Michael J. Lavelle, ASA, CFA

Michael Lavelle is a Managing Director and shareholder of Appraisal Economics Inc., leading valuations of businesses, intangible assets, debt and equity securities, and derivatives.

I help clients understand the value of businesses and complex assets when the stakes are high. My work has been used for financial reporting, tax compliance, and transactions in the U.S. and internationally. I have been recognized as an expert witness by the United States Tax Court. I have given expert testimony in arbitration, at deposition, and at trial. My clients range from early-stage ventures to publicly traded companies, as well as high-net-worth individuals and state and federal government agencies.

Teaching is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. At The College of New Jersey, I teach finance, focusing on the time value of money, the relationship between risk and return, the valuation of stocks and bonds, financial and operating leverage, the cost of capital, and capital budgeting. I serve on the Dean's Advisory Council for the School of Business, and I serve as a judge for the annual Mayo Business Plan Competition, which has awarded nearly $1 million to student entrepreneurs since 2012.

I authored the 13th edition of Basic Finance: An Introduction to Financial Institutions, Investments, and Management. My mentor, Dr. Herbert B. ("Buddy") Mayo, a fellow TCNJ professor and generous philanthropist, wrote the first twelve editions, and I am honored to continue the work he began. I also co-authored a chapter on discount rates for intellectual property in Practical Guide to Successful Intellectual Property Valuation and Transactions.

Whether I am consulting with clients, training employees, teaching students, or writing academic and professional materials, I enjoy helping people understand value and make informed financial decisions.