Risk mitigation through analysis

  • Are your investments susceptible to fraud, accounting restatements, or managerial mistakes?
  • What is management not telling its investors?
  • Why is management withholding information from the investment community?
  • Why is management extremely bullish in its comments while conservative in its guidance?

  • TiartaTM answers these questions by analyzing financial transparency and assessing managerial statements and actions. Our unique, innovative approach to assessing managerial candor and forthrightness provides investors with critical analysis that mitigates downside risk.

    Our research assists hedge fund managers, private equity, institutional investors, and money managers with investment decisions. To view a sample report, go to the Methodology Section.

    Our analytical rating system has consistently produced excess returns over the S&P 500 during internal testing. Our analysis is available by individual report or subscription basis through Tiarta or several research distributors throughout the U.S. and Europe.

    For more information, please contact us at info@tiarta.com.


    GE affirmed at T2 on lower exposure to the financial arena

    September 6, 2010

    General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) was affirmed at a rating of T2, due to its ongoing efforts to reduce its exposure to the financial arena. However, management has also become more optimistic about its financial business as the recent results have improved. There is still considerable near to mid-term risk in this area, which management is not currently emphasizing to the investment community. The company lacks adequate transparency in its financial segment.

    There are multiple lawsuits directed at management for its lack of candor and forthrightness in providing information to the investment community. These two areas continue to weigh on the company, offset by its improved liquidity and continued de-emphasis on its financial unit. The company’s outlook is neutral.
    A company with a rating of “T2” provides fairly transparent, consistent, and direct information. The reviewed documents exhibit several indications of concern within the presentation, description of the financials, and other corporate activity.

    Ryland's rating affirmed at T1-

    August 15, 2010

    The Ryland Group, Inc. (NYSE: RYL) was affirmed at a rating of T1-, as it provided exceptional financial transparency, coupled with consistent and direct statements by management. The company’s outlook is positive, as management continues to improve on its already solid communication approach.
    A company with a rating of “T1-“ provides transparent, consistent, and direct information with minimal indications of concern within the presentation, description of the financials, and other corporate activity.

    Will Hertz survive the Dollar Thrifty acquisition?

    July 18, 2010

    In April of 2010, Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (“Hertz”) announced that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. (“Dollar Thrifty”) in a cash and stock offering for approximately $1.3 billion. The global recession has adversely affected Hertz’s financial results, but it has managed to survive. However, it is not clear if Hertz has the short-term liquidity and cash flow to survive the acquisition and subsequent integration costs associated with the purchase of Dollar Thrifty. To read the full article, go to Seeking Alpha Instablog.

    Coca-Cola: How management alters the presentation of financial results

    January 22, 2010

    The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company with over 500 brands that span the globe. This did not happen by accident. The company has spent considerable time and money building what many surveys have listed as the #1 brand in the world. The company is a sales and marketing powerhouse.

    Though marketing is a necessary part of any business, an excessive use of marketing tactics within the reporting of financials can cause significant transparency issues for investors. Coca-Cola appears to be applying its marketing prowess to its financial reporting. Rather than presenting the information directly, management utilizes selective reporting to guide the investment community toward pre-determined outcomes. Read More...