The Valuation of Public Service Corporation Property: Transactions of the American Society of Civil Engineers,; vol. LXXII, June, 1911, ASCE 1190Riggs, Henry Earle
General
The Valuation of Public Service Corporation Property: Transactions of the American Society of Civil Engineers,; vol. LXXII, June, 1911, ASCE 1190
As long as a gas-works, a water-works, or a railroad is in operation and
earning, it is a "going concern," and all increments which attach to its
physical property as a whole continue to exist, even if the physical
value of the property is greater than a fair value. That fair value can
be determined and reached by means of a negative non-physical value.
In view of these things, it would seem to be highly improper to add to
physical value anything more for "going concern." In the final report of
U. S. Judge R. W. Tayler, Arbitrator in the Cleveland Street Railway
matter, in December, 1909, the following language supports the above
contention:
"I allow nothing for going value, except in so far as that is the
result of the necessary expenditure of money in building the road,
acquiring its land, power-houses, and equipment, and putting them
into successful operation. The expenditures for these purposes are,
and necessarily must be, included in the valuation of the physical
property."
_2.—Developed Business._—It is perfectly clear that the "fair value" of
a property must take into account the established business of the
concern. This really is covered by the "going concern values," as
defined by Messrs. Mead and Alvord. The only manner in which this can be
determined intelligently is by an analysis of income accounts.
_3.—Cost of Handling Business._—A railroad with heavy grades, bad
curves, poor equipment, or unskilful management is not nearly as
valuable a property as one having good line and grades, and far-sighted,
economical, and skilful management, and which handles its business at a
lower cost per unit.
In such cases the differences in location and management are bound to
show in the earnings, adding to the physical value of one property and
possibly taking from the value as shown by the physical appraisal in the
case of another.
_4.—Good Will and Established Organization._—These are valuable assets.
It is difficult, indeed, to attach exact weight to these elements of
value, except as they are shown in the intangible value indicated by the
earnings. In most cases of public service companies, as is argued
elsewhere, it is doubtful if such elements are entitled to any place in
a public valuation.
_5.—Franchise Values._—These cover various specific items arising out of
the ownership of special franchises, or, out of the general rights
granted by law to corporations.
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