Differing Results.

The debate over pro forma earnings goes on, spurred in part by announcements such as the latest quarterly results from Computer Associates. The huge software firm reported a 9 percent hike in revenues and a 61 percent jump in net income for the second quarter, using pro forma results. Under generally accepted accounting principles, however, CA's picture was far less rosy -- a $342 million loss on a 37 percent drop in revenues.

That's a huge difference, and it's been the basis for much of a proxy fight that CA has been waging with some major shareholders, who argue that its accounting doesn't accurately reflect its results...