CNN.com
This week Forbes published a list of the 100 American companies that "showed the highest degree of accounting transparency and fair dealing to stake-holders during 2006," according to a study by independent firm Audit Integrity. Using a tested methodology, the firm conducted lengthy accounting and governance tests to identify which organizations were at high versus low risk of engaging in potentially fraudulent or misleading activities. They then assigned Accounting and Governance Risk scores to each company measured, with the highest numbers indicating the lowest risk. Companies with low scores rated "Very Aggressive" or "Aggressive" under the model have proven to be at a substantially higher likelihood for class action lawsuits and financial restatements, as well as severe equity loss. Four media companies made the Top 100, with scores as follows (88 being the highest score achieved):
The Washington Post Co. - 86
Entercom Communications Corp. - 82
Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc. - 82
Playboy Enterprises, Inc. - 82
