Accounting Shenanigans and the Pursuit of Economic Truth | EP 209

Описание: Equity analyst Alex Romaines joins the podcast to unpack “accounting shenanigans” and why getting from reported numbers to the economic truth of a business is so critical for long-term investors. Drawing on forensic accounting frameworks, he explains how a deep grounding in accounting shapes the way he interrogates financial statements—moving beyond compliance with standards to questions of judgment, incentives, and sustainability. The conversation discusses the issue of stock-based compensation: why adding it back to “adjusted” earnings can be misleading, how dilution and buybacks can quietly transfer wealth from outside shareholders to insiders, and practical ways investors can incorporate these real costs into valuation. Alex then highlights other red flags on his radar today—from lengthening depreciation schedules on fast-changing tech hardware, to vendor financing that may inflate revenues, to the quiet return of special purpose vehicles.

Highlights:

• How a forensic accounting mindset helps investors move from reported numbers to the real economics of a business—and why that gap matters.
• Stock-based compensation as a quiet wealth transfer mechanism, and practical ways long-term investors can account for its true cost.
• The growing role of judgment in modern financial reporting, from “adjusted” earnings to the incentives shaping management’s disclosures.
• Other accounting signals Alex is watching now, including depreciation assumptions, vendor financing, and the renewed use of special purpose vehicles.

Host:
Rob Campbell, CFA
Institutional Portfolio Manager

Guest:
Alex Romaines, CFA
Equity Analyst

This episode is available for download anywhere you get your podcasts.

Founded in 1974, Mawer Investment Management Ltd. (pronounced "more") is a privately owned independent investment firm managing assets for institutional and individual investors. Mawer employs over 250 people in Canada, U.S., and Singapore.

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