Public Companies
Showing 65–80 of 188 results
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2 ways to prepare your company for CEO succession
April / May 2015
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 274
Abstract: All public companies should have a CEO succession plan. Those that are unprepared for a CEO’s departure — whether planned, such as a pending retirement, or unexpected, such as circumstances necessitating an immediate dismissal — often see performance decline and investor confidence plummet, along with the company’s stock prices. This short article provides two ways to ensure a successful succession plan.
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Rounding up recent accounting developments
April / May 2015
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 669
Abstract: Keeping up with changing accounting standards is critical to every public company’s well-being. That’s why you need to consider two recent developments affecting pushdown accounting and extraordinary items. Pushdown accounting refers to the practice of adjusting an acquired company’s standalone financial statements to reflect the acquirer’s accounting basis rather than the target’s historical costs. This article discusses when it might be appropriate and describes FASB’s elimination of the concept of “extraordinary items” from GAAP.
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Why public companies need to know about private company GAAP
April / May 2015
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 740
Abstract: During the last year or so, FASB has issued several Accounting Standards Updates that modify Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for organizations that aren’t considered “public business entities” within GAAP’s definition of such a company. Although public companies need not be concerned about private company GAAP in preparing their own financial statements, the difference can have a huge impact on certain corporate activities, especially those involving potential acquisitions of private companies. This article offers some guidance for public companies, while a sidebar defines a “public business entity.”
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Shareholder voting – Proxy advisory firms update guidelines
April / May 2015
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 775
Abstract: Recently, the two most influential proxy advisory firms — Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS) and Glass, Lewis & Co. (Glass Lewis) — updated each of their respective guidelines they’ll follow in making voting recommendations for shareholder meetings this upcoming proxy season. This article includes some of the highlights.
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Transfer pricing: Is global tax reporting on the horizon?
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 429
Abstract: If international governments have their way, multinational corporations will soon be required to provide tax information to all of the jurisdictions in which they operate on a single report. Recently, the OECD and the G20 countries issued their proposed Guidance on Transfer Pricing Documentation and Country-by-Country Reporting, part of an effort to constrain global tax avoidance. This article explains what specifically would be required of companies that operate in two or more countries.
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If you need capital, go to the ATM
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 569
Abstract: Companies seeking long-term sources of low-cost capital might consider using at-the-market (ATM) offerings. They can provide an attractive alternative or supplement to traditional, underwritten public offerings. This article describes how ATMs work and lists their advantages over traditional offerings.
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Disclosing uncertainties in a going concern
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 671
Abstract: In August 2014, FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update that provides guidance on management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there’s substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. As this article notes, the Update incorporates and expands on certain principles found in U.S. auditing standards.
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Public company auditing – Putting revenue in the spotlight
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 852
Abstract: In September 2014, the PCAOB issued a Staff Audit Practice Alert because of concern about the frequency with which its inspectors were observing significant audit deficiencies in which auditors didn’t perform sufficient auditing procedures related to revenue. This article discusses the Alert, particularly as it pertains to gross vs. net revenue, testing revenue from contractual arrangements, and recognizing revenue in the correct period. A sidebar lists some common revenue-related audit deficiencies.
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New auditing standard hones in on related parties
Year End 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 596
Abstract: As part of its continuing effort to combat financial reporting fraud, the PCAOB recently issued Release No. 2014-002, which adopted Auditing Standard No. 18, Related Parties, and amended certain existing standards. The new standard and amendments are designed to strengthen auditor performance in three critical areas that present a heightened risk of material misstatements in a company’s financial statements: related party transactions, significant unusual transactions, and financial relationships or transactions with executives. This article looks at the details.
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How the SEC is tackling financial fraud
Year End 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 429
Abstract: As the number of investigations into financial crisis cases continues to wane, the SEC is refocusing its efforts and resources into public company financial fraud. The SEC formed a Financial Reporting and Audit Task Force in 2013, and enforcement activity in this area has picked up recently. This article describes several actions the SEC has taken.
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Accounting for share-based compensation – Guidance on awards that vest after an employee leaves
Year End 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 698
Abstract: In ASU No. 2014-12, FASB answered an important question regarding the treatment of share-based awards: What happens if an award contains a performance target that affects vesting and may be achieved after an employee retires or otherwise completes the requisite service period? The new rules require companies to treat this type of performance target as a performance condition. This article explains what this means and why it matters.
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The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: A cautionary tale
Year End 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 905
Abstract: Public companies planning to expand internationally — particularly into “high-risk” markets — should be wary of the FCPA. This was enacted to make it unlawful for certain classes of persons and entities to make payments to foreign government officials to assist in obtaining or retaining business. This article discusses the Act and reveals the fate of one company that violated it. A sidebar explains how a solid FCPA compliance program and strong system of internal controls can help reduce or avoid penalties in the event of a violation.
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What is the external auditor’s responsibility for cybersecurity?
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 434
Abstract: Earlier this year, the Center for Audit Quality issued an alert regarding the external auditor’s responsibilities with respect to cybersecurity matters. The alert points out that, “given the focus on a narrower slice of a company’s overall IT platform,” a financial statement and the internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) audit in accordance with professional standards likely wouldn’t include areas addressing a cybersecurity breach. This article concludes that, as cyber threats become increasingly common, it’s critical for public companies to understand the scope of the external auditor’s responsibilities in this area and to develop a cybersecurity program that fills in the gaps.
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Testing the waters with a CMPO
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 588
Abstract: For public companies looking to raise capital, a confidentially marketed public offering (CMPO) provides several advantages over traditional public offerings. CMPOs can be completed quickly, often within a week or two. And because they’re marketed confidentially, they enable a business to test the waters and even abandon the offering without a significant impact on its stock. This article explains how a CMPO works. Completing the necessary activities in an abbreviated time frame can be difficult, but, for companies that are up to the challenge, the benefits can be substantial.
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Reverse due diligence enhances M&A value
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 679
Abstract: A business that’s preparing itself for sale can increase the likelihood of a successful transaction by investing in reverse due diligence — also known as “sell-side” due diligence. It involves taking a hard look at the company through a prospective buyer’s eyes. This article describes some of the many benefits to be gained, including maximizing value, correcting problems and determining the most efficient tax structure. While it’s possible to conduct reverse due diligence with one’s own resources, using a CPA or other professional lends credibility to the process and helps build trust with prospective buyers.
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Get ready for the new revenue recognition standard
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Public Company Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 856
Abstract: Currently, revenue recognition rules are scattered over disparate sections of the Accounting Standards Codification. Many of these rules apply to specific industries or transaction types, creating inconsistent accounting treatments for economically similar transactions. But the Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued a new standard that replaces these rules with a single, principle-based revenue recognition framework. This article discusses the five steps necessary for entities to put the “core principle” of revenue recognition into action. It also discusses identification of performance obligations and the timing of revenue recognition. A sidebar lists five steps an entity needs to take to determine when revenue should be recognized under the new standard.