Deciphering Financial Statements (Xerox)

As indicated in the case at the beginning of this chapter, Xerox was manipulating income between the years 1997 through 1999. Below are revenue, gross profit, net income, and operating cash flow data for Xerox for the years 1997 through 2000.

(in millions)

2000

1999

1998

1997

Revenues                                             

$18,701

$19,228

$19,447

$18,144

Gross profit                                          

7,601

9,003

9,580

9,036

Net income (loss)                                      

(257)

1,424

395

1,452

Operating cash flow                                    

(663)

1,224

(1,165)

472

Proceeds from securitization

 

 

 

 

of finance receivables                                 

0

1,495

0

0

The securitization of the finance receivables represents the sale of receivables to a third party. The cash inflow from the sale was shown in the Operating Activities section of the statement of cash flows. Using these data, identify evidence that proves Xerox was managing its reported earnings during this period.