What do cuts in dividends suggest about a firm’s future? Why do you think AT&T may be considering selling “non core” assets? In your opinion, is this a good idea? What are the potential legal consequences for firms who divulge potential market-moving information at nonpublic “dinner meetings”?
In a critical reading of this announcement, why do you really think the IASB offered the FASB a seat at the table on its new 12 member forum?
Is there any convincing reason to have a budget? Why do you suppose educators continue to teach budgets and “variance analysis”?
Does the IFRS approach in measuring impairment put BP at a “disadvantage” relative to Exxon? If so, how? Would BP be able to reverse the impairment? If Exxon had an impairment, would it be able to reverse it? Exactly what is the “time value” component of the analysis these days?
In your opinion, who will ultimately be proved right in the current debate: French President Hollande or the CEO of Peugeot? How would you decide among a dividend, share repurchase, or keeping workers on the line? What are the multiple factors to consider?
Why do you suppose that firms in Spain and Italy have significantly “worse” working capital management compared to firms in Germany and Scandinavia? Or, do you think that the working capital practices are not necessarily “worse,” but rather just “different”? Do the differences matter? How?
These 10 brands predicted to disappear in 2013 should have leading indicators of this happening in their financial statements. What would be examples of these indicators?
What “changes in the auditing and regulatory environments” would be needed in the U.S. so that “second guessing of preparers and auditors” can be minimized, if IFRS is adopted? Do you think these changes can occur concurrently with IFRS adoption, especially in a litigious society, such as the U.S.?
