PCI

Public Company Insights

Showing 1–16 of 188 results

  • Are virtual coins securities?

    Year End 2017
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 335

    Abstract: In recent years, a number of companies have used digital currency — in the form of virtual coins or tokens — to raise capital. While many people believe that these “initial coin offerings,” or ICOs, are outside the jurisdiction of U.S. securities laws, a July 2017 SEC investigation report indicates that that isn’t necessarily the case. This article reviews the SEC’s stance on this topic.

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  • The perils of not disclosing “known trends”

    Year End 2017
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 576

    Abstract: A recent SEC enforcement action against the CEO and CFO of a public company illustrates the importance of disclosing bad news in a company’s SEC filings. The two executives were charged with causing their company to violate SEC reporting regulations by failing to adequately disclose serious risks to the company’s liquidity and capital resources. This article reviews why the respondents’ inadequate disclosures resulted in their each agreeing to pay civil penalties without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings.

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  • Supreme Court makes it easier to prosecute insider trading

    Year End 2017
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 642

    Abstract: In its first major insider trading case in nearly 20 years, the U.S. Supreme Court removed a significant barrier to prosecution of such cases. Resolving a split among the circuit courts of appeal, the Court held in Salman v. United States that insiders who provide tips to relatives or friends can be liable for insider trading even if they receive no pecuniary benefit. This article discusses the case and its impact for companies.

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  • Enhanced auditor reports on the horizon – Identifying and reporting “critical audit matters”

    Year End 2017
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 924

    Abstract: The auditor’s report has remained essentially the same since the 1940s, but that’s about to change under Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) standards. In June 2017, in the face of controversy from some auditors and issuers, the PCAOB adopted Auditing Standard 3101, Reports on Audited Financial Statements, which significantly expands auditor reporting. This article explains that, while the new standard is subject to approval by the SEC, it seems unlikely that the agency will require substantial modifications. A short sidebar highlights when disclosure of critical audit matters will not be required for audits.

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  • Understanding the SEC’s updated offering exemption rules

    October / November 2017
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 436

    Abstract: Public companies are generally required to register securities offerings with the SEC. But some offerings may be exempt from registration, saving significant time and money. This article explains how the SEC recently updated Rule 147 and added a new Rule 147A to make it easier for qualifying small public companies to raise capital from investors.

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  • Don’t let new revenue recognition standard trip you up

    October / November 2017
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 537

    Abstract: Most public companies are preparing to adopt the FASB’s new revenue recognition standard, which applies to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. It’s critical for companies to evaluate whether the standard introduces new risks — including fraud risks — and, most likely, to update internal controls. This article looks at the principles-based judgments the new standard calls for that may lead to trouble.

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  • Cybersecurity risk management – AICPA introduces new SOC

    October / November 2017
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 579

    Abstract: In today’s increasingly interconnected and IT-dependent business environment, cybersecurity is a concern for most organizations. It’s critical for companies to evaluate their cybersecurity programs and educate their stakeholders about the extent and effectiveness of their risk management efforts. This article reviews the AICPA’s new SOC for Cybersecurity, which companies may use to help strengthen their cybersecurity risk management.

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  • Are you ready for FASB’s updated business definition?

    October / November 2017
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 939

    Abstract: The FASB recently updated its definition of a “business” for accounting purposes. The changes are significant because the new rules will classify many common transactions currently treated as business combinations as, instead, asset acquisitions. This article summarizes the revised definition which goes into effect for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods, although the rules permit early adoption. A short sidebar identifies the differences between business combinations and asset acquisitions.

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  • SEC rules charitable contribution violated FCPA

    August / September 2017
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 412

    Abstract: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Department of Justice have warned companies about potential Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) liability associated with charitable giving. This brief article reviews the FCPA and summarizes the SEC’s first-ever FCPA enforcement action based solely on a one-time charitable donation.

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  • Are you monitoring your SEC filing status?

    August / September 2017
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 540

    Abstract: As public companies grow, they may move from one filing status or issuer category to another, which can trigger accelerated filing requirements, additional disclosures and an audit of internal controls over financial reporting. It’s critical, therefore, for companies to be prepared to meet these new obligations when they arise. This article discusses the four SEC filing categories and the ramifications of moving from one category to another.

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  • 5 tips for successful CEO succession

    August / September 2017
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 757

    Abstract: CEO succession is a fact of corporate life. The Corporate Governance Research Initiative (CGRI) at the Stanford Graduate School of Business reports that global CEO turnover ranges from 9% to 14% per year. But even though all CEOs eventually leave office, few organizations are well prepared to replace them. This article provides five tips for a successful transition.

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  • Electing directors with consequences – Methods for board of directors elections matter

    August / September 2017
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 899

    Abstract: The system a company uses to elect directors can significantly affect whether the board is truly responsive to the shareholders it represents. Recently, the Council of Institutional Investors (CII) reviewed the various voting methods and concluded that the only approach with “teeth” is “consequential majority voting.” This article summarizes the CII findings and includes a sidebar on the use of professional board members.

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  • Using your ESOP as a corporate finance tool

    June / July 2017
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 441

    Abstract: The employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) is best known as a valuable qualified retirement plan. But an ESOP can also serve as a powerful corporate finance tool. This brief article summarizes how ESOPs work and how to use them to help raise capital.

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  • Updates to Regulations A and D – SEC issues new guidance on certain stock offerings

    June / July 2017
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 573

    Abstract: The SEC has issued several new Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations providing guidance on stock offerings under Regulations A and D. This article reviews the new guidance and explains how it may affect public companies.

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  • It’s all good(will) – FASB simplifies goodwill impairment testing

    June / July 2017
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 715

    Abstract: Accounting for goodwill just got a lot easier for public companies. In recently finalized guidance, the FASB eliminated the second step of the current two-step goodwill impairment test. That step requires certain companies to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill, a potentially complex and costly process. This article summarizes both the old two-step test and the newer, simpler single-step test.

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  • Are you ready for revenue recognition?

    June / July 2017
    Newsletter: Public Company Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 812

    Abstract: The effective date of the FASB’s new revenue recognition standard is January 1, 2018, for calendar year public companies. As that date approaches, there’s increasing pressure on audit committees to assess their companies’ implementation efforts. Understanding the new standard and evaluating its impact is a complex undertaking. This article reviews the Center for Audit Quality’s publication, Preparing for the New Revenue Recognition Standard: A Tool for Audit Committees, to help committees fulfill their oversight responsibilities.

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