Chapter 9

Scouring the Notes to the Financial Statements

IN THIS CHAPTER

Bullet Describing the notes and their importance

Bullet Understanding the fine print of accounting methods

Bullet Finding out about financial commitments

Bullet Getting acquainted with mergers and acquisitions

Bullet Reading notes about pensions and retirement

Bullet Detailing segmented businesses and significant events

Bullet Keeping an eye out for red flags

Would you ever sign an important contract without reading the fine print first? I didn't think so. Remember this philosophy when you read financial statements because the corporate world certainly doesn't escape the cliché about sweeping ashes under the rug. Hiding problems in the notes to the financial statements is a common practice for companies in trouble.

In this chapter, I explain the role of the ...

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