How much are Trump's golf courses worth?

By Indra Gunawan January 07, 2024 00:42

Photo by trumphotels

Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, is known for his extensive golf course empire. However, there have been allegations and legal claims suggesting that the valuation of these golf courses may not be accurate. This article delves into the controversy surrounding the worth of Trump's golf courses and explores the different perspectives on their value.

The Allegations

New York Attorney General Letitia James has alleged that the Trump Organization, the umbrella company for Trump's businesses, inflated the value of its assets, including the golf courses, as part of a possible fraudulent scheme. It is claimed that the Trump Organization based the valuation of one of its Scottish golf resorts on a quote given to Forbes magazine, rather than a professionally determined appraisal. The valuation of the property was stated to be $161 million, while it was bought for $12.6 million in 2006.

Trump's Response

Donald Trump denies any wrongdoing and claims that the investigation is politically motivated. He has defended the valuation of his golf courses, stating that they have been appraised at significantly higher values compared to industry standards. Trump's financial disclosure forms suggest that his courses are valued at two to four times the multiples of annual revenue that other courses command.

Industry Standards and Valuation

Golf course appraisers generally use a rule of thumb that values courses at 1 to 1.5 times their annual revenue. However, Trump's courses are reported to be valued at roughly 2.5 to 8 times their annual revenue, with an average of around 4 times revenue. This has raised questions about the accuracy and consistency of the valuation methods used by the Trump Organization.

The "Brand Premium"

New York Attorney General Letitia James has also alleged that Trump inflated the value of his golf clubs by citing a "brand premium" of up to 30%. This claim suggests that Trump's name and reputation were factored into the valuation, potentially leading to an overestimation of the courses' worth. James argues that such valuations based on improper methods could result in financial advantages for the Trump Organization, such as better deals from insurers or loan agents.

The controversy surrounding the valuation of Trump's golf courses raises important questions about transparency and accuracy in the business world. While Trump maintains that his courses are worth significantly more than industry standards suggest, the allegations made by the New York Attorney General's office cast doubt on the legitimacy of these valuations. As the legal proceedings continue, the true worth of Trump's golf courses may become clearer.