Earnings Management and Red Flags

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Question

Inventory is increasing faster than sales. What is the most likely balance-sheet concern?

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Answer

Potential obsolescence or overstated inventory.

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Question

An IFRS company classifies interest paid in CFF instead of CFO. Why can this distort earnings-quality comparisons?

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Answer

CFO appears stronger without better operations.

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Question

A company consistently reports positive CFF year after year to support operations. What is the likely concern?

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Answer

Reliance on external financing.

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Question

Management sells receivables through operating securitization to improve reported operating cash flow. What concern should an analyst flag?

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Answer

Cash flow presentation may be managed to look stronger.

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