A recent audit of the Social Security Administration revealed that thousands of workers over the age of 100 applied through the U.S. government to verify their employment eligibility in recent years. Questions: 1. About how many active Social Security numbers in the Administration’s master file belong to people who are at least 112 years old?… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Intermediate Accounting
Huge deal!
General Electric Co. has agreed to sell the consumer-lending business of GE Capital in Australia and New Zealand to an investor group. This investor group includes KKR & Co. and Deutsche Bank AG—and the estimated price is about $A8.2 billion or $6.26 billion U.S. Questions: 1. Why is GE selling its banking business? 2. Why… Read more »
Maybe its time to flip a coin
According to a recent study, very few professional investors have actually managed to outperform the rising market consistently over the past few years. In fact, based on the updated findings and definitions of a particular study, it appears that no mutual fund managers have. Questions: 1. What is a mutual fund? 2. What does the… Read more »
Urban Outfitters
Questions: 1. What type of public relations problem did Urban Outfitter’s have in September 2014? 2. Explain the importance of Urban Outfitter’s ability to exceed analysts predictions for the fourth quarter. 3. Urban Outfitters announced that its board of directors recently approved a repurchase of 20 million shares under a share repurchase program. What are… Read more »
Dow Jones Industrial Average Changes Ahead
Apple, the highest-valued company in the world, will be added to the Dow Jones industrial average next month in yet another sign of how popular the computer giant has become for investors. Questions: 1. Which stock will Apple replace in the S & P Dow Jones Indices? 2. What are some of the unique facts… Read more »
So was it a good idea to sell out your customers’ trust?
When Lenovo preinstalled Superfish adware on its laptops, it betrayed its customers and sold out their security. Questions: 1. What does this Superfish app do when you are on websites? 2. Do you agree that Lenovo needs to be fined or face legal prosecution? 3. Explain the following statements in financial or business terms: Lenovo… Read more »
Tax Fraud in South Florida? Surely you jest?
In North Miami, Josue Pierre took a shortcut into the easy-money underworld of tax fraud by using an “electronic filing identification number” — EFIN for short, and stolen IDs to file hundreds of fabricated online tax returns. Questions: 1. Why does Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Berger say that using EFINs is like “tax fraud on… Read more »
Is the use of videoconferencing one to improve recidivism or profits?
Jails are replacing face-to-face visits with video conferencing screens and are passing the costs on to inmates and their families. In some cases, these costs are up to $1 per minute. Questions: 1. Where do most videoconferencing companies make their money? 2. Who are the industry giants in prison videoconferencing? 3. Explain the last statement… Read more »
Let the Punishment Fit the Crime
The Mikado explains his ambition of letting the punishment fit the crime in Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic work. The Mikado’s song could be the new theme song of the Securities and Exchange Commission, if dissenting commissioners prevail. The debate over a “one size fits all” penalty for misconduct is at the heart of what defines… Read more »
Fraud at Florida-based adult entertainment businesses
Paul Anthony Ruggieri, accountant, pleaded guilty Friday to assisting in the tax fraud scheme of Anthony Andreozzi, the owner of two Florida-based adult entertainment businesses. Questions: 1. Based on the information in the article, how long had Mr. Ruggieri been Andreozzi’s accountant? Go to the Certified Fraud Examiner’s website and compare this amount of time… Read more »