Chapter 9

Scouring the Notes to the Financial Statements

IN THIS CHAPTER

check Describing the notes and their importance

check Understanding the fine print of accounting methods

check Finding out about financial commitments

check Getting acquainted with mergers and acquisitions

check Reading notes about pensions and retirement

check Detailing segmented businesses and significant events

check 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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