SCOTTSDALE, AZ — June 29, 2015 — Equity Methods today announced that Josh Schaeffer, PhD has joined the firm as director of the complex securities valuation practice. In this leadership role, Schaeffer is responsible for staff development and service delivery in areas involving the valuation of convertible securities, share-based payment awards, financial derivatives, and contingent assets and liabilities.

Schaeffer brings deep experience working with finance executives across a broad range of public and private firms. He has led teams to value instruments such as equity, debt, and interest rate related derivative securities; executive compensation agreements; private companies; partnerships; earnouts; and guarantees. Before joining Equity Methods, Schaeffer worked with Deloitte Financial Advisory Services and Cornerstone Research, focusing on valuations of businesses and investments for financial reporting, tax, consulting, litigation, and arbitration purposes. Schaeffer holds a BS in economics and math from the University of Rochester and a PhD and MBA in finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Complex securities can help a business raise capital, manage cash flow, and provide performance incentives. They’re also a way to optimize intercompany agreements—including mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures—as well as hedge many types of risk. “However, the financial reporting for these instruments usually requires advanced quantitative modeling techniques,” said Takis Makridis, Equity Methods’ CEO. “Fair value accounting requires rigorous modeling acumen, plain-English explanations, and strong systems and technology to maximize flexibility without sacrificing control. Josh gets this.”

“These securities are tricky to value and can lead to complicated accounting treatment,” said Schaeffer. “The good news is that there are effective ways to gain control of these instruments and understand their financial implications.”

About Equity Methods, LLC
Founded in 1998, Equity Methods provides valuation, financial reporting, and human resources advisory services related to equity compensation and other complex securities. More than 450 companies trust Equity Methods to address their most pressing equity compensation challenges. To learn more, visit www.equitymethods.com.