An auditor concludes that there is a material inconsistency in the other information in an annual report to shareholders containing audited financial statements. If the auditor concludes that the financial statements do not require revision, but the client refuses to revise or eliminate the material inconsistency, the auditor may

a. Revise the auditor’s report to include a separate explanatory paragraph describing the material inconsistency.

b. Issue an “except for” qualified opinion after discussing the matter with the client’s board of directors.

c. Consider the matter closed since the other information is not in the audited financial statements.

d. Disclaim an opinion on the financial statements after explaining the material inconsistency in a separate explanatory paragraph.