They had argued that the settlement should be thrown out because Facebook hadn't been honest about its own internal valuation at the time.

WSJ: Facebook's Twins Push Other Suit

Industry insiders report that prudent institutions were running internal valuation models even when market prices were clearly observable: those that were not had to scramble to develop such models when markets seized up, causing delays in proper disclosure.

ECONOMIST: An accounting standard comes under the microscope

There was also no requirement for the auditor to give its opinion on whether the bank had fully corrected the material weakness in internal controls related to the valuation process until 2012 year-end.

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Many companies already find it difficult to switch auditors because they use one or two rival Big Four firms, in addition to their auditor, for other work, such as valuation or advice on internal controls.

ECONOMIST: Auditing

But an internal market governs the privately held company, and the accounting firm KPMG has calculated a rising valuation for KI in each of the last 23 years.

FORBES: Magazine Article

If you bought a stock for its growth characteristics and the rate of growth is showing signs of slowing, that would be a cause for concern. (This would particularly be the case if it looks like internal factors had an adverse affect.) Conversely, if you bought a stock because the valuation was cheap, a merely decent (as opposed to a great) report might be acceptable.

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