But for small business buyers, the lesson is clear: the financial statements tell one story, but cash flow and working capital metrics tell another—often more accurate—story. In my due diligence practice, I've saved clients from disastrous acquisitions by identifying exactly these patterns: great reported earnings, terrible cash conversion.

As many of you know, the rapid restructuring of federal agencies by #DOGE is already reshaping the landscape for tax professionals, especially those of us who work in #BusinessValuation.