24 July 2009
If u r talking about the limited reveiw of listed co. as desired by listing agreement then follow the format given in the listing agreement.
02 August 2024
Conducting a limited review of a listed company involves a focused examination of specific areas of its financials and operations. Unlike a full audit, which is comprehensive and in-depth, a limited review is less extensive and typically involves less detailed procedures. Here's a guide on how to conduct a limited review of a listed company, including key areas to focus on:
### **1. **Understanding the Scope and Objectives**
**1.1. **Scope:** - The review should cover key financial statements and disclosures but will not involve a complete audit of all financial records and internal controls. - The focus is on providing a reasonable level of assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, but not to the extent of an audit.
**1.2. **Objectives:** - To provide a limited level of assurance on the financial statements, usually through inquiry and analytical procedures. - To identify any significant issues or concerns that might require further investigation.
### **2. **Preparation**
**2.1. **Obtain and Review Documents:** - Obtain the financial statements, interim reports, and other relevant documents of the listed company. - Review prior periods’ financial statements and notes to understand trends and areas of focus.
**2.2. **Understand the Business:** - Gain an understanding of the company's business operations, industry, and regulatory environment. - Identify any significant changes in the business, accounting policies, or financial performance compared to previous periods.
### **3. **Review Procedures**
**3.1. **Analytical Procedures:** - **Trend Analysis:** Compare current financial results with prior periods and budgets to identify unusual fluctuations or trends. - **Ratio Analysis:** Evaluate key financial ratios (e.g., liquidity, profitability, solvency) to assess financial health and performance.
**3.2. **Inquiry and Verification:** - **Management Inquiry:** Conduct discussions with management and key personnel to understand significant changes or issues affecting the financial statements. - **External Confirmations:** Where applicable, obtain confirmations from third parties, such as banks or creditors, to verify balances or transactions.
**3.3. **Review of Financial Statements:** - **Income Statement:** Review revenue, expenses, and profitability to ensure consistency and reasonableness. - **Balance Sheet:** Assess asset, liability, and equity balances for any significant changes or unusual items. - **Cash Flow Statement:** Examine cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities to understand cash management and liquidity.
**3.4. **Compliance Check:** - **Regulatory Compliance:** Ensure that the financial statements comply with relevant accounting standards, regulations, and disclosure requirements. - **Internal Controls:** Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls related to financial reporting and identify any weaknesses or areas of concern.
**3.5. **Disclosure Review:** - **Notes to Financial Statements:** Review the notes for completeness and accuracy, ensuring that all significant accounting policies and contingent liabilities are properly disclosed. - **Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A):** Examine the MD&A for consistency with the financial statements and any potential risks or uncertainties.
### **4. **Reporting**
**4.1. **Draft Review Report:** - Prepare a draft review report summarizing the findings of the limited review, including any significant issues or concerns. - The report should provide a conclusion on whether anything has come to your attention that would cause you to believe the financial statements are not in accordance with applicable financial reporting standards.
**4.2. **Management Comments:** - Share the draft report with management and obtain their comments or responses to any identified issues. - Incorporate management’s feedback into the final report as necessary.
**4.3. **Final Report:** - Issue the final review report, which typically includes a statement that the review was conducted in accordance with applicable standards, and a conclusion based on the review procedures performed. - The report may include a limited assurance statement, indicating that nothing has come to the reviewer’s attention that causes them to believe the financial statements are materially misstated.
### **5. **Key Areas to Focus On**
**5.1. **Revenue Recognition:** - Ensure that revenue is recognized in accordance with accounting standards and review any significant transactions or contracts.
**5.2. **Significant Estimates and Judgments:** - Examine key estimates and judgments made by management, such as provisions for bad debts, impairment of assets, and fair value measurements.
**5.3. **Contingencies and Commitments:** - Review any contingent liabilities, legal disputes, or commitments that may impact the financial statements.
**5.4. **Related Party Transactions:** - Assess related party transactions for proper disclosure and potential conflicts of interest.
**5.5. **Subsequent Events:** - Consider any events occurring after the balance sheet date that may affect the financial statements.
### **6. **Compliance with Standards**
**6.1. **Review Standards:** - Ensure that the review procedures comply with relevant review standards, such as the International Standard on Review Engagements (ISRE) or applicable national standards.
**6.2. **Documentation:** - Maintain thorough documentation of the review procedures performed, evidence obtained, and conclusions reached.
### **Conclusion**
A limited review of a listed company involves a focused examination of key financial areas, analytical procedures, and compliance checks. The goal is to provide a reasonable level of assurance on the financial statements without conducting a full audit. Key areas to focus on include revenue recognition, significant estimates, contingencies, and related party transactions. Proper documentation and adherence to review standards are essential for a successful limited review.