🎓CFA Final Prep All Topics

Earnings Management and Red Flags

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Question

A company reports positive net income for several periods, but CFO stays persistently negative. What is the likely warning sign?

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Answer

Poor earnings quality.

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Question

A firm shows positive CFI mainly because it sold a large amount of PP&E. Why is this a cash-flow red flag?

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Answer

It may be generating cash by selling assets.

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Question

A US GAAP filer avoids disclosing information that would let you assess the LIFO reserve. What concern should an analyst have?

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Answer

Inventory comparability and profit quality are harder to assess.

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Question

A company reports a large inventory write-down. Why might that matter for earnings quality?

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Answer

Prior inventory was likely overstated.

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