Module I· Earnings Quality & Red FlagsIntermediate
Question

What working-capital manipulation patterns occur at quarter-end or year-end?

Answer

Working-capital manipulation often appears as period-end sales pull-forward, payable stretching, factoring, or inventory movements that reverse after closing.

Deep diveShow more details

Ask for post-balance-sheet cash receipts and payments. They reveal whether period-end working capital was real.