Question & Answer

A close friend of yours, who is a history major and who has not had any college courses or any experience in business, is receiving the financial statements from companies in which he has minor investments (acquired for him by his now-deceased father). He asks you what he needs to know to interpret and to evaluate the financial statement data that he is receiving. What would you tell him?

Management decision makingLO1, 2 The Woolworths Group has a goal of having customers put the company first across all their brands. To achieve this the Group has identified five priorities.9 1.      Building a customer and store-led culture and team. 2.      Generating sustainable sales momentum in food. 3.      Evolving the drinks business to provide even more value and convenience to customers. 4.      Empowering the portfolio businesses to pursue strategies to deliver shareholder value. 5.      Becoming a lean retailer through end-to-end process and systems excellence.   Required (a)   Given the strategic priorities, what decisions could management take to influence the structural cost drivers and executional cost drivers? (b)   What type of information would management need in making decisions you have identified in (a)?

How are citators used in tax research?

Wie Company has been operating for just 2 years, producing specialty golf equipment for women golfers. To date, the company has been able to finance its successful operations with investments from its principal owner, Michelle Wie, and cash flows from operations. However, current expansion plans will require some borrowing to expand the company’s production line. As part of the expansion plan, Wie will acquire some used equipment by signing a zero-interestbearing note. The note has a maturity value of $50,000 and matures in 5 years. A reliable fair value measure for the equipment is not available, given the age and specialty nature of the equipment. As a result, Wie’s accounting staff is unable to determine an established exchange price for recording the equipment (nor the interest rate to be used to record interest expense on the long-term note). They have asked you to conduct some accounting research on this topic. Instructions If your school has a subscription to the FASB Codification, go to http://aaahq.org/ascLogin.cfm to log in and prepare responses to the following. Provide Codification references for your responses. (a) Identify the authoritative literature that provides guidance on the zero-interest-bearing note. Use some of the examples to explain how the standard applies in this setting. (b) How is present value determined when an established exchange price is not determinable and a note has no ready market? What is the resulting interest rate often called? (c) Where should a discount or premium appear in the financial statements? What about issue costs?

Albertsen Corporation is considering proposals for either leasing or purchasing aircraft. The proposed lease agreement involves a twin-engine turboprop Viking that has a fair value of $1,000,000. This plane would be leased for a period of 10 years beginning January 1, 2014. The lease agreement is cancelable only upon accidental destruction of the plane. An annual lease payment of $141,780 is due on January 1 of each year; the first payment is to be made on January 1, 2014. Maintenance operations are strictly scheduled by the lessor, and Albertsen Corporation will pay for these services as they are performed. Estimated annual maintenance costs are $6,900. The lessor will pay all insurance premiums and local property taxes, which amount to a combined total of $4,000 annually and are included in the annual lease payment of $141,780. Upon expiration of the 10-year lease, Albertsen Corporation can purchase the Viking for $44,440. The estimated useful life of the plane is 15 years, and its salvage value in the used plane market is estimated to be $100,000 after 10 years. The salvage value probably will never be less than $75,000 if the engines are overhauled and maintained as prescribed by the manufacturer. If the purchase option is not exercised, possession of the plane will revert to the lessor, and there is no provision for renewing the lease agreement beyond its termination on December 31, 2023. Albertsen Corporation can borrow $1,000,000 under a 10-year term loan agreement at an annual interest rate of 12%. The lessor’s implicit interest rate is not expressly stated in the lease agreement, but this rate appears to be approximately 8% based on 10 net rental payments of $137,780 per year and the initial fair value of $1,000,000 for the plane. On January 1, 2014, the present value of all net rental payments and the purchase option of $44,440 is $888,890 using the 12% interest rate. The present value of all net rental payments and the $44,440 purchase option on January 1, 2014, is $1,022,226 using the 8% interest rate implicit in the lease agreement. The financial vice president of Albertsen Corporation has established that this lease agreement is a capital lease as defined in GAAP. Instructions (a) What is the appropriate amount that Albertsen Corporation should recognize for the leased aircraft on its balance sheet after the lease is signed? (b) Without prejudice to your answer in part (a), assume that the annual lease payment is $141,780 as stated in the question, that the appropriate capitalized amount for the leased aircraft is $1,000,000 on January 1, 2014, and that the interest rate is 9%. How will the lease be reported in the December 31, 2014, balance sheet and related income statement? (Ignore any income tax implications.)

Explain the lesson to be learned about the repo market based on the experience of Bear Stearns. (LO1)

Peterson Industries has three operating divisions— Farber Mining, Enyart Paperbacks, and Glesen Protection Devices. Each division maintains its own accounting system and method of revenue recognition. Farber Mining Farber Mining specializes in the extraction of precious metals such as silver, gold, and platinum. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2014, Farber entered into contracts worth $2,250,000 and shipped metals worth $2,000,000. A quarter of the shipments were made from inventories on hand at the beginning of the fiscal year, and the remainder were made from metals that were mined during the year. Mining totals for the year, valued at market prices, were silver at $750,000, gold at $1,400,000, and platinum at $490,000.Farber uses the completion-of-production method to recognize revenue because its operations meet the specified criteria, i.e., reasonably assured sales prices, interchangeable units, and insignificant distribution costs. Enyart Paperbacks Enyart Paperbacks sells large quantities of novels to a few book distributors that in turn sell to several national chains of bookstores. Enyart allows distributors to return up to 30% of sales, and distributors give the same terms to bookstores. While returns from individual titles fluctuate greatly, the returns from distributors have averaged 20% in each of the past 5 years. A total of $7,000,000 of paperback novel sales were made to distributors during the fiscal year. On November 30, 2014, $2,200,000 of fiscal 2014 sales were still subject to return privileges over the next 6 months. The remaining $4,800,000 of fiscal 2014 sales had actual returns of 21%. Sales from fiscal 2013 totaling $2,500,000 were collected in fiscal 2014, with less than 18% of sales returned. Enyart records revenue according to the method referred to as revenue recognition when the right of return exits, because all applicable criteria for use of this method are met by Enyart’s operations. Glesen Protection Devices Glesen Protection Devices works through manufacturers’ agents in various cities. Orders for alarm systems and down payments are forwarded from agents, and Glesen ships the goods f.o.b. shipping point. Customers are billed for the balance due plus actual shipping costs. The firm received orders for $6,000,000 of goods during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2014. Down payments of $600,000 were received, and $5,000,000 of goods were billed and shipped. Actual freight costs of $100,000 were also billed. Commissions of 10% on product price were paid to manufacturers’ agents after the goods were shipped to customers. Such goods are warranted for 90 days after shipment, and warranty returns have been about 1% of sales. Revenue is recognized at the point of sale by Glesen. Instructions (a) There are a variety of methods for revenue recognition. Define and describe each of the following methods of revenue recognition, and indicate whether each is in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. (1) Completion-of-production method. (2) Percentage-of-completion method. (3) Installment-sales method. (b) Compute the revenue to be recognized in the fiscal year ended November 30, 2014, for (1) Farber Mining. (2) Enyart Paperbacks. (3) Glesen Protection Devices.

Elroy, who is single, has taken over the care of his mother Irene in her old age. Elroy pays the bills relating to Irene’s home. He also buys all her groceries and provides the rest of her support. Irene has no gross income.

A manual assembly line has 17 workstations with one operator per station. Total work content time to assemble the product = 22.2 minutes. The production rate of the line = 36 units per hour. A synchronous transfer system is used to advance the products from one station to the next, and the transfer time = 6 seconds. The workers remain seated along the line. Proportion uptime = 0.90. Determine the balance efficiency.

1.    : A survey found that 69 percent of MBA students view maximizing shareholder value as the primary responsibility of a company. The Business Roundtable’s new Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation said that five major stakeholders should receive equal attention. With which view do you agree? Why?

On January 1, 2014, Nichols Company issued for $1,085,800 its 20-year, 11% bonds that have a maturity value of $1,000,000 and pay interest semiannually on January 1 and July 1. Bond issue costs were not material in amount. Below are three presentations of the long-term liability section of the balance sheet that might be used for these bonds at the issue date. 1. Bonds payable (maturing January 1, 2034) $1,000,000 Unamortized premium on bonds payable 85,800 Total bond liability $1,085,800 2. Bonds payable—principal (face value $1,000,000 maturing January 1, 2034) $ 142,050a Bonds payable—interest (semiannual payment $55,000) 943,750b Total bond liability $1,085,800 3. Bonds payable—principal (maturing January 1, 2034) $1,000,000 Bonds payable—interest ($55,000 per period for 40 periods) 2,200,000 Total bond liability $3,200,000 aThe present value of $1,000,000 due at the end of 40 (6-month) periods at the yield rate of 5% per period. bThe present value of $55,000 per period for 40 (6-month) periods at the yield rate of 5% per period. Instructions (a) Discuss the conceptual merit(s) of each of the date-of-issue balance sheet presentations shown above for these bonds. (b) Explain why investors would pay $1,085,800 for bonds that have a maturity value of only $1,000,000. (c) Assuming that a discount rate is needed to compute the carrying value of the obligations arising from a bond issue at any date during the life of the bonds, discuss the conceptual merit(s) of using for this purpose: (1) The coupon or nominal rate. (2) The effective or yield rate at date of issue. (d) If the obligations arising from these bonds are to be carried at their present value computed by means of the current market rate of interest, how would the bond valuation at dates subsequent to the date of issue be affected by an increase or a decrease in the market rate of interest?

Gamila, James, Helen, and Carlos each own an equal interest in GJHC Partnership, a calendar-year-end, cash-method entity. On January 1 of the current year, James’ basis in his partnership interest is $62,000. For the taxable year, the partnership generates $80,000 of ordinary income and $30,000 of dividend income. For the first 5 months of the year, GJHC generates $25,000 of ordinary income and no dividend income. On June 1, James sells his partnership interest to Robert for a cash payment of $70,000. The partnership has the following assets and no liabilities at the sale date: Tax Basis FMV Cash $ 27,000 $ 27,000 Land held for investment 80,000 100,000    Totals $ 107,000 $ 127,000 a. Assuming GJHC’s operating agreement provides that the proration method will be used to allocate income or loss when partners’ interests change during the year, what is James’ basis in his partnership interest on June 1 just prior to the sale? b. What are the amount and character of James’s recognized gain or loss on the sale? c. If GJHC uses an interim closing of the books, what are the amount and character of James’s recognized gain or loss on the sale?

Isabel, a calendar-year taxpayer, uses the cash method of accounting for her sole proprietorship.  In late December she received a $20,000 bill from her accountant for consulting services related to her small business.  Isabel can pay the $20,000 bill anytime before January 30 of next year without penalty.  Assume her marginal tax rate is 40 percent this year and next year, and that she can earn an after-tax rate of return of 12 percent on her investments.  When should she pay the $20,000 bill—this year or next?

Do after-tax rates of return for investments in either interest- or dividend-paying securities increase with the length of the investment? Why or why not?

The following facts pertain to a noncancelable lease agreement between Alschuler Leasing Company and McKee Electronics, a lessee, for a computer system. Inception date October 1, 2014 Lease term 6 years Economic life of leased equipment 6 years Fair value of asset at October 1, 2014 $300,383 Residual value at end of lease term –0– Lessor’s implicit rate 10% Lessee’s incremental borrowing rate 10% Annual lease payment due at the beginning of each year, beginning with October 1, 2014 $62,700 The collectibility of the lease payments is reasonably predictable, and there are no important uncertainties surrounding the costs yet to be incurred by the lessor. The lessee assumes responsibility for all executor costs, which amount to $5,500 per year and are to be paid each October 1, beginning October 1, 2014. (This $5,500 is not included in the rental payment of $62,700.) The asset will revert to the lessor at the end of the lease term. The straight-line depreciation method is used for all equipment. The following amortization schedule has been prepared correctly for use by both the lessor and the lessee in accounting for this lease. The lease is to be accounted for properly as a capital lease by the lessee and as a direct-financing lease by the lessor. Annual Lease Interest (10%) Reduction Balance of Payment/ on Unpaid of Lease Lease Date Receipt Liability/Receivable Liability/Receivable Liability/Receivable 10/01/14 $300,383 10/01/14 $ 62,700 $ 62,700 237,683 10/01/15 62,700 $23,768 38,932 198,751 10/01/16 62,700 19,875 42,825 155,926 10/01/17 62,700 15,593 47,107 108,819 10/01/18 62,700 10,882 51,818 57,001 10/01/19 62,700 5,699* 57,001 –0– $376,200 $75,817 $300,383 *Rounding error is $1. Instructions (a) Assuming the lessee’s accounting period ends on September 30, answer the following questions with respect to this lease agreement. (1) What items and amounts will appear on the lessee’s income statement for the year ending September 30, 2015? (2) What items and amounts will appear on the lessee’s balance sheet at September 30, 2015? (3) What items and amounts will appear on the lessee’s income statement for the year ending September 30, 2016? (4) What items and amounts will appear on the lessee’s balance sheet at September 30, 2016? (b) Assuming the lessee’s accounting period ends on December 31, answer the following questions with respect to this lease agreement. (1) What items and amounts will appear on the lessee’s income statement for the year ending December 31, 2014? (2) What items and amounts will appear on the lessee’s balance sheet at December 31, 2014? (3) What items and amounts will appear on the lessee’s income statement for the year ending December 31, 2015? (4) What items and amounts will appear on the lessee’s balance sheet at December 31, 2015?

Penn Company is in the process of adjusting and correcting its books at the end of 2014. In reviewing its records, the following information is compiled. 1. Penn has failed to accrue sales commissions payable at the end of each of the last 2 years, as follows. December 31, 2013 $3,500 December 31, 2014 $2,500 2. In reviewing the December 31, 2014, inventory, Penn discovered errors in its inventory-taking procedures that have caused inventories for the last 3 years to be incorrect, as follows. December 31, 2012 Understated $16,000 December 31, 2013 Understated $19,000 December 31, 2014 Overstated $ 6,700 Penn has already made an entry that established the incorrect December 31, 2014, inventory amount. 3. At December 31, 2014, Penn decided to change the depreciation method on its office equipment from double-declining-balance to straight-line. The equipment had an original cost of $100,000 when purchased on January 1, 2012. It has a 10-year useful life and no salvage value. Depreciation expense recorded prior to 2014 under the double-declining-balance method was $36,000. Penn has already recorded 2014 depreciation expense of $12,800 using the double-declining-balance method. 4. Before 2014, Penn accounted for its income from long-term construction contracts on the completedcontract basis. Early in 2014, Penn changed to the percentage-of-completion basis for accounting purposes. It continues to use the completed-contract method for tax purposes. Income for 2014 has been recorded using the percentage-of-completion method. The following information is available. Pretax Income Percentage-of-Completion Completed-Contract Prior to 2014 $150,000 $105,000 2014 60,000 20,000 Instructions Prepare the journal entries necessary at December 31, 2014, to record the above corrections and changes. The books are still open for 2014. The income tax rate is 40%. Penn has not yet recorded its 2014 income tax expense and payable amounts so current-year tax effects may be ignored. Prior-year tax effects must be considered in item 4.

Judds Company purchased a new plant asset on April 1, 2014, at a cost of $711,000. It was estimated to have a service life of 20 years and a salvage value of $60,000. Judds’ accounting period is the calendar year. Instructions (a) Compute the depreciation for this asset for 2014 and 2015 using the sum-of-the-years’-digits method. (b) Compute the depreciation for this asset for 2014 and 2015 using the double-declining-balance method.

What is an autogenous weld?

Alvarado Company sells a machine for $7,400 with a 12-month warranty agreement that requires the company to replace all defective parts and to provide the repair labor at no cost to the customers. With sales being made evenly throughout the year, the company sells 600 machines in 2014 (warranty expense is incurred half in 2014 and half in 2015). As a result of product testing, the company estimates that the warranty cost is $390 per machine ($170 parts and $220 labor). Instructions Assuming that actual warranty costs are incurred exactly as estimated, what journal entries would be made relative to the following facts? (a) Under application of the expense warranty accrual method for: (1) Sale of machinery in 2014. (2) Warranty costs incurred in 2014. (3) Warranty expense charged against 2014 revenues. (4) Warranty costs incurred in 2015. (b) Under application of the cash-basis method for: (1) Sale of machinery in 2014. (2) Warranty costs incurred in 2014. (3) Warranty expense charged against 2014 revenues. (4) Warranty costs incurred in 2015. (c) What amount, if any, is disclosed in the balance sheet as a liability for future warranty costs as of December 31, 2014, under each method? (d) Which method best reflects the income in 2014 and 2015 of Alvarado Company? Why?

What are the potential tax consequences to a shareholder who participates in a stock redemption?

1.       : What are the characteristics of an open communication climate? Describe the organizational benefits of managers cultivating an open communication climate.

1.    Why do you think the three skills are all needed to be an effective manager? Give examples of times when each one is used.

1.       : Why do you think workplace stress is skyrocketing? Do you think it is a trend that will continue? Explain the reasons for your answer.

The balance sheet of Kishwaukee Corporation as of December 31, 2014, is as follows.   Equities Notes payable (Note 3) $ 600,000 Common stock, authorized and issued, 1,000,000 shares, no par 1,150,000 Retained earnings 803,000 Noncontrolling interest 55,000 Appreciation capital (Note 1) 570,000 Income tax payable 75,000 Reserve for depreciation recorded to date on the building 410,000 $3,663,000 Note 1: Buildings are stated at cost, except for one building that was recorded at appraised value. The excess of appraisal value over cost was $570,000. Depreciation has been recorded based on cost. Note 2: Goodwill in the amount of $120,000 was recognized because the company believed that book value was not an accurate representation of the fair value of the company. The gain of $120,000 was credited to Retained Earnings. Note 3: Notes payable are long-term except for the current installment due of $100,000. Instructions Prepare a corrected classified balance sheet in good form. The notes above are for information only.

Sylvester files as a single taxpayer during 2024.  He itemizes deductions for regular tax purposes.  He paid charitable contributions of $7,000, real estate taxes of $1,000, state income taxes of $4,000, and mortgage interest of $2,000 on $30,000 of acquisition indebtedness on his home. Sylvester’s regular taxable income is $100,000. What is Sylvester’s AMTI?