Representation crisis

As I wrap up the current earning season, I find that my confidence in reported numbers doesn't increase. Inaccurate representation about current business operations and future prospects keep showing up in corporate earnings reports.

The Four-Legged Stool

"Is the company shareholder friendly? Does it pay a high dividend? Does it buy a lot of its shares?" I had been hearing such statements because some investors and others think returning cash is the most important tenet to judge a company and/or to make an investment. I am skeptical here.