adverse opinion

noun phrase

Meaning

A formal statement by an auditor indicating that a company's financial statements are materially misstated and do not conform to generally accepted accounting principles.

Examples

  • Investors were alarmed when the accounting firm released an adverse opinion regarding the annual report.
  • Management struggled to secure new loans after receiving an adverse opinion from their independent auditors.

Synonyms: negative report, unfavorable finding, qualified opinion, disclaimer of opinion