Core Viewpoint - The issuance of a "non-standard" audit report by Lixin Accounting Firm for ST Xinchao (600777) has sparked significant market discussion, raising questions about the professionalism and diligence of the audit process, especially given the conflicting opinions with previous auditors and international firms [1][2]. Group 1: Audit Report Details - Lixin's audit report is the first "non-standard" financial report in ST Xinchao's history and contradicts the opinions of top international audit firms, leading to investor skepticism regarding Lixin's professionalism [2]. - The audit covered a retrospective period of ten years, with ST Xinchao providing detailed asset lists and historical audit reports from its U.S. subsidiary, which consistently received standard unqualified opinions from Forvis Mazars, a top-ranked firm [2][3]. - Discrepancies were noted between the oil well information reported by the U.S. Railway Commission and ST Xinchao's operational data, with the company attributing these differences to variations in data collection methods over the years [3][4]. Group 2: Professionalism and Diligence - Lixin's report highlighted differences in accounts receivable and transaction amounts from customer confirmations, with the discrepancies being minor relative to the total amounts confirmed [4][5]. - The board of ST Xinchao emphasized that the minor discrepancies cited by Lixin were negligible and had already been resolved, questioning the necessity of a non-standard opinion based on these findings [5][6]. - The board also pointed out that Lixin's request for detailed asset records was inconsistent with industry practices in the U.S., where oil and gas assets are typically managed at a broader level [6][7]. Group 3: Market Response and Implications - The board of ST Xinchao called for a better understanding of the differences in industry practices and legal environments between China and the U.S., urging market intermediaries to objectively assess these factors [7]. - Despite the non-standard opinion, investors noted that the audit did not reveal any significant financial deficiencies, alleviating concerns about potential financial fraud and reducing the risk of delisting due to reporting issues [7].
一份“非标”审计报告引发市场热议 审计机构专业性遭质疑