∞Direct answer
Direct answer
When two company facts clash, do not average them. Do not ask AI to pick one. Make one clash card. Keep each record, date, scope, and exact words. Use AI to compare facts and show what changed. Then ask for the first record that can clear the point. A person should make the call. NIST says AI tools can make false content and people may trust them too much. [1]
Call the gap
A clash is two records that seem to answer one deal question in different ways.
Make one card for each clash. Copy the exact words or numbers. Do not replace them with an AI note.
Write one small question. For example: What cash could this firm use on 30 June? A small question makes the gap clear.
Do not call one record wrong yet. It may cover a different day, firm, or rule.
- Deal question: the point that could change the review.
- Record A and B: link, file, page or cell, and exact words.
- Match key: firm, number, time, money type, and unit.
- State: open, explained, clear, or raised.
Check scope first
Both numbers may be right. One may show cash on the last day of a month. One may leave out cash the firm cannot use.
Ask AI to put both records into one small list. Add firm, day, time span, meaning, unit, source type, and quote. Ask it to mark a lost field. Do not ask it to pick a number.
EDGAR has filed reports for US public firms. A 10-K has audited yearly statements. A 10-Q has unaudited three-month statements. An 8-K can tell the market about a key event. [2]
UK Companies House search data is an extract from its list. It says there can be errors at times. Use it to check a fact. Do not use it as full proof. [3]
- Who: the exact legal firm or group.
- When: the day and time span.
- What: the stated measure, not a loose name.
- How: why the record was made and who gave it.
Make AI do small work
Give the tool only the records on this card. Ask it to quote both and compare like fields. Save the ask and first reply.
Ask it to say what matches, what does not, and what record is still needed. Each point needs a page, cell, or public link.
If it names a source you did not give it, mark that point not known. Open that source before you use it.
NIST says AI tools can spread false or wrong content at scale. It also warns that people may trust a tool too much. Treat its note as a lead, not proof. [1]
- Ask: compare two records on one set question.
- Return: quotes, places, and missing fields.
- Do not ask for: a verdict, score, or guess.
- Save: ask, input list, reply, checker, and date.
Ask for the right proof
Send a short, fair request. Name the two records and the exact gap. Ask for the first record, its date, and how the number was made.
Do not ask for a broad story. Ask for a bank note, board note, list of buyers, signed deal, or a first record that fits the gap.
A UK confirmation statement says the company data that Companies House holds is up to date. A firm must file one at least once a year. It does not prove a set sale, cash sum, or other business claim. [4]
Keep the reply with the card. Save who checked it. Say why it is clear, open, or needs a senior check.
- Request: one clear question and the needed record.
- Reply: source, date, maker, and exact reason.
- Check: match the reply to both first records.
- Owner: the person who closes or raises the gap.
Set a clear end
Do not turn two numbers into one by using an average. That can hide a date, meaning, or rights problem.
Set a limit before you close the card. A gap on the legal firm, share rights, cash use, or a key buyer may need a senior check.
You may need legal, tax, account, or tech help. This process does not take its place. It helps keep the question and proof clear.
A closed card does not mean the firm is a good deal. It only shows how you checked one gap.
- Clear: records match after a saved check.
- Explained: they differ for a saved scope reason.
- Open: the needed proof is not clear or not there.
- Raised: the gap could change the deal call.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does a public record settle each fact?
No. A record can help for the fact and time it covers. It may still be old, small, or for a different firm. EDGAR lists reports by type and date. Companies House says its search is an extract and can have errors at times. [2] [3]
Can AI say which record is right?
No. AI can pull out and compare records. It can also be wrong. Use it to show the gap. A person should read the source and decide what the gap means. [1]
What should I ask the firm for?
Ask for the first record that backs the claim. State the firm, day, number, and gap. Ask how the number was made. Keep the reply with both first records.
Must each clash stop the review?
No. Set a clear limit. Raise a clash that could change who the firm is, who owns it, cash use, buyer rights, or a key risk. Save small gaps too.
REF
Sources
- 1
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework: Generative Artificial Intelligence Profile ↗ - 2
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Investor.gov
Using EDGAR to Research Investments ↗ - 3
Companies House, GOV.UK
Searching the Companies House register ↗ - 4
Companies House, GOV.UK
Filing your company's confirmation statement ↗