At one time, Circle K was the second-largest convenience store chain in the United States. At its peak, Circle K operated 4,685 stores in 32 states. Circle K’s rapid expansion was financed through long-term borrowing. Interest on this large debt, combined with increased price competition from convenience stores operated by oil companies, squeezed the profits of Circle K. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 1990, Circle K reported a loss of $773 million. In May 1990, Circle K filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Subsequently, Circle K was taken over by Tosco, a large independent oil company.
1. In the fiscal year ended April 30, 1989, Circle K experienced significant financial difficulty. Reported profits were down 74.5% from the year before. In the president’s letter to the shareholders, Circle K explained that 1989 was a “disappointing” year and that management was seeking an outside company to come in and buy out the Circle K shareholders. How do you think all this bad news was reflected in the auditor’s report accompanying the financial statements dated April 30, 1989?
2. Circle K reported a loss of $773 million for the year ended April 30, 1990. Just a week after the end of the fiscal year, the CEO was fired. One week after that, Circle K declared bankruptcy. The audit report was completed approximately two months later. How do you think the news of the bankruptcy was reflected in the auditor’s report accompanying the financial statements dated April 30, 1990?