After more than a decade in the making, the FASB and the IASB finally issued new revenue recognition rules. Now if the boards needed that kind of a runway, how hard will it be for companies to implement? This is what management should be asking themselves. But I get a sense that some are just […]
Keep your employees motivated with stock-based compensation, the thinking goes, and you will be rewarded with high productivity and gains in your company’s growth track. What managers often fail to consider is that if they make mistakes along the way—and we’ve seen many when it comes to equity-based compensation plans—they could actually end up with […]
When the SEC swore in Mary Jo White as chair in April, it was clear there was a new sheriff in town. White is a former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York with decades of experience as a federal prosecutor and securities lawyer, so it really was no surprise when she said […]
What’s more shocking: HP’s $8.8 billion (yes, billion!) impairment charge recorded in its recently completed fourth quarter, or the fact that it blames the charge on the “accounting improprieties and disclosure failures” of Autonomy, a UK-based company it acquired just last year? Clearly, investors were not pleased, as evinced by the immediate drop in stock […]
As inhabitants of Silicon Valley, we’re sure to have been shaken by an earthquake or two. For me, it’s always a reminder of how important it is to have a disaster plan and earthquake preparedness kit ready…for the big one! In the corporate world, there’s also a need to prepare for the inevitable—and that includes […]
U.S. accounting standards require companies to recognize expense based on the fair value of the stock-based compensation awards issued to employees; most commonly these are stock options and restricted stock units. Some know this accounting standard as Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) 123R, now referred to as Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 718. Most companies adopted this […]
Speaking as someone who’s been engaged with tons of IPO filings, Facebook’s was the most interesting S-1 read ever. IPOs, in general, typically provide a high-energy, exciting, positive environment, but this one is special—the theme throughout seems to emanate “we’re here for the greater good.” Here’s a summary of the highlights: Making business decisions over […]
It’s been more than a decade in the making, but the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) are in the final throes of issuing a global revenue recognition standard to replace all others, including the mirage of industry-specific guidance the United States follows today. The new guidance is “principles-based,” […]
Ever thought moving to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) would make financial reporting easier for small private companies? Think again. In 2009, after several years of due diligence, the International Accounting Standards Board issued a less-robust set of accounting guidance—kind of a “diet” IFRS—for small and medium-size entities (SMEs). Just recently, the IASB requested feedback […]
Everyone supports a single set of global accounting standards, and there is a big spotlight on the United States and its pending decision process to adopt or incorporate IFRS into its reporting structure. However, there is a lot more to achieving global accounting standards than just adoption of standards. The United States does not hold […]
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