2. which of the following is true regarding managements discussion and analysis (md&a)?

Learn how to prepare, organize and review Management's Discussion & Analysis (MD&A). This 2014 update reflects important changes from our previous editions published in 2002, 2004 and 2009.

2. which of the following is true regarding managements discussion and analysis (md&a)?

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The MD&A is a core element of the communications package for external reporting purposes. It is a powerful communication tool for management to describe how the company has created value and how it plans to continue to do so. Recognizing this importance, Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) offers this comprehensive guide to assist management and boards of directors.

In our most recent update, you will learn about:

  • six key disclosure principles for MD&A
  • five key elements in the disclosure framework
  • enhancements to MD&A reporting
  • interim reporting considerations
  • reliability and timeliness of disclosures

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Management Discussion and Analysis in the 10-K

What is the MD&A Section of Financial Reporting?

The Management Discussions and Analysis (MD&A) is a section of the annual report or SEC filing 10-K that provides an overview of how the company performed in the prior period, its current financial condition, and management’s future projections. It helps potential investors understand the company’s financial fundamentals and management’s thinking, beliefs, and performance. MD&A is a required disclosure for publicly traded companies that fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Typically, the MD&A, as part of form 10-K, attempts to give a balanced view of the company through the eyes of the company’s management team. The section covers several topics of interest.

2. which of the following is true regarding managements discussion and analysis (md&a)?

(Source: sec.gov)

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The management must identify any known trends, events, commitments, demands, or uncertainties that are likely to result in material changes in liquidity or capital resources. The section should also discuss the company’s material commitments for capital expenditures and any anticipated sources of funds to meet such commitments. For example, the management should explain the current capital structure and any plans to offer additional bonds or stocks.

Results of Operations

When discussing the results of operations, the management must focus on unusual events or transactions and any significant economic changes that have affected income from continuing operations. They must explain any known trends or uncertainties that have had or that they expect to have a favorable or unfavorable impact on the net revenues from operations.

In case the company experienced a significant rise in sales or revenues compared to previous periods, they must explain the degree to which the increase is attributable to a price increase, introduction of a new product or service, or to some other factor(s).

Critical Accounting Estimates

The SEC encourages companies to give a full explanation of their accounting policies in the MD&A. This helps investors to understand the effects of the accounting policies, the judgments made when applying the policies, and the likelihood of a material difference in the reported results if the company applied different assumptions.

For example, a company may explain its adherence to FIFO or LIFO inventory accounting. In the past, SEC staff have acknowledged that the quality of disclosure of critical accounting policies by public companies has been unsatisfactory. Therefore, public companies should make full disclosures of their critical accounting policies in the MD&A to help investors understand the company’s performance.

Additional Resources

Thank you for reading CFI’s guide to the MD&A. To learn more and advance your financial knowledge and career, see the following free CFI resources:

  • Balance Sheet
  • Income Statement
  • Types of SEC Filings
  • Investment Methods

What is management Discussion and analysis MD&A?

Management discussion and analysis (MD&A) is a section within a company's annual report or quarterly filing where executives analyze the company's performance. The section can also include a discussion of compliance, risks, and future plans, such as goals and new projects.

Why the MD&A is so important to investors?

It helps potential investors understand the company's financial fundamentals and management's thinking, beliefs, and performance. MD&A is a required disclosure for publicly traded companies that fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

What are the advantages of management Discussion and analysis MD&A?

It provides key information regarding how a company is performing financially. The MD&A provides information on a company's performance in its previous fiscal year, its current financial standing, and projections by management for future performances.

Which of the following is an objective of management Discussion and analysis MD&A )?

The objectives of MD&A are as follows: 1. Viewing the company through the eyes of management: Enable readers to view the company's performance, financial condition, and future prospects through management's eyes.