Which financial statement fraud method is aimed at misleading users regarding the financial health of a company?

Income smoothing is a financial statement fraud method used to present a more stable and favorable financial performance of a company than actually exists. By altering the timing of revenue and expense recognition, companies can create the illusion of consistent earnings and minimize fluctuations that could raise questions among users, such as investors or creditors. This practice can mislead stakeholders who rely on financial statements to assess the company’s health, making it appear more financially stable than it truly is.

In comparison, invented revenue recognition involves recognizing revenue that has not been earned, which is a more overt form of misrepresentation. Asset overstatement entails inflating the value of assets, while expense understatement focuses on reducing reported expenses. While all these methods aim at misleading users, income smoothing specifically targets the perception of stable financial health, making it a favored tactic among those seeking to manipulate financial statement outcomes over time.