factor is whether an investor will receive a fair rate of return on his or her investment. The fact that a company pays small or no dividends will not always negatively affect the company's marketability.
Even if a corporation seldom pays dividends, an investor may aim to participate in the corporation's success mainly through the appreciation in the value of his or her stock brought on by retained earnings and the possibility1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="56" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*311 of a future return.
Turning to the facts at hand, Big M has paid small dividends in comparison to its net income. We do not find this fact determinative. Big M's net income exceeded $ 6.1 million for each of its years ended in 1987 through 1990, and its net income exceeded $ 1.4 million for its year ended in 1991. Big M also had sufficient cash during each of those years. Accordingly, the Big M stock might attract an investor more interested in long-term growth than in current return.
This factor favors a below-average marketability discount.
Investors generally regard the nature of a company, its history, its position in the industry, and its economic outlook as relevant factors for determining the worth of the company's stock.
In the instant case, Big M was not the leader in its industry. Its operations, however, were diversified and very profitable as of all six valuation dates. The future of Big M looked bright on each of these dates.
This factor favors a below-average marketability discount.
Investors regard the strength of a company's 1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="57" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*312 management as a factor to consider when determining the worth of that company's stock.
This factor favors a below-average marketability discount.
Investors regard the control inherent in transferred shares as a relevant factor for determining the worth of the stock. Control reflects a shareholder's ability to direct a corporation through his or her dictation of its policies, procedures, or operations. Control of a closely held corporation represents an element of value that justifies a higher value for a controlling block of stock. An investor will pay more for a block of stock that represents control than for a block of stock that is merely a minority interest in the company.
None of the blocks of stock that are at issue herein represent control of Big M. This factor favors an average marketability discount.
Investors consider transferability restrictions as a factor to consider in determining the worth of that company's stock.
This factor favors an above-average to average marketability discount.
The length of time that1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="59" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*314 an investor must hold his or her investment is a factor to consider in determining the worth of a corporation's stock. An interest is less marketable if an investor must hold it for an extended period of time in order to reap a sufficient profit. Market risk tends to increase (and marketability tends to decrease) as the holding period gets longer.
Grabowski assumed that an investor in Big M stock must hold his or her stock for 10 to 20 years. Mallarkey assumed a shorter period of 2 years. We are unpersuaded by either assumption.
We consider this factor to be neutral.
A company's redemption policy is a factor to consider in determining the worth of the company's stock. Turning to the facts at hand, the record does not disclose whether Big M has a set redemption policy. We know, however, that Big M redeemed its shares on at least one occasion. In or about 1974, Big M redeemed 900 of its shares from Bernard for $ 400,000 in cash. Big M did so because Bernard needed the money to settle a divorce from his former spouse. We also know that the Shareholders' Agreements give Big M the right to purchase its shares before a buyer outside of the1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="60" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*315 Mandelbaum family may do so and do not set a price for these shares.
Given that Big M has previously redeemed shares for the sole benefit of one of its shareholders, we find nothing that would prevent it from later redeeming the shares of a seller at their freely traded value (or greater) in order for Big M to remain family owned. We believe that a hypothetical buyer or seller would consider Big M's prior redemption in a favorable light when viewing the price that he or she would assign to the shares.
This factor favors a below-average marketability discount.
Investors consider the costs associated with making a public offering in determining the value of unlisted stock. An above-average to average discount is warranted if the buyer completely bears the cost of registering the purchased stock. The discount is lessened, however, to the extent that the buyer has the ability to minimize his or her registration costs. Registration costs may be minimal to the buyer, for example, if he or she has the right to compel the corporation to register (or otherwise "piggyback") the unlisted shares at its expense.
This factor favors1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="61" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*316 an above-average to average marketability discount.
Based on the record as a whole, and on our evaluation of the above-mentioned factors, we conclude that the marketability discount for the subject shares on each of the valuation dates is no greater than the 30 percent allowed by respondent.
We hold that a 30-percent marketability discount is to be applied to determine the fair market values of Big M shares on the relevant dates.
Respondent determined that petitioners are liable for additions to their 1987 through 1990 Federal gift taxes for valuation understatements. Petitioners alternatively argue that they are not liable for these additions because: (1) The subject stock either was not undervalued or was not undervalued by the statutory thresholds; (2) they used acceptable valuation methods; or (3) they justifiably relied upon professionals to value the subject shares.
With respect to petitioners' 1987 and 1988 taxable years,
Petitioners must prove that they are not liable for the additions to their 1988 Federal gift taxes or that respondent abused her discretion in not waiving these additions. Respondent must prove that petitioners are liable for the additions to their 1987 taxes; she raised these additions in her amendments to her answers. Respondent may prove that petitioners: (1) Did not have a1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="63" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*318 reasonable basis for the valuations claimed on their returns
Based on the record as a whole, we find that petitioners had a reasonable basis for the values claimed on their 1987 and 1988 gift tax returns and that they reported the value in good faith. We also find that respondent abused her discretion with respect to these years. 25 Respondent primarily argues in her brief that the additions are appropriate because petitioners unreasonably relied on the valuations of Siegel and Kaye. Respondent states that petitioners should have known that their professionals' valuations were unreasonable based on the prior audits and the results thereof. To this proposition, we cannot agree. The mere fact that respondent challenged petitioners' valuation method in prior years does not mean that the method was unreasonable. 1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="64" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*319 Indeed, the written agreements signed by petitioners in connection with respondent's audits neither bound the parties thereto in future years nor constituted an acknowledgment that respondent was correct. See
For gift tax returns due after December 31, 1989, e.g., petitioners' 1989 and 1990 returns, a penalty under
Whether a taxpayer had reasonable cause and acted with good faith is a factual determination.
The record shows that petitioners made a reasonable attempt to assess their proper tax liability with respect to the gifts at issue. Because petitioners lacked sophistication in valuation and tax matters, they retained Siegel and Kaye to value the subject shares. Petitioners reasonably relied on the judgment and advice of their two longtime, professional advisers. Under the facts herein, petitioners were not required to second-guess their professionals' advice.
Respondent mainly argues that petitioners' reliance was unreasonable because her prior audits put them on notice that she disagreed with their valuation method. For the same reasons as mentioned above, we disagree. We hold for petitioners on this issue.
We have considered all arguments made by the parties and, to the extent not discussed above, find them to1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" label="1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256" no-link"="" number="67" pagescheme="<span class=">1995 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 256">*322 be without merit.
To reflect the foregoing,
Footnotes
1. Cases of the following petitioners are consolidated herewith: Leon Mandelbaum, docket Nos. 20678-92, 12758-94, 12759-94, 12760-94; Beverly Mandelbaum, docket Nos. 20689-92, 12761-94, 12762-94, 12763-94; Bernard Mandelbaum, docket Nos. 12749-94, 12750-94, 12751-94; Max Mandelbaum, docket Nos. 20687-92; 12752-94, 12753-94, 12754-94; Pearl Mandelbaum, docket Nos. 20688-92, 12755-94; 12756-94, 12757-94.↩
2. Respondent audited petitioners' 1986 Federal gift tax returns and increased the amounts of their taxable gifts that were exempted from gift tax by application of the unified credit for that year. The increase, in turn, decreased the unified credits available to petitioners with respect to taxable gifts made in years after 1986. Petitioners' 1986 taxable year is before the Court solely to determine their unified credits.↩
3. Unless otherwise indicated, section references are to the Internal Revenue Code in effect for the years in issue. Rule references are to the Tax Court Rules of Practice and Procedure.↩
4. Petitioners alleged in their petitions that respondent mailed her notices of deficiency to them after the statutory period of limitations for assessment and collection of gift tax. Respondent's pleadings contain denials of this allegation, and set forth affirmative facts to support her denials. Because petitioners did not raise this issue at trial or in their briefs, we hold that their silence amounts to a concession of this issue.
Burbage v. Commissioner , 82 T.C. 546">82 T.C. 546774 F.2d 644">774 F.2d 644↩ (4th Cir. 1985). We note, however, that the record indicates that respondent issued the subject notices of deficiency to petitioners before the expiration of the period of limitations.5. Accordingly, each branch of the family had two voting shares.↩
6. Mandee Shops does business in certain States under the name "Karin Morgan".↩
7. The parties have stipulated these freely traded values. These values take into account any minority interest discount that is applicable.↩
8. Siegel is also a certified public accountant.↩
9. Or, in other words, two persons from each branch of the Mandelbaum family.↩
10. Or, in other words, two persons from each branch of the Mandelbaum family.↩
11. The three trusts -- the Bernard Mandelbaum Retained Interest Trust, the Leon Mandelbaum Retained Interest Trust, and the Pearl Mandelbaum Retained Interest Trust -- were each established on Feb. 1, 1990, and were irrevocable. Under their terms, each grantor could receive all of the income from the transferred property for a set period of time (e.g., 10 years), and the remainder interest would pass to his or her children equally.↩
12. We note that the percentages of the shareholders' holdings contain rounding errors of .01.↩
*. Note -One-half of these gifts was considered made by the donor's spouse.↩
*. Note - One-half of these gifts was considered made by the donor's spouse.↩
*. Note - One-half of these gifts was considered made by the donor's spouse.↩
*. Note - One-half of these gifts was considered made by the donor's spouse.↩
*. Note - Max gave these shares to Pearl, who, in turn, gave them to this trust.↩
*. Note - One-half of these gifts was considered made by the donor's spouse.↩
13. Contrary to her determination with respect to Leon, Pearl, Beverly, and Bernard, respondent determined the value of Max's gift on Dec. 30, 1990, by reference to a per-share value of $ 3,777. The record does not support a different value for Max, as opposed to the other four petitioners, and we assume that respondent's reference to the higher per-share value in Max's notice of deficiency was an error.↩
14. Respondent asserted in her amendments that the per-share value on the 1987 valuation date was $ 4,784.↩
15. For example, expert testimony is not useful to the Court when the expert is merely an advocate for the position argued by the party.
Laureys v. Commissioner , 92 T.C. 101">92 T.C. 10116. Petitioners allege in their brief that respondent has the burden of proof with respect to the additions to their 1989 and 1990 gift taxes under
sec. 6662(a) and(g) . Petitioners contend that respondent bears this burden because she stated in her notices of deficiency that she determined the additions undersec. 6660 , and restated in her answers that the determinations were made undersec. 6662(a) and(g) . We disagree with petitioners that respondent bears the burden of proof on this issue. Although we agree with petitioners that respondent must prove any new matter pleaded in her answers,Rule 142(a) , we do not agree with them that respondent's correction of her reference to formersec. 6662(a) and(g) is a new matter. Given the fact that respondent's notices clearly state that she determined valuation understatement penalties for 1989 and 1990, the mere fact that she mistakenly referred to the predecessor section (which mistake she quickly corrected in her answers) does not raise a new matter or otherwise shift the burden of proof.Estate of Jayne v. Commissioner , 61 T.C. 744">61 T.C. 744McSpadden v. Commissioner , 50 T.C. 478">50 T.C. 47817. Restricted stock is stock acquired from an issuer in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Federal securities law. Transfers of restricted stock are generally restricted within the first 2 years after issuance.↩
18. See generally Pratt, Valuing a Business 238-247 (2d ed. 1989), for a discussion of studies on restricted stock transactions.↩
19. For this purpose, a nonreporting company is not required to file certain documents, such as quarterly disclosure reports, although it has stock which is publicly traded over the counter.↩
20. According to Grabowski, the Shareholders' Agreements "severely restrict" the marketability of Big M shares because the agreements contain a waiting period (with a right of first refusal) with respect to all sales of Big M stock to prospective buyers who are outside of the Mandelbaum family, and contain numerous provisions that minimize the possibility that such a buyer could ever vote on corporate matters or serve on the Board. Grabowski also concluded that an investor in Big M stock would demand a higher rate of return on his or her investment, as compared to an investment in a freely traded comparable company, because of the transferability restrictions embodied in the Shareholders' Agreements.↩
21. See generally Pratt,
supra↩ , for a discussion of studies on IPO's.22. As mentioned
infra↩ at 49, the period of time for which an investor must hold stock may affect the value of that stock.23. We are also troubled by the fact that Grabowski failed to give these interviewees relevant information about the subject stock. See
Commissioner v. Estate of Stewart , 153 F.2d 17">153 F.2d 17↩24. Because the parties used Big M's yearend statements to determine its freely traded values on these valuation dates, we do the same with respect to the marketability discount.↩
25. Accordingly, we do not pass on the other arguments made by petitioners with respect to the 1987 and 1988 additions to tax.↩