Trevor Wilkins

The Timing of Asset Sales: Evidence of Earnings Management?

This paper presents empirical evidence from a sample of publicly traded Singaporean firms on the question: to what extent do firms manage earnings through the timing of asset sales? Previous studies have focused on accounting motives behind asset sales, ignoring the need to also consider economic motives. Some empirical evidence is provided to support the hypothesis that managers of firms with decreasing net earnings-per-share smooth earnings upwards using asset sales. Copyright Blackwell Publishers Ltd 2002.

A note on complex group structures, associated companies, and credit evaluation

This paper provides case analyses which illustrate the opportunistic use of corporate group structure and method of accounting for associated companies to exclude financial results and engage in off-balance sheet financing. It also discusses general implications for accounting policymakers, and provides a number of specific suggestions for financial analysis and credit evaluation.