Public Company Insights

Showing 145–160 of 188 results

  • Final whistleblower rules – SEC addresses internal reporting concerns

    October / November 2011
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 456

    Abstract: One of the more controversial provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank) was to provide significant cash incentives to whistleblowers who report suspected financial misconduct directly to the SEC, instead of reporting it internally. Some critics have worried that it encourages employees to bypass their employer’s internal compliance and reporting systems. This article discusses how the SEC’s recently finalized whistleblower rules have addressed some of these concerns.

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  • CAQ takes the mystery out of audits

    October / November 2011
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 304

    Abstract: Independent audits of public companies are a critical tool for building confidence in the U.S. capital markets. Yet many investors and other nonauditors lack a full understanding of the audit process and the auditor’s responsibilities. This article discusses a Center for Audit Quality (CAQ) guide that provides an overview of the audit process, key players and critical issues involved in audits of public companies.

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  • Does say-on-pay create a Catch-22 for companies?

    October / November 2011
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 697

    Abstract: The “say-on-pay” provision in last year’s Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank) requires companies to give shareholders a nonbinding “advisory” vote on compensation for top executives. But attempts to modify nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements may run afoul of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. In fact, making changes to an executive’s nonqualified deferred compensation — even for legitimate business reasons — presents tax risks.

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  • How equity-based compensation affects EPS

    October / November 2011
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1080

    Abstract: No single number can fully reflect a company’s financial performance. But public company investors generally believe that earnings per share (EPS) comes close. This article explains how equity-based compensation programs affect calculation of EPS. It also makes a distinction between basic and diluted EPS and discusses how stock options and restricted stock affect EPS. A sidebar offers an example of the role that equity-based compensation plays.

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  • FASB’s goodwill proposal is good news for many companies

    August / September 2011
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 311

    Abstract: Recently, the Financial Accounting Standards Board published a proposed Accounting Standards Update (ASU) that would simplify goodwill impairment testing. The proposal would allow companies to use a qualitative approach to identifying potential impairment. This article lists several examples of qualitative factors that, according to the proposed ASU, should be examined.

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  • Simplifying your legal structure can reduce risk and costs

    August / September 2011
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 595

    Abstract: In the years leading up to 2008’s global financial crisis, many companies grew through mergers and acquisitions — ending up with highly complex structures consisting of dozens or even hundreds of legal entities. But the associated costs and risks can be high. This article discusses how a program of legal entity simplification can reduce costs and a variety of tax, accounting and auditing risks.

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  • IRS Schedule UTP – Eliminating uncertainty is the best strategy

    August / September 2011
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 565

    Abstract: Large companies are required to report any uncertain tax positions (UTPs) on their federal return, and many smaller companies soon will be, as well. This article discusses the reporting requirements of IRS Form 1120, Schedule UTP, along with strategies that companies with UTPs should consider to eliminate the uncertainty.

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  • Is the price right? Get your transfer pricing house in order

    August / September 2011
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1040

    Abstract: In an increasingly global business environment, cross-border tax compliance is critical. It’s particularly important for companies to assess their transfer pricing programs. Transfer pricing issues can arise in public companies of all sizes and can even apply to domestic companies that do business in several states. This article explains how companies can ensure transfer price rule compliance as the IRS increases its scrutiny. A sidebar offers a specific example of transfer pricing in action.

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  • Merging? FASB clarifies disclosure requirements

    June / July 2011
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 296

    Abstract: To ensure consistent financial reporting for business combinations involving public companies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board recently issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2010-29, Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations. The ASU reports on amendments to Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805, Business Combinations. This article talks about how the amendments affect timing considerations when companies disclose pro forma information on financial statements regarding business combinations.

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  • How to check your conflict of interest policy for teeth

    June / July 2011
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 564

    Abstract: All public companies need a conflict of interest policy — but it’s not enough to simply have one. Companies also need to ensure their policy is effective. This article discusses the importance of creating a policy that covers all potential areas of conflict and auditing it periodically to ensure that it’s effectively mitigating the risks associated with actual or perceived conflicts.

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  • SEC considers overhauling the U.S. proxy system

    June / July 2011
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 553

    Abstract: Last year, the SEC published a “concept release” to solicit public comments on the U.S. proxy system. Based on these comments, it will conduct a “broad review” of the proxy system and consider updating its rules to address perceived weaknesses. This article discusses the issues that are on the table and how an overhaul might affect public companies.

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  • Get ready for new lease accounting rules

    June / July 2011
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1123

    Abstract: As part of their continuing convergence project, in 2010 the Financial Accounting Standards Board and International Accounting Standards Board issued a joint proposal for overhauling lease accounting standards. The proposed changes are expected to have a big impact on companies engaged in significant leasing activities — particularly those with off-balance-sheet “operating” leases. This article summarizes these changes. A sidebar discusses the proposed requirement to account separately for distinct service components of a lease.

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  • COSO report: A snapshot of financial fraud

    April / May 2011
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 283

    Abstract: According to the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), companies involved with fraud are more likely to experience bankruptcy, stock exchange delisting or other negative long-term consequences. This short article discusses a recent COSO report that provides valuable insights into the nature of financial fraud.

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  • Wall Street reform makes whistleblower rules critical

    April / May 2011
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 700

    Abstract: The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank) makes it easier and more lucrative for whistleblowers to bring retaliation claims against a company, and one provision outlines cash incentives for whistleblowers who report suspected misconduct directly to the SEC. Such changes may expose companies to new risks. This article describes those risks and how companies can minimize them by strengthening their internal whistleblowing procedures.

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  • Fair disclosure – Why companies need a Regulation FD policy

    April / May 2011
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 552

    Abstract: The SEC adopted Regulation FD (for “fair disclosure”) more than 10 years ago to address the “selective” disclosure of information by public companies. But recently, the agency has become more aggressive in pursuing violators — as demonstrated by several high-profile SEC enforcement actions. This article explains why companies need a written Regulation FD policy.

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  • Are we there yet? A view from the road to international accounting standards

    April / May 2011
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 980

    Abstract: As the journey to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) continues, the SEC is plotting the best route. Although the destination is clear — a single set of high-quality, globally accepted accounting standards — questions still remain about how to get there. This article summarizes progress thus far, including the SEC’s consideration of six factors in determining whether, when, and how the transition should take place. It also reviews some of the outstanding issues, such as funding and regulatory impact. A sidebar discusses how financial accounting standards boards are working to converge U.S. GAAP and IFRS.

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