Session 10: Financial Reporting and Analysis: Applications and International Standards Convergence Reading 41: Accounting Shenanigans on the Cash Flow Statement
LOS a: Analyze and discuss the following ways to manipulate the cash flow statement: 1) stretching out payables, 2) financing of payables, 3) securitization of receivables, and 4) using stock buybacks to offset dilution of earnings.
Earlier this year, Barracuda Company issued 5,000 employee stock options. Recently, 2,000 options were exercised at a price of $10 per share. To avoid dilution, Barracuda purchased 2,000 shares at an average price of $12 per share. Barracuda reported both transactions as financing activities in its cash flow statement. For analytical purposes, what adjustment is necessary to better reflect the substance of the stock repurchase?
|
Operating cash flow |
Financing cash flow |
A) |
Decrease $4,000 |
Increase $4,000 | | |
B) |
Decrease $4,000 |
No adjustment | | |
C) |
No adjustment |
Increase $4,000 | | |
Barracuda reported a $4,000 net outflow from financing activities [2,000 options × ($12 average market price – $10 exercise price)]. However, since the options are a form of compensation, the $4,000 outflow should be reclassified as an operating activity for analytical purposes. This is accomplished by increasing financing cash flow $4,000 and decreasing operating cash flow $4,000. |