So AstraZeneca decided to raise capital with “expensive equity” rather than “cheap debt”? Why would the firm decide to go this route? Do you agree with the decision?
Zero based budgeting and cost cutting, some have argued, led to Kraft’s problems, including writedowns (and subsequently, lawsuits). When is it time to cut and when is it not? Under what circumstances? Which types of industries?
In what way is the hiring of an outsider CFO at Intel underscore the importance of strategic thinking ability for CFOs in general? How might this affect your career?
Roadrunner Transportation is accused of willful misconduct in creating a cookie jar reserve to boost earnings. Not that you should practice this, but how is that done exactly? Should firms be allowed to reverse split just to stay on an exchange?
KPMG’s “governance, controls, and culture” is being reviewed in the UK, after a 2018 report that found that about 50% of its audits in the UK were not up to standard. A mention is made of potential conflicts of interest. What do you suppose these may be, and what role may such play, if any, not only in this firm, but perhaps others?
Do you consider litigation risk when deciding whether to invest in VW bonds? How much of a premium do you think you would need to entice you to invest? How would you measure the premium?
What are the potential disadvantages of Tesla naming insiders to the accounting and finance positions? What are potential advantages? How would you assess the potential impact of the compensation packages?
If you were the CEO or CFO of KHC, what disclosures would have allegedly been required of you with respect to the items alleged in the law suit? Under what circumstances would you be required to record a contingency?
Does the prediction that labor (human capital) in finance departments will be increasingly replaced in the next business downturn have any implications for you in your career goals?
What is the benefit to a firm for DC over DB plans? To the employee? What are balance sheet implications for the shift to DC from DB plans?
Intel has a new CEO, who was previously CFO. What skillsets make a CFO a viable CEO candidate? Are there implications for your career path?
What would you do, if you had the authority as a regulator, to improve the audit deficiency rate among Big 4 accounting firms?
Why would some firms choose a direct listing over a traditional IPO? What factors would you consider if you were a private firm and wanted to go public?
If you were the new CFO at Netflix, how would you decide on the “optimal” capital structure, given the timing of cash flows, development time for new content, interest rate uncertainty, and bond ratings?
For many years, debt was cheap capital, so many firms loaded up. But, too much of a good thing can make one sick. How much is too much?
Do you agree with some of the opinions that Apple lost $9 billion on share repurchases? Why or why not?
Is a goodwill impairment a leading indicator, or lagging? Why do you think impairments are on the rise?
“I do not respect the SEC,” declared Mr. Musk. Who’s position do you support, Mr. Musk’s or the SEC’s? Why?
