Estate of Pinkerton v. Commissioner , 33 T.C.M. 342 ( 1974 )


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  • ESTATE OF AIRDRIE K. PINKERTON, DECEASED, ROY D. PINKERTON, ET. AL., EXECUTOR, Petitioner v. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Respondent
    Estate of Pinkerton v. Commissioner
    Docket No. 2066-69.
    United States Tax Court
    T.C. Memo 1974-71; 1974 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 247; 33 T.C.M. (CCH) 342; T.C.M. (RIA) 74071;
    March 26, 1974, Filed.
    Jack M. Harrison and Raymond L. Heidemann, for the petitioner.
    Melvern Stein, for the respondent.

    TIETJENS

    MEMORANDUM FINDINGS OF FACT AND OPINION

    TIETJENS, Judge:* The Commissioner determined a deficiency of $92,166.95 in the Federal estate tax of Airdrie K. Pinkerton (hereafter decedent). 1

    *248 The issues for decision are: (1) the value of certain shares of stock owned by decedent at her death; and (2) the extent to which decedent's funeral expenses may be deducted from her gross estate.

    FINDINGS OF FACT

    The stipulated facts are so found and are incorporated herein by this reference.

    Decedent, a resident of Ojai, California, died testate on June 26, 1966. Roy D. Pinkerton (hereafter petitioner), of Ojai, California, Airdrie Paula Martin, of Ojai, California, and Roy H. Pinkerton, of Sacramento, California, are the duly appointed, qualified and acting executors of decedent's will.

    On or about May 8, 1967, petitioner filed a Federal estate tax return with the district director of internal revenue at Los Angeles, California, and elected to use the date of decedent's death as the date of valuation of the estate.

    Decedent's estate was administered under the jurisdiction of California. Decedent's funeral expenses of $510.50 were paid by decedent's estate.

    At the time of her death, decedent owned a one-half community property interest in the following shares of corporate stocks:

    (a) 16 shares of Class A capital stock of John P. Scripps Newspapers.

    (b) 16*249 shares of Class B capital stock of John P. Scripps Newspapers.

    (c) 10 shares of Class A capital stock of Tulare Newspapers, Inc.

    (d) 10 shares of Class B capital stock of Tulare Newspapers, Inc.

    (e) 10 shares of Class A capital stock of Watsonville Newspapers, Inc.

    (f) 10 shares of Class B capital stock of Watsonville Newspapers, Inc.

    (g) 10 shares of Class A capital stock of Redding Record, Inc.

    (h) 30 shares of Class B capital stock of Redding Record, Inc.

    The Class A, no par capital stock of each of the four corporations is voting stock whereas the Class B is non-voting. In all other respects there is no distinction between the Class A and Class B stock of any of the corporations.

    There have never been any sales of shares of capital stock of any of the four subject corporations from which the fair market value of such shares could be determined as of June 26, 1966.

    John P. Scripps Newspapers

    John P. Scripps Newspapers (hereafter Scripps), was incorporated under the laws of the State of California in 1935. From March 1935 until the date of decedent's death, the issued and outstanding capital stock of Scripps was owned as follows:

    Class A, no-par sharesClass B, no-par sharesTotal
    Decedent and her surviving husband, Roy D. Pinkerton, as community property161632
    John P. Scripps643296
    Edgar F. Elfstrom and Thelma A. Elfstrom, Trustees161632
    Totals9664160

    *250 As of June 26, 1966, Scripps published the daily Ventura County Star-Free Press (hereafter the Star-Free Press) in Ventura, California, and the daily News-Chronicle in Thousand Oaks, California. The Star-Free Press was acquired by Scripps in 1946 although it was started as a daily newspaper by Roy D. Pinkerton on June 15, 1925. The News-Chronicle is the successor of the Conejo News, a weekly newspaper purchased by Scripps in 1961. The Star-Free Press is circulated throughout Ventura County, California, and the News-Chronicle is circulated in Southeastern Ventura County.

    As of June 26, 1966, the Star-Free Press was printed on a six unit Goss letter press which was approximately 40 years old. Throughout the industry, letter presses were becoming obsolete and were being replaced by more modern offset presses. The market for used letter presses was very depressed.

    As of June 26, 1966, the News-Chronicle was printed on a three unit offset press. The News-Chronicle operated from two different buildings, one of which was an old, remodeled church which had become inadequate for the newspaper's needs. It was not adaptable to remodeling, and the cost of replacing it was estimated*251 at from $150,000 to $200,000.

    As of June, 1966, there were profit-sharing agreements in existence between Scripps and certain of its key employees. On December 7, 1965, the executive committee of Scripps increased the reserve account from $350,000 to $400,000 from its earned surplus to provide for its liability under the profit-sharing agreements.

    The following schedules reflect certain information relevant to our determination of the value of decedent's interest in Scripps:

    (1) John P. Scripps Newspapers
    Net Income Before Federal Income TaxesFederal Income TaxesDividends Paid
    1956$235,507$115,595$ 38,400
    1957231,239114,70938,400
    1958244,319121,25038,400
    1959304,759151,94938,400
    1960315,262157 ,25876,800
    1961350,721175,64276,800
    1962232,326114,07676,800
    1963227,006111,29676,800
    1964141,32242,09176,800
    1965264,817111,70976,800
    1966242,585106,73976,800
    (2) Ventura County Star-Free Press
    Total RevenuesNet Operating ProfitAverage Paid Daily CirculationTotal Pages PrintedTotal Advertising Inches
    1956$1,071,561$237,69319,9617,220737,812
    19571,131,237237,13120,3427,464749,857
    19581 ,206,284249,05621,4497,418720,278
    19591,374,926306,64523,1827,936796,813
    19601,534,811309,11523, 9958,130837,941
    19611,700,785397,69524,2308,462868,567
    19621,767,893353,33225,0908,796881,181
    19 631,937,494385,78726,2089,438903,827
    19642,080,790378,61127,62710,236964,335
    19652,338,131456,49628,89410,5341,020,221
    19662,535,362317,58229,27312,1701,065,433
    (3) News-Chronicle
    Total RevenuesNet Operating (Loss)Average Paid Daily CirculationTotal Pages PrintedTotal Advertising Inches
    7 months ended December 31,
    1961$ 60,661[50,997)1,30877863,526
    1962151,491(119,884)2,4541,636150,922
    1963 *191,46 2(154,583)3,8292,020181,857
    1964**244,632(220,232)4,6622,810198,267
    1965347,020(187,636)4,3103,540230,896
    1966509,111( 36,577)6,2854,409326,491
    *252

    (4) John P. Scripps Newspapers
    (a) For the Years 1961, 1962, and 1963
    196119621963
    Circulation income$ 358,990$ 384,123$ 411,168
    Advertising income1,392,8241,520,7081,701,932
    Miscellaneous income (shopping news circulars, commercial printing, etc.)9,63114,55315,855
    Interest income12,4637,8534,009
    Dividend income2,7902,7902,790
    Gain or (loss) on sale of capital assets(1,155)(40)89
    Total Income$1,775,543$1,929,987$2,135,843
    Operating expense*1,415,5021,687,5481,898,605
    Interest expense9,32010,11310,232
    Operating profit before Federal income taxes$ 350,721$ 232,326$ 227,006
    Federal income taxes175,642114,076111,296
    Net profit after Federal income taxes$ 175,079$ 118,250$ 115,710
    *Includes depreciation expense in the amounts of$ 40,350$ 42,431$ 42,071
    (b) For the years 1964, 1965, and 1966
    196419651966
    Circulation income$ 445,719$ 469,661$ 550,775
    Advertising income1,861,1762,125,6532,387,390
    Miscellaneous income (shopping news, circulars, commercial printing)18,526170,565265,965
    Interest income4,4855,3234,807
    Dividend income2,7902,7902,836
    Gain or (loss) on sale of capital assets(276)1,384(367)
    Total Income$2,332,420$2,775,376$3,211,406
    Operating expense*2,167,9212,482,2072,924,238
    Interest expense23,17728,35244,583
    Operating profit before federal income taxes$ 141,322$ 264,817$ 242,585
    Federal income taxes**42,091111,709106,739
    Net profit after federal income taxes$ 99,231$ 153,108$ 135,846
    *Includes depreciation expense in the amounts of$ 53,387$ 70,717$ 78,686
    **After reduction for investment credits in the amounts of$ 20,385$ 7,641$ 2,105
    *253
    (5) John P. Scripps Newspapers
    (a) As of December 31, 1961 and 1962
    Assets12/31/6112/31/62
    Cash on hand and in banks$ 208,618$ 105,591
    Securities at cost85,824160,824
    Notes and accounts receivable - net315,973208,368
    Inventories and supplies45,69941,236
    Land, buildings and equipment - net507,293657,502
    Goodwill - purchased49,82749,827
    Deferred charge8,1057,969
    Organization expense599599
    Miscellaneous assets12,308975
    Total Assets$1,234,246$1,232,891
    Liabilities and Capital
    Current liabilities$ 182,267$ 140,409
    Notes payable-non-current163,145166,510
    Prepaid subscriptions5,3795,647
    Miscellaneous non-current liabilities10,7066,127
    Reserve for liability under employee profit sharing agreements350,000350,000
    Capital stock (160 shares)1,6001,600
    Capital surplus98,63198,631
    Earned surplus422,518463,967
    Total Liabilities and Capital$1,234,246$1,232,891
    (b) As of December 31, 1963 and 1964
    Assets12/31/6312/31/64
    Cash on hand and in banks$ 114,252$ 97,958
    Securities at cost173,162194,061
    Notes and accounts receivable - net217,189262,751
    Inventories and supplies42,60951,710
    Land, buildings and equipment - net638,946957,925
    Goodwill - purchased49,82749,827
    Deferred charge8,66310,040
    Organization expense599599
    Miscellaneous assets56,72890
    Total Assets$1,301,975$1,624,961
    Liabilities and Capital
    Current liabilities$ 168,269$ 114,640
    Notes payable-non-current169,415523,970
    Prepaid subscriptions7,3167,791
    Miscellaneous non-current liabilities3,8673,020
    Reserve for liability under employee profit sharing agreements350,000350,000
    Capital stock (160 shares)1,6001,600
    Capital surplus98,63198,631
    Earned surplus502,877525,309
    Total Liabilities and Capital$1,301,975$1,624,961
    (c) As of December 31, 1965 and June 30, 1966
    Assets12/31/656/30/66
    Cash on hand and in banks$ 175,057$ 117,625
    Securities at cost194,061194,061
    Notes and accounts receivable - net323,904325,298
    Inventories and supplies44,75960,262
    Land, buildings and equipment - net1,091,8311,064,634
    Goodwill - purchased274,827274,827
    Deferred charge62,89766,519
    Organization expense599599
    Miscellaneous assets3164,967
    Total Assets$2,168,251$2,108,792
    Liabilities and Capital
    Current liabilities$ 232,358$ 212,709
    Notes payable-non-current871,606774,107
    Prepaid subscriptions9,53411,170
    Miscellaneous non-current liabilities2,9052,557
    Reserve for liability under employee profit sharing agreements400,000400,000
    Capital stock (160 shares)1,6001,600
    Capital surplus98,63198,631
    Earned surplus551,617608,018
    Total Liabilities and Capital$2,168,251$2,108,792
    *254
    (6) Securities owned by John P. Scripps Newspapers as of December 31, 1965, and June 30, 1966
    DescriptionCost
    $ 50,000 U.S. Treasury bonds - 4% of 8/15/70$ 50,000
    40,000 U.S. Treasury bonds - 2 1/2% of 6/15/6937,337
    20,000 U.S. Treasury bonds - 3 7/8% of 5/15/6820,000
    10,000 U.S. Treasury bonds - 2 1/2% of 12/15/6910,000
    558 shares of 5% Series "A" cumulative preferred stock of E.W. Scripps Company55,824
    100 shares of common capital stock (20% interest) by Entsunews, Inc., publisher of Simi-Enterprise-Sun & News, Simi, California20,900
    Total$194,061

    Tulare Newspapers, Inc.

    Tulare Newspapers, Inc. (hereafter Tulare) was incorporated under the laws of the State of California in 1945. From the date of incorporation until the date of decedent's death, the issued and outstanding capital stock of the corporation was owned as follows:

    Class A, no-par sharesClass B, no-par sharesTotal
    Decedent and her surviving husband, Roy D. Pinkerton, as community property101020
    John P. Scripps8080160
    Harry Green101020
    Totals100100200

    As of June 26, 1966, Tulare's principal business activity consisted*255 of the publication of a daily newspaper, the Tulare Advance Register and Tulare Times (hereafter the Register-Times) in Tulare, California. The Register-Times was started as a daily newspaper by Tulare in December 1945. The Register-Times is circulated in Tulare County.

    As of June 26, 1966, the plant and equipment used in the production of the Register-Times was old and outdated. The Register-Times was printed on a Goss letter press, and, in 1966, the estimated cost of converting to an offset press operation was $300,000.

    Tulare did not pay any dividends during the years 1956 through 1970.

    The following schedules reflect certain information relevant to our consideration of the value of decedent's interest in Tulare:

    (1) Tulare Newspapers, Inc.

    Net Income Before Federal Income TaxesFederal Income Taxes
    1956$16,480$ 4,944
    195711,2733,382
    195823,5097,053
    195921,1365,741
    196034,87712,636
    196110,2443,073
    196212,8323,850
    19631,498444
    196438,39311,102
    196534,55011,506
    196626,0877,335

    (2) Tulare Advance Register and Tulare Times

    (2) Tulare Advance Register and Tulare Times

    Total RevenuesNet Operating ProfitAverage Paid Daily CirculationTotal Pages PrintedTotal Advertising Inches
    1956$286,144$ 24,6614,7713,454283,154
    1957280,70819,0824,8473,432268,919
    1958311, 53331,0344,8193,426274,907
    1959318,87116,6735,0473,508271,769
    1960377,47742,4205,0183,740290 ,573
    1961362,65217,9805,2003,728277,760
    1962385,62920,2395,2393,896289,867
    1963390,2944,9725,2 594,028273,175
    1964416,02042,1535,2013,836281,859
    1965433,06739,7255,3533,826284,406
    1966461,51530,8325,5994,126296,728
    *256
    (3) Tulare Newspapers, Inc.
    (a) For the years 1961, 1962, and 1963
    196119621963
    Circulation income$ 63,189$ 63,417$ 67,449
    Advertising income289,328307,141308,464
    Miscellaneous income (shopping news, circulars, commercial printing, etc.)10,13515,07114,381
    Gain on sale of capital assets-0--0-2,000
    Total Income$362,652$385,629$392,294
    Operating expense *344,672365,391385,322
    Interest expense7,7367,4065,474
    Operating income before federal income taxes$ 10,244$ 12,832$ 1,498
    Federal income taxes3,0733,850444
    Net profit after federal income taxes$ 7,171$ 8,982$ 1,054
    *Includes depreciation expense in the amounts of$ 5,351$ 5,350$ 5,297
    (b) For the Years 1964, 1965, and 1966
    196419651966
    Circulation income$ 74,309$ 76,647$ 79,477
    Advertising income322,975330,488347,372
    Miscellaneous income (shopping news, circulars, commercial printing, etc.)18,73625,93234,666
    Interest income-0--0-60
    Gain on sale of capital assets1,333-0--0-
    Total Income$417,353$433,067$461,575
    Operating expense 373,867393,342430,682
    Interest expense5,0935,1754,806
    Operating income before federal income taxes$ 38,393$ 34,550$ 26,087
    Federal income taxes**11,10211,5067,335
    Net profit after federal income taxes$ 27,291$ 23,044$ 18,752
    *Includes depreciation expense in the amounts of$ 6,167$ 7,041$ 7,260
    **After reduction for investment credits in the amounts of$ 2,276$ 78$ 187
    *257
    (4) Tulare Newspapers, Inc.
    (a) As of December 31, 1961 and 1962
    Assets12/31/6112/31/62
    Cash on hand and in banks$ 53,822$ 39,586
    Notes and accounts receivable - net37,69441,444
    Inventories and supplies10,1116,386
    Land, buildings and equipment - net68,96464,993
    Goodwill - purchased84,63084,630
    Deferred charges1,7301,829
    Total Assets$256,951$238,868
    Liabilities and Capital
    Current liabilities$ 18,673$ 15,026
    Notes payable-non-current129,441106,035
    Prepaid subscriptions2,8272,858
    Miscellaneous non-current liabilities492448
    Capital stock (200 shares)2,0002,000
    Earned surplus103,518112,501
    Total Liabilities and Capital$256,951$238,868
    (b) As of December 31, 1963 and 1964
    Assets12/31/6312/31/64
    Cash on hand and in banks$ 22,523$ 33,637
    Notes and accounts receivable - net36,81743,190
    Inventories and supplies6,5444,345
    Land, buildings and equipment - net61,84788,030
    Goodwill - purchased84,63084,630
    Deferred charges1,8542,144
    Total Assets$214,215$255,976
    Liabilities and Capital
    Current liabilities$ 10,301$ 23,259
    Notes payable-non-current84,88586,249
    Prepaid subscriptions3,0843,062
    Miscellaneous non-current liabilities390560
    Capital stock (200 shares)2,0002,000
    Earned surplus113,555140,846
    Total Liabilities and Capital$214,215$255,976
    (c) As of December 31, 1965 and June 30, 1966
    Assets12/31/656/30/66
    Cash on hand and in banks$ 53,022$ 66,082
    Notes and accounts receivable - net49,69741,605
    Inventories and supplies6,1774,927
    Land, buildings and equipment - net82,09881,740
    Goodwill - purchased84,63084,630
    Deferred charges2,8222,334
    Total Assets$278,446$281,318
    Liabilities and Capital
    Current liabilities$ 29,193$ 17,067
    Notes payable-non-current79,74480,096
    Prepaid subscriptions3,0093,516
    Miscellaneous non-current liabilities610590
    Capital stock (200 shares)2,0002,000
    Earned surplus163,890178,049
    Total Liabilities and Cpaital$278,446$281,318

    *258 Watsonville Newspapers, Inc.

    Watsonville Newspapers, Inc. (hereafter Watsonville) was incorporated under the laws of the State of California in December 1945. From the date of incorporation until the date of decedent's death, the issued and outstanding capital stock of Watsonville was owned as follows:

    Class A, no-par sharesClass B, no-par sharesTotal
    Decedent and her surviving husband, Roy D. Pinkerton, as community property101020
    John P. Scripps6060120
    Harry Green101020
    Edgar F. Elfstrom and Thelma A. Elfstrom, Trustees202040
    Totals100100200

    As of June 26, 1966, Wastsonville's principal business activity consisted of the publication of a daily newspaper, the Watsonville Register-Pajaronian (hereafter the Register-Pajaronian) in Watsonville, California. Watsonville acquired the Register-Pajaronian on December 31, 1945. The Register-Pajaronian is circulated in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties.

    As of June 26, 1966, old equipment and an inadequate leased building were used in the production of the Register-Pajaronian. The Register-Pajaronian had been printed on letter press but was converted to offset press*259 in 1969 at an approximate cost of $700,000, which included the cost of the property necessary to the conversion.

    As of June 26, 1966, there were profit-sharing agreements in existence between Watsonville and certain of its key employees. On December 3, 1965, the executive committee of Watsonville increased the reserve account in the amount of $50,000 from its earned surplus to provide for its liability under the profit-sharing agreements.

    The following schedules reflect certain information relevant to our consideration of the value of decedent's interest in Watsonville:

    (1) Watsonville Newspapers, Inc.

    Net Income Before Federal Income TaxesFederal Income TaxesDividends Paid
    1956$ 56,942$24,110$ 18,000
    195758,63724,99118,000
    195855,59023,20518,000
    195958,10424,10618,000
    196076,28433,56 024,000
    196150,70220,25724,000
    196268,51729,52124,000
    196376,43433,52424,000
    1964115,71048,78424,000
    1965117,72348,89835,000
    1966110,92546,07036,000

    (2) Watsonville Register-Pajaronian

    Total RevenuesNet Operating ProfitAverage Paid Daily CirculationTotal Pages PrintedTotal Avertising Inches
    1956$378,691$ 60,2457,4493,908364,855
    1957379,96862,1517,6323,796342,723
    1958380,87957, 8897,7493,772340,929
    1959393,62357,8327,9053,742328,262
    1960456,83874,9198,1334,040347,843
    196 1444,46448,2128,2874,042338,385
    1962516,01167,8358,3894,386367,346
    1963579,53975,0638,4714,7 94394,275
    1964694,936113,9548,6545,370456,473
    1965730,650114,1758,9105,468458,056
    1966760,692104,8369,2785,586467,850
    *260
    (3) Matsonville Newspapers, Inc.
    (a) For the years 1961, 1962 and 1963
    196119621963
    Circulation income$106,320$106,265$108,441
    Advertising income333,372398,007447,308
    Miscellaneous income (shopping news, circulars, commercial printing, etc.)4,77211,73923,791
    Interest income6,5886,9736,718
    Dividend income1,3751,3751,375
    Gain on sale of capital assets-0-(1,171)422
    Total Income$452,427$523,188$588,055
    Operating expense*396,252448,176504,476
    Interest expense5,4736,4957,145
    Operating income before federal income taxes$ 50,702$ 68,517$ 76,434
    Federal income taxes20,25729,52133,524
    Net profit after federal income taxes$ 30,445$ 38,996$ 42,910
    *Includes depreciation expense in the amounts of$ 8,488$ 8,420$ 7,175
    (b) For the years 1964, 1965, and 1966
    196419651966
    Circulation income$128,707$131,452$135,685
    Advertising income531,016566,755599,164
    Miscellaneous income (shopping news, circulars, commercial, printing, etc.)35,21332,44325,844
    Interest income6,8488,15812,112
    Dividend income1,3751,3751,375
    Gain on sale of capital assets-0-3-0-
    Total Income$703,159$740,186$774,180
    Operating expense*580,982616,474655,856
    Interest expense6,4675,9897,399
    Operating income before federal income taxes$115,710$117,723$110,925
    Federal income taxes**48,78448,89846,070
    Net profit after federal income taxes$ 66,926$ 68,825$ 64,855
    *Includes depreciation expense in the amounts of$ 7,609$ 8,399$ 8,651
    **After reduction for investment credits in the amounts of$ 1,487$ 548$ 113
    *261
    (4) Watsonville Newspapers, Inc.
    (a) As of December 31, 1964 and 1962
    Assets12/31/6112/31/62
    Cash on hand and in banks$ 40,203$ 63,048
    Securities at cost97,62997,629
    Notes and accounts receivable - net119,276129,970
    Inventories and supplies9,1068,690
    Land, buildings and equipment - net58,37453,255
    Goodwill - purchased104,293104,293
    Deferred charges1,2352,676
    Total Assets$430,116$459,561
    Liabilities and Capital
    Current liabilities$ 34,633$ 49,953
    Notes payable-non-current92,00993,084
    Prepaid subscriptions7,6466,776
    Miscellaneous non-current liabilities3,5882,512
    Reserve for liability under employee profit sharing agreements125,000125,000
    Capital stock (200 shares)2,0002,000
    Earned surplus165,240180,236
    Total Liabilities and Capital$430,116$459,561
    (b) As of December 31, 1963 and 1964
    Assets12/31/6312/31/64
    Cash on hand and in banks$ 81,580$119,732
    Securities at cost115,054115,054
    Notes and accounts receivable - net105,111120,975
    Inventories and supplies6,09610,868
    Land, buildings and equipment - net56,17269,800
    Goodwill - purchased104,293104,293
    Deferred charges2,5142,069
    Miscellaneous assets1,5001,000
    Total Assets$472,320$543,791
    Liabilities and Capital
    Current liabilities$ 48,969$ 71,169
    Notes payable-non-current88,08994,350
    Prepaid subscriptions7,3797,583
    Miscellaneous non-current liabilities1,7371,617
    Reserve for liability under employee profit sharing agreements118,500112,000
    Capital stock (200 shares)2,0002,000
    Earned surplus205,646255,072
    Total Liabilities and Capital$472,320$543,791
    (c) As of December 31, 1965 and June 30, 1966
    Assets12/31/656/30/66
    Cash on hand and in banks$ 60,763$ 35,194
    Securities at cost115,054115,054
    Notes and accounts receivable - net218,510211,740
    Inventories and supplies9,80811,577
    Land, buildings and equipment - net69,226126,818
    Goodwill - purchased104,293104,293
    Deferred charges4,55512,416
    Miscellaneous assets1,0001,000
    Total Assets$583,209$618,092
    Liabilities and Capital
    Current liabilities$ 70,089$ 45,850
    Notes payable-non-current100,594135,095
    Prepaid subscriptions8,1038,914
    Miscellaneous non-current liabilities1,5261,994
    Reserve for liability under employee profit sharing agreements155,500149,000
    Capital stock (200 shares)2,0002,000
    Earned surplus245,397275,239
    Total Liabilities and Capital$583,209$618,092

    *262 (5) Securities owned by Watsonville

    As of December 31, 1965 and June 30, 1966

    DescriptionCost
    $50,000 U.S. Treasury bonds - 2 1/2% of 6/15/69$ 47,412
    30,000 U.S. Treasury bonds - 4% of 8/15/7030,000
    10,000 U.S. Treasury bonds - 3 7/8% of 5/15/6810,125
    275 shares of 5% Series "A" cumulative preferred stock of E.W. Scripps Company27,517
    Total$115,054

    Redding Record, Inc.

    Redding Record, Inc. (hereafter Redding) was incorporated under the laws of the State of California on October 17, 1938. From the date of incorporation until the date of decedent's death, the issued and outstanding capital stock of Redding was owned as follows:

    Class A, no-par sharesClass B, no-par sharesTotal
    Decedent and her surviving husband, Roy D. Pinkerton, as community property103040
    John P. Scripps8040120
    Paul C. Bodenhamer51520
    Harry O. Bostwick, Jr.51520
    Totals100100200

    As of June 26, 1966, Redding's principal business activity consisted of the publication of a daily newspaper, the Redding Record-Searchlight and The Courier-Free Press (hereafter the Record-Searchlight), in Redding, California. Redding*263 started the Record-Serachlight on October 17, 1938. The Record-Searchlight is circulated in Shasta County.

    As of June 26, 1966, the Record-Searchlight was printed on a forty year old five unit letter press and production was carried on in two separate locations, one of which was owned by Redding and the other leased. The estimated cost of consolidating operations and converting to an offset press was $950,000.

    As of June 26, 1966, there were profit-sharing agreements in existence between Redding and certain of its key employees. On December 3, 1965, the executive committee of Redding increased the reserve account from $125,000 to $200,000 from its earned surplus to provide for its liability under the profit-sharing agreements.

    The following schedules reflect certain information relevant to our consideration of the value of decedent's interest in Redding:

    (1) Redding Record, Inc.

    Net Income Before Federal Income TaxesFederal Income TaxesDividends Paid
    1956$ 95,545$ 44,183$ 18,000
    195794,93943,86218,000
    195898,57145,70718,000
    1959122,94158,42918,000
    1960136,39165,42418,000
    1961146,0 0270,42138,000
    1962148,29271,55148,000
    1963154,89074,41648,000
    1964230,570106,12460,000
    1965275,167124,86772,000
    1966267,672117,12672,000

    *264 (2) Redding Record-Searchlight & The Courier-Free Press

    Total RevenuesNet Operating ProfitAverage Paid Daily CirculationTotal Pages PrintedTotal Advertising Inches
    1956$ 593,964$ 95,51212,5075,118473,380
    1957642,61394,98713,1315,272481,716
    1958688,7 4799,13813,8665,220459,071
    1959779,797126,52714,7955,372494,788
    1960885,663138,32515,4235,656 529,477
    1961936,798147,44816,1595,676510,540
    19621,004,486149,67716,8615,938537,182
    19631,093,888 153,90818,0576,260553,938
    19641,279,578232,38519,2387,008630,766
    19651,425,348272,46620,1507,394665,616
    19661,513,649259,73921,1607,796687,239
    (3) Redding Record, Inc.
    (a) For the Years 1961, 1962, and 1963
    196119621963
    Circulation income$207,685$ 214,833$ 223,983
    Advertising income711,331772,807855,229
    Miscellaneous income (shopping news, circulars, commercial printing, etc.)17,78216,84614,676
    Interest income8378991,392
    Gain on sale of capital assets-0-2272,322
    Total Income$937,635$1,005,612$1,097,602
    Operating expense*789,350854,809939,980
    Interest expense2,2832,5112,732
    Operating income before federal income taxes$146,002$ 148,292$ 154,890
    Federal income taxes70,42171,55174,416
    Net profit after federal income taxes$ 75,581$ 76,741$ 80,474
    *Includes depreciation expense in the amounts of$ 19,086$ 20,220$ 22,993
    (b) For the Years 1964, 1965, and 1966
    196419651966
    Circulation income$ 254,750$ 284,159$ 299,927
    Advertising income1,009,2431,111,5721,178,428
    Miscellaneous income (shopping news, circulars, commercial printing, etc.)15,58529,61735,294
    Interest income1,1386,10011,754
    Total Income$1,280,716$1,431,448$1,525,403
    Operating expense*1,047,1931,152,8821,253,909
    Interest expense2,9533,3993,822
    Operating income before federal income taxes$ 230,570$ 275,167$ 267,672
    Federal income taxes**106,124124,867117,126
    Net profit after federal income taxes$ 124,446$ 150,300$ 150,546
    *Includes depreciation expense in the amounts of$ 23,354$ 23,993$ 26,631
    **After reduction for investment credits in the amounts of$ 2,161$ 713$ 4,856
    *265
    (4) Redding Record, Inc.
    (a) As of December 31, 1961 and 1962
    Assets12/31/6112/31/62
    Cash on hand and in banks$ 77,548$101,248
    Securities at cost29,57829,578
    Notes and accounts receivable - net76,39484,990
    Inventories and supplies40,56936,226
    Land, buildings and equipment - net281,910291,614
    Goodwill - purchased13,21913,219
    Deferred charges3,6714,217
    Miscellaneous assets11,1555,115
    Total Assets$534,044$566,207
    Liabilities and Capital
    Current liabilities$ 85,875$ 85,010
    Notes payable-non-current41,85445,540
    Prepaid subscriptions4,4044,581
    Miscellaneous non-current liabilities6,6587,081
    Reserve for liability under employee profit sharing agreements125,000125,000
    Capital stock (200 shares)2,0002,000
    Earned surplus268,253296,995
    Total Liabilities and Capital$534,044$566,207
    (b) As of December 31, 1963 and 1964
    Assets12/31/6312/31/64
    Cash on hand and in banks$ 96,379$172,238
    Securities at cost38,00338,003
    Notes and accounts receivable - net96,173112,560
    Inventories and supplies29,69316,855
    Land, buildings and equipment - net331,586339,476
    Goodwill - purchased13,21913,219
    Deferred charges5,3155,568
    Miscellaneous assets3,2523,252
    Total Assets$613,620$701,171
    Liabilities and Capital
    Current liabilities$ 95,251$109,219
    Notes payable-non-current49,21556,650
    Prepaid subscriptions4,7315,723
    Miscellaneous non-current liabilities7,9548,665
    Reserve for liability under employee profit sharing agreements125,000125,000
    Capital stock (200 shares)2,0002,000
    Earned surplus329,469393,914
    Total Liabilities and Capital$613,620$701,171
    (c) As of December 31, 1965 and June 30, 1966
    Assets12/31/656/30/66
    Cash on hand and in banks$110,945$ 60,300
    Securities at cost38,00338,003
    Notes and accounts receivable - net276,950293,172
    Inventories and supplies21,59021,272
    Land, buildings and equipment - net325,602328,808
    New press - installation in process-0-63,691
    Goodwill - purchased13,21913,219
    Deferred charges9,25715,554
    Miscellaneous assets19,761100
    Total Assets$815,327$834,119
    Liabilities and Capital
    Current liabilities$137,479$ 95,813
    Notes payable-non-current63,70063,700
    Prepaid subscriptions5,8366,626
    Miscellaneous non-current liabilities9,0989,030
    Reserve for liability under employee profit sharing agreements200,000200,000
    Capital stock (200 shares2,0002,000
    Earned surplus397,214456,950
    Total Liabilities and Capital$815,327$834,119

    *266 (5) Securities owned by Redding Record, Inc. as of December 31, 1965 and June 30, 1966

    DescriptionCost
    $10,000 U.S. Treasury bonds - 3 1/8% of 5/15/68$ 10,000
    30,000 U.S. Treasury bonds - 2 1/2% of 6/15/6928,003
    Total$ 38,003

    ULTIMATE FINDINGS OF FACT

    As of June 26, 1966, the values per share of the stock owned by decedent and her husband were as follows:

    Scripps$5,400
    Tulare400
    Watsonville2,200
    Redding4,500

    OPINION

    VALUATION

    We must first determine the value as of June 26, 1966, of shares of stock owned by decedent and her husband as community property at decedent's death. Petitioner reported certain values on the decedent's estate tax return, and the Commissioner determined a deficiency of $92,166.95 based on higher values. The Commissioner lowered that deficiency to $52,215.67, based on values computed by his expert witness. In an amended petition, petitioner modified his position in accordance with the values computed by his expert witness. The following chart summarizes these various values:

    ReturnAmended PetitionOriginal DeficiencyModified Deficiency
    Scripps (per share)$4,800$4,394$13,779$9,500
    Tulare (per share)7501691,245900
    Watsonville (per share)1,7501,7144,3373,500
    Redding (per share)3,6003,51910,8228,000

    *267 Petitioner and the Commissioner presented the reports and testimony of two expert witnesses, both of whom were highly qualified to give expert opinions.Each expert used sophisticated analyses to determine the value of the shares under consideration.

    Petitioner's expert reviewed the financial data and the publishing facilities of each corporation and the market climate at the time of decedent's death. He examined valuation criteria and formulae proposed by various students of the newspaper industry. Of these formulae, he chose four which he believed representative and developed "Values of Total Enterprise by Principal Formulas" as follows:

    Krehbiel*10 times 5-year mean net income6-2/3 times excess of 5-year mean net income over 8% of net tangible assets, plus net tangible assets13.1 times 1965 net income
    Scripps$1,772,279$1,532,270$1,197,865$2,005,714
    Per Share11,0769,5777,48612,535
    Tulare321,702135,080121,390301,876
    Per Share1,6086756071,509
    Watsonville581,235496,180397,699901,608
    Per Share2,9062,4801,9884,508
    Redding1,149,0791,015,080857,0841,968,930
    Per Share5,7455,0754,2859,845
    *268

    Having indicated the values resulting from the application of these formulae, petitioner's expert examined data taken from the 1966 Moody's Manual concerning the Boston Herald-Traveler, Inc., the Cincinnati Enquirer, Inc., Dow Jones & Co., New York Times Co., and Times-Mirror Co. He concluded:

    The one company whose business is confined to that of newspaper publishing only, and in one locality, is the Cincinnati Enquirer, and in our opinion offers the best single comparable with the companies under valuation. Applying the same ratios to the companies under valuation gives the following results:

    Company5-year P/E(14)1965 P/E (12-1/2)110% of grossDiv. Yield (5.5%)Mean
    Scripps$13,407$11,962$18,456$8,727$ 13,138
    Tulare9461,4412,38201,192
    Watsonville3,4734,3024,0713,1823,757
    Redding7,1059,3947,8306,5457,718

    *269 Having computed values which would have been appropriate if the companies had been transferred as complete enterprises and if the stock in the companies had been traded actively, petitioner's expert argued that the value of decedent's minority interests in closely held corporations was subject to a discount for lack of marketability. Using purchases by two investment companies in 1967 and 1968 of restricted shares of stock in corporations which also issued comparable publicly traded stock, he concluded that an appropriate discount "would certainly exceed 50 percent, and in our opinion would rise to 75 percent."

    Petitioner's expert concludes with the following "Valuation Summary":

    A purchaser of the shares of the Companies under valuation would acquire a highly unmarketable interest in Companies in which he had practically no influence upon management, and in which his expectancy could only be the dividend return, the value of which would be capitalizable at an appropriate discounted rate. In the case of two of the Companies (Watsonville Newspapers, Inc. and Redding Record, Inc.) the expectancy of increased dividends was high.In the case of one (Tulare Newspapers, Inc.) no dividend*270 had been paid during the preceding decade; revenues and net income were gradually increasing, but the necessity of eventually modernizing the presses would tend to postpone that expectation. In the case of John P. Scripps Newspapers the dividend was doubled in 1960, but had remained unchanged since, and the fluctuations in net income in the 5-year period, 1961-1965 (between $115,710 and $175,642), with the highest net in the earliest year, did not offer a basis for anticipating an early increase in the dividend.

    In the light of all the foregoing considerations it is our opinion that the shares of the instant Companies, on valuation date, if available and publicly marketable, would be appraised at the market at the mean of 10 times the five-year mean net profit and a capitalization of the dividend. In the case of the John P. Scripps Newspapers, the dividends, which have been secure and steady, would be capitalizable at 6 per cent, corresponding to the interest obtainable from time deposits in savings institutions. In the case of the Watsonville Newspapers, Inc. and Redding Record, Inc., an appropriate capitalization rate would be 4 per cent. In the case of Tulare Newspapers, Inc.*271 , which paid no dividends, the dividend capitalization rate would be zero. The results may be summarized as follows:

    5-year P/E (19)Dividend capitalizedMean
    Scripps$9,576$8,000 (6%)$8,788
    Tulare6750338
    Watsonville2,4814,375 (4%)3,428
    Redding5,0759,000 (4%)7,037

    These values, in our opinion, would be subject to a discount for nonmarketability of at least 50 percent, or more, and at 50 percent discount the indicated fair market values are as follows:

    Scripps$4,394
    Tulare169
    Watsonville1,714
    Redding3,519

    The Commissioner's expert analysed the newspapers and balance sheets of each company. Using that analysis, he compared the stock owned by decedent to the stock of seven companies "primarily engaged in the newspaper industry": Boston Hearld-Traveler, Cincinnati Enquirer, Federated Publications, Globe-News Publishing Company, Maclean-Hunter Publications (Canadian), Stauffer Publications, and Toronto Star Limited (Canadian). Having determined relevant averages for those seven companies, he chose four of them as more nearly comparable to the companies the stock of which he was evaluating: Cincinnati*272 Enquirer, Federated Publications, Maclean-Hunter Publications, and Stauffer Publications. Having determined average relevant ratios of those four companies, the Commissioner's expert examined the relevant ratios of the Cincinnati Enquirer, which he considered most similar to the companies the stock of which he was evaluating.

    We have compiled the following chart summarizing the values determined by the Commissioner's expert:

    ScrippsTulareWatsonvilleRedding
    Price-Net Tamgible Asset Ratio Of 7 na (335%)$ 9,075$1,431 d
    Of 4 b$ 3,367-$ 8,677-
    6,086 h12,605 j
    Cincinnati Enquirer (448.70%12,1552,1403,3036,897-
    4,580 i10,002 k
    Price-Earnings Ratio Latest Year Of 7 na (16.48%)1,237-
    1,596 e
    Of 4 (14.45%)10,545-1,237-
    20,168 c1,857 f
    Cincinnati Enquirer (12.73%)10,8081,197
    5 Year Average
    Of 7 a (22.04%)
    Of 4 (21.58%)
    Cincinnati Enquirer (16.24%)12,6351,283
    Dividend Yield Latest Year Of 7 (2.73%)
    Of 4 (3.04%)
    Cincinnati Enquirer (5.22%)9,195720 g
    5 Year Average Of 7 (2.11%)
    Of 4 (2.38%)
    Cincinnati Enquirer (4.33%)11,085730
    Value determined by Commissioner's expert9,5009003,5008,000
    *273

    *274 The reports and testimony of the two expert witnesses have aided us in our consideration of the evidence. Both reports were carefully prepared and suggested analyses which we have used in our independent determination of the value of the stock owned by decedent and her husband. Both experts have given us insights into the financial history and future of each of the companies. The use by the Commissioner's expert of comparative companies to develop ratios and formulae was helpful, but we have considered the sizes and capital structures of those "comparatives" in our own determination. Similarly, we have considered the review by petitioner's expert of literature containing formulae for the valuation of newspapers. We have also studied his lists of stocks purchased at discounts in our consideration of appropriate discounts.

    Cases of this kind would be better disposed of by the honest bargaining of the experts rather than by lengthy trials and conflicting testimony of those experts. Nevertheless, the parties in this case have come to us and have attempted to give us the knowledge of their experts. That the question of value is one of fact, to be decided after a consideration*275 of all the pertinent evidence and an application thereto of the judgment and experience of the trier of the facts, needs the citation of no authority. We have carefully considered all the evidence which the parties have offered and have attempted to follow in our own poor way the "ancient precedent established by a man whose name has become synonymous with wisdom." Webster Investors, Inc. v. Commissioner, 291 F.2d 192">291 F.2d 192, 194 (C.A. 2, 1961), affirming a Memorandum Opinion of this Court. We state our application of that precedent to the pertinent facts without dissecting the individual factors underlying our findings, and we hold that the values per share of decedent's stock on June 26, 1966, were as follows:

    Scripps$5,400
    Tulare400
    Watsonville2,200
    Redding4,500

    Funeral Expenses

    The second issue presented involves the deductibility of decedent's funeral expenses. The Commissioner determined that, under California law, the entire community property, including the interest therein of decedent's husband, was chargeable with decedent's funeral expenses and that, under section 2053(a), that portion of the funeral expenses chargeable to the husband's*276 one-half interest in the community property could not be deducted from decedent's gross estate. The Commissioner relies on Pfeiffer v. United States, 310 F. Supp 392 (E.D. Cal. 1969), Estate of Mary V. Rowan, 54 T.C. 633">54 T.C. 633, 641 (1970), Estate of Hugh C. Hutson 49 T.C. 495">49 T.C. 495 (1968), and Rev. Rul. 70-156, 1 C.B. 190">1970-1 C.B. 190. See also Estate of Henry James Davis, 51 T.C. 361">51 T.C. 361, 369 (1968). 2

    Petitioner argues that the amounts paid for funeral expenses may be fully deducted from decedent's gross estate. He contends that a husband's funeral expenses are chargeable to community property only because that property is included in his gross estate and that, when a wife predeceases her husband, only her half of the community property is subject to the debts of her estate, including her funeral expenses. Petitioner relies on section 202 of the California Probate Code, In Re Cornitius' Estate, 154 Cal. app. 2d 422, 316 P.2d 438">316 P.2d 438 (1957),*277 In Re Dennis' Estate, 110 Cal. app. 2d 667, 243 P.2d 579">243 P.2d 579 (1952), and In Re Kurt's Estate, 83 Cal. app. 2d 681, 189 P.2d 528">189 P.2d 528 (1948).

    Petitioner asks us to reconsider our holding in Estate of Mary V. Rowan, supra, that a wife's funeral expenses were not fully deductible. He argues that, in that case, we considered section 951.1 of the California Probate Code and did not consider the relevance of California Probate Code section 202, which, petitioner contends, establishes a distinction between the funeral expenses of a husband and those of a wife.

    We believe that our holding in Estate of Mary V. Rowan was correct. We need not analyze the complexities of the California statutes to determine whether the same sections establish the chargeability against the interests of both the husband and wife, for we find ample authority for the proposition that, in California, a husband's interest in community property must bear a portion of a wife's funeral expenses. In Odone v. Marzocchi, 34 Cal. 2d 431">34 Cal. 2d 431, 211 P.2d 297">211 P.2d 297, 301-2 (1949), rehearing denied 212 P.2d 233">212 P.2d 233 (1949), the Supreme Court of California held*278 that funeral expenses of a wife were chargeable against community property:

    Section 202 of the Probate Code provides in part that "Community property passing from the control of the husband, either by reason of his death or by virtue of testamentary disposition by the wife, is subject to his debts and to administration and disposal under the provisions of Division III of this code; * * *." The husband is liable for the necessaries of life furnished to the wife while the parties are living together. Civ. Code, sec. 174. [Now Civil Code 5130, added by Stats. 1969, c. 1608, p. 3343, sec. 8, operative January 1, 1970.] Medical expenses incurred during the last illness, and the funeral expenses, are such necessaries. * * * In Re Estate of Coffee, 19 Cal. 2d 248">19 Cal. 2d 248, 252, 120 P.2d 661">120 P.2d 661, 664, this Court, in construing section 202, Probate Code, said that "* * * the portion of the community property which belongs to the wife is the one-half which remains after the payment of the husband's debts and the expenses of administration * * *." * * * In the Coffee case, the husband predeceased the wife so the reverse situation is presented. This would, however, seem to make no difference*279 in the result to be reached.

    This liability for a wife's funeral expenses does not seem to have been affected by either In Re Dennis' Estate, supra or the passage of section 951.1 of the California Probate Code. See Knego v. Grover, 208 Cal. App. 2d 134">208 Cal. App. 2d 134, 25 Cal Reporter 158, 165 (1962) and "Deductibility of Funeral Expenses - Time for a Change in California," August 1969 L.A.B. Bull. 426.

    Since California courts have held that community property is chargeable for the funeral expenses of a wife as well as a husband, we follow Pfeiffer v. United States, supra, and Estate of Hugh C. Hutson, supra, and hold that a portion of decedent's funeral expenses is not deductible from decedent's gross estate. In short, on this issue, we agree with the Commissioner's determination.

    Decision will be entered under Rule 155.


    Footnotes

    • *. Pursuant to a notice of reassignment sent to counsel for all parties, and to which no objections were filed, this case was reassigned by the Chief Judge on July 5, 1973 from Judge Austin Hoyt to Judge Norman O. Tietjens for disposition.

    • 1. In June 1970, the Commissioner secured an appraisal which suggested values lower than those originally determined for the shares of stock the values of which are in dispute. Accordingly, the Commissioner has made certain concessions and now asserts a deficiency of $52,215.67.

    • *. Converted from twice weekly to three times weekly, April 1, 1963.

      ** Converted from three times weekly to daily and Sunday, June 1,1964.

    • *. Mean of (a) gross income x 117% (use 120%); (b) population x $19.34 (use $20); (c) paid circulation x $39.30 (use $40); (d) after tax earnings x 12. The Krehbiel formula values dailies at the price computed after certain adjustments to that mean for strengths and weaknesses of the town, field, plant, economy, and general operation of the paper.

    • d. Apparently, the Commissioner's expert used an asset ratio of 300% rather than 355%.

    • b. The four companies are Cincinnati Enquirer, Federated Publications, Maclean-Hunter Publications, and Stauffer Publications.

    • h. The Commissioner's expert states that, based on average yields, asset ratio, and P/E ratios of the four comparatives, "indicated value of Watsonville stock ranges from $3,367 per share to $6,086 per share. The low side of the range is attributed to the price net tangible asset ratio and the high side is attributable to five year average earnings and dividends."

    • j. The Commissioner's expert gives only a range, $8,677 to $12,605, of Redding values derived from the four comparables.

    • i. The Commissioner's expert gives only a range, $3,303 to $4,580, of Watsonville values derived from Cincinnati.

    • k. The Commissioner's expert gives only a range, $8,677 to $12,605, of Redding values derived from Cincinnati.

    • e. The Commissioner's expert gives only a range, $1,237 to $1,596, of values of Tulare stock derived from average P/E ratios and yields of the seven comparatives.

    • c. In his report, having set forth the P/E ratios and yields, the Commissioner's expert states, "The average ratios of the four comparatives produce indicated values for Scripps ranging from $10,545 per share to $20,168 per share." We assume that those figures represent utilization of the yields as well as the P/E ratios.

    • f. The Commissioner's expert gives only a range, $1,237 to $1,857, of values of Tulare stock derived from P/E ratios and yields of the four comparatives.

    • a. The seven companies are Boston Herald-Traveler, Cincinnati Enquirer, Federated Publications, Globe-News Publishing Company, Maclean-Hunter Publications, Stauffer Publications, and Toranto Star Limited.

    • g. In his computations of the value of Tulare stock, the Commissioner's expert "assumed a dividend potential equivalent to a 40 percent pay out of earnings, this amounts to a dividend of $37.60 per share for 1966 and a five year average dividend of $31.60 per share."

    • 2. The Comissioner notes that amounts paid after June 17, 1970, the effective date of an amendment to California Probate Code section 951.1 are fully deductible. See Rev. Rul. 71-168, 1 C.B. 271">1971-1 C.B. 271.

Document Info

Docket Number: Docket No. 2066-69.

Citation Numbers: 33 T.C.M. 342, 1974 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 247, 1974 T.C. Memo. 71

Filed Date: 3/26/1974

Precedential Status: Non-Precedential

Modified Date: 11/21/2020