eToys Inc.: A Case Examining Pro Forma Financial Reports, Analysts' Forecasts, and Going Concern Disclosures

2003 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iris C. Stuart ◽  
Vijay Karan
Keyword(s):  
Financial Statements ◽  
Financial Information ◽  
Press Releases ◽  
Financial Reports ◽  
The Public ◽  
Going Concern ◽  
Pro Forma Earnings ◽  
Financial Disclosures ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Pro Forma

This case is designed to provide you with the opportunity to examine several reporting issues, in the period between an IPO and bankruptcy filing, for a “dotcom” company that failed. You will consider the information provided to outside users of financial statements in several company reporting mechanisms including the financial disclosures made by the company in its 10-Q and 10-K filings to the SEC, the pro forma earnings reported in press releases, and the information available to the public to evaluate a going concern assumption. Further, you will also examine the impact of analysts' forecasts on management's release of financial information to the public.

scholarly journals Unpacking the IFRS Implications of COVID-19 for Travel and Leisure Companies Listed on the JSE

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 7942
Author(s):  
Diana da Silva ◽  
Danie Schutte ◽  
Jhalukpreya Surujlal
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Information Design ◽  
Financial Information ◽  
Financial Statement ◽  
Foreseeable Future ◽  
Financial Decisions ◽  
Going Concern ◽  
Utmost Care ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: The main purpose of this article is to study the IFRS implications of COVID-19 for selected travel and leisure companies listed on the JSE. The article investigates how these selected companies disclose financial information regarding the going concern, or in other words; the sustainability of the company, revenue of the company, how the companies made estimations, and more, to account for the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their financial information. Design/methodology/approach: content analysis was used to analyse the financial statements of ten travel and leisure companies listed on the JSE. This analysis indicated what additional disclosures these companies have in the light of COVID-19. Findings: even though there is no specific IFRS standard providing guidance on the impact of COVID-19, the findings reveal that the companies took utmost care in disclosing information and the impact of COVID-19 in the financial statements. Companies cautiously considered the impact of the coronavirus on their financial results and provided the users of these financial statements with transparent financial information, regarding going concern and sustainability of the company, revenue, estimations, and more. Originality/value: a new economic crisis, different from any other economic crises, emerged as a result of COVID-19 and the IFRS implications such as, the effect on sustainability and going concern, impact on revenue of companies, financial estimations during the coronavirus pandemic, the effect of COVID-19 on the financial subsequent events and other financial statement disclosures is still unclear. This study is deemed of vital importance as the users of financial statements require all the necessary information about how COVID-19 has affected these companies, and whether or not these companies will be sustainable in the foreseeable future, as to enable the financial statement users to make informed financial decisions.

scholarly journals Going concern in the financial reports of listed companies during the COVID-19 pandemic – the results of an empirical study

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 9-28
Author(s):  
Ewa Chrostowska ◽  
Katarzyna Koleśnik
Keyword(s):  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Listed Companies ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Financial Reports ◽  
Going Concern ◽  
Warsaw Stock Exchange ◽  
Sector Analysis ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: The objective of this article is to assess how many entities have faced going concern problems and to identify what uncertainties may affect a going concern, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology/research approach: The subject of the research was financial reports of com-panies listed on the main market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange in the following sectors: clothing and cosmetics, recreation and leisure, and transport and logistics. Thirty-three (out of 37) reports for the first half of 2020 were examined. We analysed the content of full ver-sions of the descriptive parts of financial statements, reports on the auditor’s review and management comment letters. Results: Nearly half of the surveyed entities that declared they were a going concern dis-closed going concern uncertainties. The pandemic affected the scope of disclosures present-ed in the reports. The variety of presentation styles and the selectivity of the place of the disclosure may hinder stakeholders when drawing conclusions. Research limitations/implications: Only three sectors were examined, and the sector analysis was conducted only in listed companies with complete and available reports. We analysed half-yearly reports that were reviewed by statutory auditors. The reports were analysed early in the pandemic. The article may be an inspiration for further research, including comparative research, in companies from the same and other sectors. The issue is vital, all the more so as the impact of the pandemic may change over time. Originality/Value: The article is a practical study of going concern disclosures during the pandemic. The study reveals the multifaceted nature and complexity of the issues related to continuation assessment.

scholarly journals Content requirements for narrative reporting in the public sector: a contextual perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benson Igboke ◽  
Razaq Raj
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Financial Reports ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Narrative Reporting ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Accounting literature is definite about the content and presentation of traditional financial statements, but the basic information to be provided in the narrative reports of public sector entities remains unsettled. This paper aims to investigate the needs and expectations of stakeholders (primary users and preparers) regarding the content and presentation of narrative reports in the public sector of Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The research used a qualitative approach that draws on stakeholder and contingency theories to collect primary data through in-depth individual interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analysed by a thematic method using the NVivo 11 Pro software package. Findings The study reveals that financial statements constitute the statutory financial reports of public sector entities in Nigeria as narrative reporting is undeveloped, both as a concept and in practice. Stakeholders believe that narrative reporting is required to enhance the accountability usefulness of the annual financial reports published by the government and public agencies. Data analysis further reveals that public perception about the management of government financial resources influences the information needs of stakeholders regarding financial reporting. In addition, stakeholders consider the approved budget as the cornerstone of public financial reporting. Accordingly, users and other stakeholders expect public sector narrative reports to provide budget-based performance information that relates the accounting data presented in the financial statements to the key budgetary provisions, in both financial outlays and service delivery achievements. Stakeholders also expect narrative reports to be presented in plain language and provide information about the impact of financial decisions and actions on the basic socioeconomic variables that signpost citizens’ well-being, such as education, health care, employment and security. Practical implications The study suggests that the inclusion of narrative information in the statutory financial reports of public entities in Nigeria is imperative and should engage the attention of policymakers and relevant regulatory authorities. In addition, a more elaborate systematic investigation of the information needs of stakeholders in Nigeria should be undertaken by relevant units of government. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first documented research on narrative reporting and the information needs of a broad range of stakeholders in the public sector of Nigeria. The paper identifies the approved budget as the focal point of governmental financial reporting, and a clear linkage between budget provisions, accounting results and service delivery achievements as the basic content of a narrative report in developing countries.

Earnings Informativeness and Strategic Disclosure: An Empirical Examination of “Pro Forma” Earnings

2004 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 769-795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara A. Lougee ◽  
Carol A. Marquardt
Keyword(s):  
Market Efficiency ◽  
Predictive Ability ◽  
Press Releases ◽  
Empirical Examination ◽  
Strategic Disclosure ◽  
Earnings Information ◽  
Pro Forma Earnings ◽  
Earnings Informativeness ◽  
Earnings Surprises ◽  
Pro Forma

This paper provides evidence on the characteristics of firms that include “pro forma” earnings information in their press releases, whether the usefulness of pro forma earnings to investors varies systematically with these characteristics, and whether the investor response to pro forma earnings is consistent with market efficiency or mispricing. Using a sample of 249 press releases from 1997–99, we find that firms with low GAAP earnings informativeness are more likely to disclose pro forma earnings than other firms. We also find that strategic considerations, measured using the direction of GAAP earnings surprises, are an important determinant of pro forma reporting. In addition, our examination of the relative and incremental information content of pro forma earnings shows that investors find pro forma earnings to be more useful when GAAP earnings informativeness is low or when strategic considerations are absent. Tests of the predictive ability of pro forma earnings for future profitability and returns are mixed, and we therefore cannot conclusively determine whether the investor reaction to pro forma earnings at the time of the press release is consistent with market efficiency or mispricing. The paper contributes to the growing literature on pro forma earnings and more generally to the literature on voluntary and strategic disclosure.

scholarly journals The Improving Model of the Quality of Financial Statements and Successful Implementation of Local Financial Information Systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 128-144
Author(s):  
Irfan Irfan ◽  
◽  
Eka Nurmala Sari ◽  
Muhyarsyah Muhyarsyah ◽  
Siti Irafah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Financial Information ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
City Governments ◽  
Financial Reports ◽  
Financial Report

his study aims to (1) examine and analyze the influence of Human Resource (SDM) competence and the role of internal audit on the successful implementation of the Local Financial Information System (SKID) partially and simultaneously, (2) examine and analyze the competence of SDM and the role of internal audit on the quality of financial report partially and simultaneously,(3) examine and analyze the influence of SDM competence and the role of internal audit on the quality of financial reports on the successful implementation of the SKID. The object of this study is all provincials and district / city governments throughout North Sumatera. The sample of this study was 34 (thirty four). The data was collected by questionnaire, documentation, and interview methods. The analysis method used was path analysis using SPSS Program. The results of this study indicate that (1) SDM competence and the role of internal audit have no partial effect on the successful implementation of SKID (2) SDM competence, the role of internal audit doesn’t simultaneously affect the successful implementation of SKID (3) SDM competence and the role of internal audit have a significant effect partially to the quality of financial reports (4) the successful implementation of SKID has no effect on the quality of financial reports (5) SDM competence, the role of internal audit, the successful implementation of SKID simultaneously affects the quality of financial reports (6) SDM competence and the role of internal audit have no effect on quality financial reports through the successful implementation of the local financial information system.

scholarly journals Common Characteristics and Differences in External and Internal Auditing

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 261-267
Author(s):  
Fatmir Mehmeti
Keyword(s):  
Internal Control ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Financial Information ◽  
Financial Reports ◽  
External Auditors ◽  
Logical Concept ◽  
Public Company

Abstract Many scholars have shown that failure in leading big companies as well as the latest financial crises have led the auditing market to perceive traditional auditing more as a legal requirement rather than as a value added for the company. There are others that do not completely agree to this, but they all accept that the auditing as a profession should accept changes which will affect the value added for the company from auditing. Nowadays the companies are required more accountability rather that it was required before, perversely only financial reports were reported by the companies. Auditing is a process which confirms the statement provided by the company management regarding the information in financial statements that are real and accurate. Auditing has to be based on evidences and logical concept for better understanding. For companies that operate in the market, it is important to provide financial information that is consistent, reliable and complete for all users of the financial statements (banks, potential shareholders and the international community). In daily practice of entities we have two kinds audit, the internal and external audits. Usually, these are interlinked and complementary, with the ultimate aim that the (overall) audit is more effective and the reports that will emerge are fully arguable and meaningful. The internal audit has an important role which is to increase the effectiveness of internal control in private or public company. Internal audit has the responsibility of informing the management of the institution of deficiencies or weaknesses in the internal control system. External auditors are the fist line of the front for companies liadership. They play a key role in verifying the financial information provided to shareholders. External auditors inspect the financial statements prepared by the entity and provide assurance and independent opinion if these statements represent a true and fair view of the entity's condition for the year under review.

scholarly journals The impact of Key Audit Matters (KAMs) on financial information quality: Evidence from Lebanon

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 135
Author(s):  
Joelle Matta ◽  
Khalil Feghali
Keyword(s):  
Value Creation ◽  
Information Quality ◽  
Investment Decision ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Financial Information ◽  
Audit Report ◽  
External Auditors ◽  
Expectations Gap ◽  
Expectation Gap ◽  
The Impact

<p>The purpose of this study is to discover the impact of Key Audit Matters (KAMs) on financial information quality and their value for Lebanese auditors. The value creation of KAMs is determined by its financial information quality, its ability to help during investment decision and its effect on the audit expectation gap. The research is conducted through a survey that was filled by external auditors who audit Lebanese banks exclusively, and are involved in the new audit report. The main results show that reporting by using Key Audit Matters adds value to the audit report from the perspective of Lebanese external auditors, and can reduce information asymmetry, increase trust in accounting and reduce the expectation gap. Moreover, the results marked that KAM improves the auditee's understanding in the audited entity, builds confidence in the audited financial statements, and helps to reduce the audit expectations gap.</p>

scholarly journals The influence of culture on disclosures in financial statements prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (101 (157)) ◽  
pp. 111-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerzy Gierusz ◽  
Katarzyna Koleśnik
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Comparative Studies ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Arab Countries ◽  
International Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Reporting Standards ◽  
Consolidated Financial Statements ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Financial Disclosures ◽  
The Impact

The primary objective of this article is to investigate the impact of culture (as measured by Hofstede) on disclosures in financial statements prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by firms from different countries. The sample comprises 2011−2013 consolidated financial statements of stock companies (excluding banks, insurance, and other financial institutions) from four countries repre- senting different cultural areas: the United Kingdom (Anglo), Germany (Germanic), Poland (Central Eastern Europe; CEE) and Kuwait (Arab). The research material came from 312 annual consolidated financial statements from 104 companies. The results reveal that cultural values have a significant impact on financial disclosures even after the use of IFRS. The paper is one of the few comparative studies attempting to assess the effects of culture on financial disclosures in Western Europe countries, CEE countries and Arab countries. Most of the international comparative studies in this research area have neglected CEE and Arab countries.

Evolution and Diversification of the Going Concern Uncertainties Disclosed in the Auditor’s Report

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (163) ◽  
pp. 516-527
Author(s):  
Camelia-Daniela HATEGAN ◽  
◽  
Carmen-Mihaela IMBRESCU ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Financial Statements ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Stock Exchanges ◽  
Going Concern ◽  
Reduced Frequency ◽  
Legal Perspective ◽  
Accounting Principle ◽  
Threat Reporting ◽  
Stock Indexes ◽  
The Impact

The going concern of an entity's activity is a fundamental accounting principle. The practical application of this principle has accounting, legal and financial implications. From an accounting point of view, the management of the entities shall be responsible for drawing up the financial statements in accordance with this principle. From a legal perspective, entities that go into liquidation are no longer obliged to respect the going concern principle. When auditing financial statements, auditors shall be responsible for assessing the adequacy of compliance with the principle of going concern and for including the appropriate references in their report. The objective of the paper is to analyse the reasons for including in the auditors' report the paragraph on going concern uncertainties, in the light of their evolution over time, their frequency and diversification. The sample included 120 companies listed on European stock exchanges, included in the main stock indexes for the period 2010-2020. The data was gathered from reports published by auditors that were included in the Audit Analytics database. The results showed that there was an average trend of 20 reported situations per year, but with a significant increase over the last two years analysed mainly due to the situations arising from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The most common reasons were liquidity risk, substantial liabilities and the refinancing of activities. In recent years there has been a diversification of reasons, but with a reduced frequency, such as the working capital, the decrease in stockholder equity and competitor threat. Reporting on going concern issues is of particular importance so that increasing transparency in the publication of this information can contribute to a higher degree of investor confidence in the entities' financial statements.

scholarly journals Die staat van toegevoegde waarde as komponent van finansiele verslaggewing in die RSA

1991 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 53-62
Author(s):  
A. P. Du Plessis ◽  
D. S. Joubert
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Financial Information ◽  
Financial Reports ◽  
A Value ◽  
Information Contents

The value added statement as component of financial reporting in the RSA The value added statement was developed due to a need for more understandable financial information for the uninformed user of financial statements. Although not required by the Companies Act, since 1977 numerous South African companies have included a value added statement in their financial reports. The question can, however, be asked whether the inclusion of a statement of value added in financial reports will not put financial information at the disposal of a larger group of existing and potential users of financial statements. In such a case the inclusion of the statement should be made compulsory and the contents be standardized. During a study of the reasons for the publication and the presentation of the information of this statement by South African companies, it was found that companies probably publish this statement for the annual competitions for financial statements. The information contents of the statement is therefore disregarded.

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