factual

What is the auditor's responsibility in evaluating Embassy Suites' ability to continue as a going concern?

Embassy_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are available to be issued.

Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and, therefore, is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the financial statements.

In performing an audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, we:

  • Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.
  • Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
  • Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.
  • Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the financial statements.
  • Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.

Source: Item 21 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (FDD page 97)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Embassy Suites' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the auditor has specific responsibilities related to evaluating the company's ability to continue as a going concern. The auditor's role is to conclude whether there are conditions or events that, when considered in the aggregate, raise substantial doubt about Embassy Suites' ability to continue operating for a reasonable period of time. This assessment is a critical part of the audit process. The reasonable period of time is defined as within one year after the date the financial statements are available to be issued.

To fulfill this responsibility, the auditor must exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. This involves identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and designing audit procedures to respond to those risks. The auditor examines evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements on a test basis and obtains an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit. However, the auditor does not express an opinion on the effectiveness of the company's internal control.

The auditor also evaluates the appropriateness of the accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as the overall presentation of the financial statements. Furthermore, the auditor is required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control-related matters identified during the audits. This communication ensures transparency and provides an opportunity for those in governance to address any concerns raised by the auditor.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.