Chapter 13

Current Liabilities and Contingencies

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Questions
131
132
133
134
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137
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139
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Diversity, Reflective thinking
Diversity, Reflective thinking
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Reflective thinking
Diversity, Reflective thinking

Brief Exercises
131
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135
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137
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139
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1311

Solutions Manual, Vol.2, Chapter 13

Analytic
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Brief Exercises
1312
1313
1314
1315
1316
1317
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Exercises
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133
134
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136
137
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139
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1314
1315
1316
1317
1318
1319
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AACSB Tag
Analytic
Analytic
Analytic
Analytic
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Analytic
Analytic
Analytic
Analytic

Analytic
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Analytic
Analytic
Communications
Analytic
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Analytic
Communications
Analytic, Reflective thinking
Analytic
Analytic, Reflective thinking
Analytic, Communications
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Reflective thinking
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CPA/CMA
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2

Analytic
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The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 2013

131

CPA/CMA cont.
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Problems
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
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1312
1313

Analytic
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QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW OF KEY TOPICS

Question 131

A liability involves the past, the present, and the future. It is a present responsibility, to
sacrifice assets in the future, caused by a transaction or other event that already has happened.
Specifically, Elements of Financial Statements, Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts No.
6, par. 36, describes three essential characteristics: Liabilities
1. are probable, future sacrifices of economic benefits
2. that arise from present obligations (to transfer goods or provide services) to other entities
3. that result from past transactions or events.

Question 132

Liabilities traditionally are classified as either current liabilities or long-term liabilities in a

classified balance sheet. Current liabilities are those expected to be satisfied with current assets or
by the creation of other current liabilities. Usually, but with exceptions, current liabilities are
obligations payable within one year or within the firm's operating cycle, whichever is longer.

Question 133

In concept, liabilities should be reported at their present values; that is, the valuation amount is
the present value of all future cash payments resulting from the debt, usually principal and/or interest
payments. In this case, the amount would be determined as the present value of $100,000,
discounted for three months at an appropriate rate of interest for a debt of this type. This is proper
because of the time value of money.
In practice, liabilities ordinarily are reported at their maturity amounts if payable within one
year because the relatively short time period makes the interest or time value component immaterial.
[FASB ASC 83530153: InterestImputation of InterestScope and Scope Exceptions
(previously Interest on Receivables and Payables, Accounting Principles Board Opinion No 21,
(New York, AICPA, August 1971, Par. 3))] specifically exempts from present value valuation all
liabilities arising in connection with suppliers in the normal course of business and due within a
year.

Answers to Questions (continued)

Question 134

Lines of credit permit a company to borrow cash from a bank up to a prearranged limit at a
predetermined, usually floating, rate of interest. The interest rate often is based on current rates of
the prime London interbank borrowing, certificates of deposit, bankers acceptance, or other
standard rates. Lines of credit usually must be available to support the issuance of commercial
paper.
Lines of credit can be noncommitted or committed. A noncommitted line of credit allows the
company to borrow without having to follow formal loan procedures and paperwork at the time of
the loan and is less formal, usually without a commitment fee. Sometimes a compensating balance
is required to be on deposit with the bank as compensation for the service. A committed line of
credit is more formal. It usually requires a commitment fee in the neighborhood of 1/4 of one percent
of the unused balance during the availability period. Sometimes compensating balances also are
required.

Question 135

When interest is discounted from the face amount of a note at the time it is written, it usually
is referred to as a noninterest-bearing note. Noninterest-bearing notes do, of course entail interest,
but the interest is deducted (or discounted) from the face amount to determine the cash proceeds
made available to the borrower at the outset and included in the amount paid at maturity. In fact, the
effective interest rate is higher than the stated discount rate because the discount rate is applied to
the face value, but the cash borrowed is less than the face value.

Question 136

Commercial paper represents loans from other corporations. It refers to unsecured notes sold
in minimum denominations of $25,000 with maturities ranging from 30 to 270 days. The firm
would be required to file a registration statement with the SEC if the maturity is beyond 270 days.
The name commercial paper implies that a paper certificate is issued to the lender to represent the
obligation. But, increasingly, no paper is created because the entire transaction is computerized.
Recording the issuance and payment of commercial paper is the same as for notes payable.
The interest rate usually is lower than in a bank loan because commercial paper (a) typically is
issued by large, sound companies (b) directly to the lender, and (c) normally is backed by a line of
credit with a bank.

Question 137

This is an example of an accrued expensean expense incurred during the current period, but
not yet paid. he expense and related liability should be recorded as follows:
Salaries expense
Salaries payable

5,000
5,000

This achieves a proper matching of this expense with the revenues it helps generate, and
recognizes that a liability has been created by the employee earning wages for which she has not yet
been paid.

Answers to Questions (continued)

Question 138

An employer should accrue an expense and the related liability for employees' compensation for
future absences, like vacation pay, if the obligation meets each of four conditions: (1) the obligation
is attributable to employees' services already performed, (2) the paid absence can be taken in a later
yearthe benefit vests (will be compensated even if employment is terminated) or the benefit can be
accumulated over time, (3) the payment is probable, and (4) the amount can be reasonably
estimated.
Customary practice should be considered when deciding whether an obligation exists. For
instance, whether the rights to paid absences have been earned by services already rendered
sometimes depends on customary policy for the absence in question. An example is whether
compensation for upcoming sabbatical leave should be accrued. Is it granted only to perform
research beneficial to the employer? Or, is it customary that sabbatical leave is intended to provide
unrestrained compensation for past service?
Similar concerns also influence whether unused rights to the paid absences can be carried
forward or expire. Although holiday time, military leave, maternity leave, and jury time typically do
not accumulate if unused, if it is customary practice that one can be carried forward, a liability is
accrued if its probable employees will be compensated in a future year. Similarly, sick pay is
specifically excluded from mandatory accrual, according to GAAP regarding compensated absences,
because future absence depends on future illness, which usually is not a certainty. But, if company
policy or custom is that employees are paid sick pay even when their absence is not due to illness,
a liability for unused sick pay should be recorded.

Question 139

When a company collects cash from a customer as a refundable deposit or as an advance

payment for products or services, a liability is created obligating the firm to return the deposit or to
supply the products or services. When the amount is to be returned to the customer in cash, it is a
refundable deposit. When the amount will be applied to the purchase price when goods are
delivered or services provided (gift certificates, magazine subscriptions, layaway deposits, special
order deposits, and airline tickets), it is a customer advance.

Question 1310

Gift cards are a particular form of advance collection of revenues. When the payment is
received, the seller debits cash and credits an unearned revenue liability. Later, unearned revenue is
reduced and revenue recognized either when the customer redeems the gift card or when the
probability of redemption is viewed as remote, based on an expiration date or the companys
experience.

Question 1311

Examples of amounts collected for third parties that represent liabilities until remitted are sales
taxes, and payroll-related deductions such as federal and state income taxes, social security taxes,
employee insurance, employee contributions to retirement plans, and union dues.

Answers to Questions (continued)

Question 1312

The requirement to classify currently maturing debt as a current liability includes debt that is
callable, or due on demand, by the creditor in the upcoming year, even if the debt is not expected to
be called.

Question 1313

Short-term obligations can be reported as noncurrent liabilities if the company (a) intends to
refinance on a long-term basis and (b) demonstrates the ability to do so by a refinancing agreement
or by actual financing.

Question 1314

Under U.S. GAAP, ability to finance must be demonstrated by securing financing prior to the
date the balance sheet is issued; under IFRS, ability to finance must be demonstrated by securing
financing prior to the balance sheet date (which typically is a couple of months earlier than the date
of issuance).

Question 1315

A loss contingency is an existing situation or set of circumstances involving potential loss that
will be resolved when some future event occurs or doesnt occur. Examples: (1) a possible repair to
a product under warranty, (2) a possible uncollectible receivable, (3) being the defendant in a
lawsuit.

Question 1316

The likelihood that the future event(s) will confirm the incurrence of the liability must be
categorized as:
PROBABLEthe confirming event is likely to occur.
REASONABLY POSSIBLEthe chance the confirming event will occur is more than remote but
less than likely.
REMOTEthe chance the confirming event will occur is slight.

Question 1317

A liability should be accrued if it is both probable that the confirming event will occur and the
amount can be at least reasonably estimated.

Answers to Questions (continued)

Question 1318

Under U.S. GAAP, the term contingent liability is used to refer generally to contingent
losses, regardless of probability. Under IFRS, a contingent liability refers only to those
contingencies that are not recognized in the financial statements; the term provision is used to
refer to those that are accrued as liabilities because they are probable and reasonably estimable.

Question 1319

If one or both of the accrual criteria is not met, but there is at least a reasonable possibility that
an obligation exists (the loss will occur), a disclosure note should describe the contingency. The
note also should provide an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, if possible. If an estimate
cannot be made, a statement to that effect should be included.

Question 1320
1. Manufacturers product warrantiesthese inevitably involve expenditures, and reasonably
accurate estimates of the total liability for a period usually are possible, based on prior
experience.
2. Cash rebates and other premium offersthese inevitably involve expenditures, and reasonably
accurate estimates of the total liability for a period usually are possible, based on prior
experience.

Question 1321

The contingent liability for warranties and guarantees usually is accrued. The estimated
warranty (guarantee) liability is credited and warranty (guarantee) expense is debited in the reporting
period in which the product under warranty is sold. An extended warranty provides warranty
protection beyond the manufacturers original warranty. A manufacturers warranty is offered as an
integral part of the product package. By contrast, an extended warranty is priced and sold separately
from the warranted product. It essentially constitutes a separate sales transaction and is recorded as
such.

Question 1322

Several weeks usually pass between the end of a companys fiscal year and the date the
financial statements for that year actually are issued. Any enlightening events occurring during this
period should be used to assess the nature of a loss contingency existing at the report date. Since a
liability should be accrued if it is both probable that the confirming event will occur and the amount
can be at least reasonably estimated, the contingency should be accrued.

Answers to Questions (concluded)

Question 1323

When a contingency comes into existence only after the year-end, a liability cannot be accrued
because none existed at the end of the year. Yet, if the loss is probable and can be reasonably
estimated, the contingency should be described in a disclosure note. The note should include the
effect of the loss on key accounting numbers affected.
Furthermore, even events other than
contingencies that occur after the year-end but before the financial statements are issued must be
disclosed in a subsequent events disclosure note if they have a material effect on the companys
financial position (i.e., an issuance of debt or equity securities, a business combination, or
discontinued operations).

Question 1324

In U.S. GAAP, the low end of the range is accrued as a liability, and the rest of the range is
disclosed. In IFRS, the mid-point of the range is accrued.

Question 1325

In IFRS, present values must be used to measure a liability whenever the time value of money
is material. That requirement does not exist for U.S. GAAP.

Question 1326

When an assessment is probable, reporting the possible obligation would be warranted if an

unfavorable settlement is at least reasonably possible. This means an estimated loss and contingent
liability would be accrued if (a) an unfavorable outcome is probable and (b) the amount can be
reasonably estimated. Otherwise, note disclosure would be appropriate. So, when the assessment is
unasserted as yet, a two-step process is involved in deciding how it should be reported:
1. Is the assessment probable? If it is not, no disclosure is warranted.
2. If the assessment is probable, evaluate (a) the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome and (b)
whether the dollar amount can be estimated to determine whether it should be accrued,
disclosed only, or neither.

Question 1327

You should not accrue your gain. A gain contingency should not be accrued. This
conservative treatment is consistent with the general inclination of accounting practice to anticipate
losses, but to recognize gains only at their realization. Though gain contingencies are not recorded
in the accounts, they should be disclosed in notes to the financial statements. Attention should be
paid that the disclosure note not give "misleading implications as to the likelihood of realization."

Question 1328

You should accrue your gain. Under IFRS, a gain contingency is accrued if it is virtually
certain to occur, as is the case with respect to this gain.

BRIEF EXERCISES
Brief Exercise 131
Cash ...............................................................
Notes payable..............................................

60,000,000

Interest expense ($60,000,000 x 12% x 3/12) ........

Interest payable ..........................................

1,800,000

60,000,000
1,800,000

Brief Exercise 132

Cash (difference) ..........................................................
Discount on notes payable ($60,000,000 x 12% x 9/12)...
Notes payable (face amount) ....................................

54,600,000
5,400,000

Interest expense ($60,000,000 x 12% x 3/12)...................

Discount on notes payable ....................................

1,800,000

Brief Exercise 133

a.
December 31
$100,000 x 12% x 6/12 = $6,000
b.
September 30
$100,000 x 12% x 3/12 = $3,000

60,000,000
1,800,000

Brief Exercise 134

Cash (difference) ..........................................................
Discount on notes payable ($12,000,000 x 9% x 9/12).....
Notes payable (face amount) ....................................

11,190,000
810,000

Interest expense ........................................................

Discount on notes payable ...........................................

810,000

Notes payable (face amount) ........................................

Cash .......................................................................

12,000,000

12,000,000

810,000

12,000,000

Brief Exercise 135

Cash (difference) ..........................................................
Discount on notes payable ($10,000,000 x 6% x 9/12).....
Notes payable (face amount) ....................................
Effective interest rate:
Discount ($10,000,000 x 6% x 9/12)
Cash proceeds
Interest rate for 9 months

$ 450,000
$9,550,000
4.712%
x 12/9

Annual effective rate

6.3%

9,550,000
450,000
10,000,000

Brief Exercise 136

December 12
Cash .......................................................................
Liabilitycustomer advance ............................

24,000

January 16
Cash .......................................................................
Liabilitycustomer advance ................................
Sales revenue .....................................................

216,000
24,000

24,000

240,000

Brief Exercise 137

In 2013 Lizzie would recognize $11,500 of revenue ($4,000 + 3,000 + 2,500 +
2,000). In 2014 Lizzie would recognize the remainder of $6,500 ($18,000
11,500), either because gift cards were redeemed (the $1,000 in January and the
$500 in February) or because they are viewed as expired.

Brief Exercise 138

Accounts receivable ..............................................
Sales revenue ....................................................
Sales taxes payable ([6% + 1.5%] x $600,000).......

645,000
600,000
45,000

Brief Exercise 139

1. Current liabilityThe requirement to classify currently maturing debt as a current liability
includes debt that is callable, or due on demand, by the creditor in the upcoming year even if
the debt is not expected to be called.
2 Long-term liabilityThe current liability classification includes (a) situations in which the
creditor has the right to demand payment because an existing violation of a provision of the debt
agreement makes it callable and (b) situations in which debt is not yet callable, but will be
callable within the year if an existing violation is not corrected within a specified grace period
unless it's probable the violation will be corrected within the grace period. In this case, the
existing violation is expected to be corrected within six months.

Brief Exercise 1310

Under U.S. GAAP, the debt would be classified as long-term for both completion
dates, as what is key is that the refinancing be completed before the financial
statements are issued.

Brief Exercise 1311

Under IFRS, the debt would be classified as long-term if the refinancing was
completed by December 15, 2013, but not if completed by January 15, 2014,
because for IFRS what is key is that the refinancing be completed by the balance
sheet date.

Brief Exercise 1312

This is a loss contingency and the estimated warranty liability is credited and
warranty expense is debited in the period in which the products under warranty
are sold. Right will report a liability of $130,000:
Warranty Liability

Actual expenditures 20,000

150,000 Warranty expense (1% x $15,000,000)

130,000 Balance

Brief Exercise 1313

This is a loss contingency and should be accrued because it is both probable that
the confirming event will occur and the amount can be at least reasonably
estimated. Goo Goo should report a $5.5 million loss in its income statement and
a $5.5 million liability in its balance sheet
Lossproduct recall ....................................................... 5,500,000
Liabilityproduct recall..........................................
5,500,000
A disclosure note also is appropriate.

Brief Exercise 1314

This is a gain contingency. Gain contingencies are not accrued even if the gain is
probable and reasonably estimable. The gain should be recognized only when
realized. A carefully worded disclosure note is appropriate.

Brief Exercise 1315

This is a loss contingency. A liability should be accrued if it is both probable that
the confirming event will occur and the amount can be at least reasonably
estimated. If one or both of these criteria is not met (as in this case), but there is at
least a reasonable possibility that the loss will occur, a disclosure note should
describe the contingency. Thats what Bell should do here.

Brief Exercise 1316

Only the third situations costs should be accrued. A liability should be accrued
for a loss contingency if it is both probable that the confirming event will occur
and the amount can be at least reasonably estimated. If one or both of these
criteria is not met, but there is at least a reasonable possibility that the loss will
occur, a disclosure note should describe the contingency. Both criteria are met
only for the warranty costs.

Brief Exercise 1317

Under U.S. GAAP, no liability would be recognized, because a 51% chance is less
than the level of probability typically associated with probable in the United
States. A liability would be accrued under IFRS, as 51% is clearly more likely
than not. If a liability were accrued under U.S. GAAP, it would be for $10
million, the low end of the range, but under IFRS it would be for $15 million, the
midpoint of the range.

Brief Exercise 1318

No disclosure is required because an EPA claim is not yet asserted, and an
assessment is not probable. Even if an unfavorable outcome is thought to be
probable in the event of an assessment and the amount is estimable, disclosure is
not required unless an unasserted claim is probable.

EXERCISES
Exercise 131
Requirement 1
Cash ................................................................ 16,000,000
Notes payable ..............................................
16,000,000
Requirement 2
Interest expense ($16,000,000 x 12% x 2/12) ........
Interest payable............................................

320,000
320,000

Requirement 3
Interest expense ($16,000,000 x 12% x 7/12) ........ 1,120,000
Interest payable (from adjusting entry) ................
320,000
Notes payable (face amount) .............................. 16,000,000
Cash (total) ....................................................
17,440,000

Exercise 132
1.

Interest rate

Fiscal year-end

12%

December 31
6
$400 million x 12% x /12 = $24 million

2.

Interest rate

Fiscal year-end

10%

September 30
3
$400 million x 10% x /12 = $10 million

3.

Interest rate

Fiscal year-end

9%

October 31
4
$400 million x 9% x /12 = $12 million

4.

Interest rate
6%

Fiscal year-end

January 31
7
$400 million x 6% x /12 = $14 million

Exercise 133
2013
Jan. 13 No entry is made for a line of credit until a loan actually is made. It
would be described in a disclosure note.
Feb. 1
Cash ..........................................................................
Notes payable ........................................................

5,000,000

May 1
Interest expense ($5,000,000 x 10% x 3/12) ....................
Notes payable (face amount) ........................................
Cash ($5,000,000 + 125,000) ......................................

125,000
5,000,000

Dec. 1
Cash (difference) ..........................................................
Discount on notes payable ($10,000,000 x 9% x 9/12).....
Notes payable (face amount) ....................................

9,325,000
675,000

5,000,000

5,125,000

10,000,000

Dec. 31
The effective interest rate is 9.6515% ($675,000 $9,325,000) x 12/9. So,
properly, interest should be recorded at that rate times the outstanding balance
times one-twelfth of a year:
Interest expense ($9,325,000 x 9.6515% x 1/12) ..............
Discount on notes payable ....................................

75,000
75,000

However the same results are achieved if interest is recorded at the discount
rate times the maturity amount times one-twelfth of a year:
Interest expense ($10,000,000 x 9% x 1/12) ....................
Discount on notes payable ....................................

75,000
75,000

Exercise 133 (concluded)

2014
Sept. 1
Interest expense ($10,000,000 x 9% x 8/12)* ..................
Discount on notes payable ...................................
Notes payable (balance) ..............................................
Cash (maturity amount) .............................................
* or, ($9,325,000 x 9.6515% x 8/12) = $600,000

600,000
600,000
10,000,000
10,000,000

Exercise 134
Wages expense (increases wages expense to $410,000) ...........
Liabilitycompensated future absences ....................
* ($404,000 4,000] = $400,000
x 1/40 = $10,000
(4,000)
= $ 6,000

6,000
6,000*

non-vacation wages
vacation pay earned
vacation pay taken
vacation pay carried over

Exercise 135
Requirement 1
Wages expense (700 x $900) ..............................................
Liabilitycompensated future absences ............

630,000
630,000

Requirement 2
Liabilitycompensated future absences .................
Wages expense ($31 million + [5% x $630,000]) ..............
Cash (or wages payable) (total) .............................

630,000
31,031,500
31,661,500

Exercise 136
Requirement 1
Cash ............................................................................
Liabilitygift certificates ......................................

5,200

Cash ($2,100 + 84 1,300) .............................................

Liabilitygift certificates .........................................
Sales revenue ..........................................................
Sales taxes payable (4% x $2,100).............................

884
1,300

Requirement 2
Gift certificates sold
Gift certificates redeemed
Liability to be reported at December 31

5,200

2,100
84
$5,200
(1,300)
$3,900

Requirement 3
The sales tax liability is a current liability because it is payable in January.
The liability for gift certificates is part current and part noncurrent:
Gift certificates sold
Estimated current liability
Gift certificates redeemed
Current liability at December 31
Noncurrent liability at December 31 ($5,200 x 20%)
Total

$5,200
x 80%
$4,160
(1,300)
$2,860
1,040
$3,900

Exercise 137
Requirement 1
Deposits Collected
Cash..................................................................
Liabilityrefundable deposits ....................

850,000

Containers Returned
Liabilityrefundable deposits ........................
Cash ..............................................................

790,000

Deposits Forfeited
Liabilityrefundable deposits ........................
Revenuesale of containers ........................

35,000

Cost of goods sold............................................

Inventory of containers ................................
Requirement 2
Balance on January 1
Deposits received
Deposits returned
Deposits forfeited
Balance on December 31

$530,000
850,000
(790,000)
(35,000)
$555,000

850,000

790,000

35,000
35,000
35,000

Exercise 138
Requirement 1
Cash........................................................................
Liabilitycustomer advance ............................

7,500
7,500

Requirement 2
Cash........................................................................
Liabilityrefundable deposits .........................

25,500
25,500

Requirement 3
Accounts receivable ...............................................
Sales revenue .....................................................
Sales taxes payable ([5% + 2%] x $800,000) ..........

856,000
800,000
56,000

Exercise 139
Requirement 1
The entire $10,000 sold in January will be recognized as revenue during
2011. $6,000 because of gift card redemption; $4,000 because of gift card
breakage.
Requirement 2
January Gift Card Sales
Cash..................................................................
Liabilityunearned gift card revenue .........

10,000

Redemption of January Gift Cards

Liabilityunearned gift card revenue ............
Revenuegift cards .....................................

6,000

Expiration of January Gift Cards

Liabilityunearned gift card revenue ............
Revenuegift cards .....................................

4,000

10,000

6,000

4,000

Requirement 3
Of the $16,000 sold in March, $10,000 will be recognized as revenue:
$4,000 because of gift card redemption; $6,000 of the remaining $12,000
because of gift card expiration. To calculate the amount of gift card
breakage, consider that, if March sales all occurred on the first day of the
month, all would have been outstanding for 10 months during 2013 and
therefore all $12,000 of nonredeemed gift cards would be viewed as
expired. On the other hand, if March sales all occurred on the last day of
the month, none would have been outstanding for 10 months during 2013
and therefore none of the $12,000 of nonredeemed gift cards would be
viewed as expired. Assuming that sales of gift cards occur on average on
March 15 gets us to the average of ($12,000 + 0) 2 = $6,000 from gift
card expiration.
Requirement 4
The only liability at 12/31/2013 would be the $6,000 of unexpired March
gift cards (see answer to requirement 3).

Exercise 1310
The FASB Accounting Standards Codification represents the single source of
authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The specific citation for
each of the following items is:
1. If it is only reasonably possible that a contingent loss will occur, the
contingent loss should be disclosed:
FASB ACS 45020503: ContingenciesLoss ContingenciesDisclosure
Unrecognized Contingencies.
2. Criteria allowing short-term liabilities expected to be refinanced to be
classified as long-term liabilities:
FASB ACS 470104514: DebtOverallOther Presentation MattersIntent
and Ability to Refinance on a Long-Term Basis.
3. Accounting for separately priced extended warranty contracts:
FASB ACS 60520253: Revenue RecognitionServicesRecognition
Separately Priced Extended Warranty and Product Maintenance Contracts.
4. The criteria to determine if an employer must accrue a liability for vacation
pay.
FASB ASC 71010251:CompensationGeneralOverallRecognition.

Exercise 1311
Normally, short-term debt (payable within a year) is classified as current liabilities.
However, when such debt is to be refinanced on a long-term basis, it may be included
with long-term liabilities. The narrative indicates that Sprint has both (1) the intent
and (2) the ability ("existing long-term credit facilities") to refinance on a long-term
basis. Thus, Sprint reported the debt as long-term liabilities.

Exercise 1312
Requirement 1
Normally, IFRS requires that short-term debt (payable within a year) be classified
as current liabilities. However, when such debt is to be refinanced on a long-term
basis, it may be included with long-term liabilities. The narrative indicates that Sprint
has both (1) the intent and (2) the ability ("existing long-term credit facilities") to
refinance on a long-term basis. Thus, Sprint reported the debt as long-term liabilities.
Requirement 2
IFRS requires that the refinancing capability be in place as of the balance sheet
date. Therefore, given that the refinancing was not arranged until after year-end, IFRS
would require that the debt be classified as a current liability.

Exercise 1313
1. Current liability: $10 million
The requirement to classify currently maturing debt as a current liability
includes debt that is callable by the creditor in the upcoming yeareven if the
debt is not expected to be called.
2. Noncurrent liability: $14 million
The current liability classification includes (a) situations in which the creditor
has the right to demand payment because an existing violation of a provision of
the debt agreement makes it callable and (b) situations in which debt is not yet
callable, but will be callable within the year if an existing violation is not
corrected within a specified grace periodunless it's probable the violation
will be corrected within the grace period. In this case, the existing violation is
expected to be corrected within six months.
3. Current liability: $7 million
The debt should be reported as a current liability because it is payable in the
upcoming year, will not be refinanced with long-term obligations, and will not
be paid with a bond sinking fund.

Exercise 1314
Requirement 1
The specific citation that specifies the guidelines for accruing loss contingencies is
FASB ACS 45020252: ContingenciesLoss ContingenciesRecognitionGeneral
Rule.
Requirement 2
Specifically, the guidelines are that an estimated loss from a loss contingency be
accrued by a charge to income if both of the following conditions are met:
a. Information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that
it is probable that an asset had been impaired or a liability had been incurred at
the date of the financial statements.
b. The amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.

Exercise 1315
Requirement 1
This is a loss contingency. There may be a future sacrifice of economic
benefits (cost of satisfying the warranty) due to an existing circumstance (the
warranted awnings have been sold) that depends on an uncertain future event
(customer claims).
The liability is probable because product warranties inevitably entail costs. A
reasonably accurate estimate of the total liability for a period is possible based
on prior experience. So, the contingent liability for the warranty is accrued.
The estimated warranty liability is credited and warranty expense is debited in
2013, the period in which the products under warranty are sold.
Requirement 2
2013 Sales
Accounts receivable ............................................
Sales ................................................................

5,000,000

Accrued liability and expense

Warranty expense (3% x $5,000,000).........................
Estimated warranty liability ...........................

150,000

Actual expenditures
Estimated warranty liability ...............................
Cash, wages payable, parts and supplies, etc.

37,500

5,000,000

150,000

Requirement 3
Warranty Liability

Actual expenditures 37,500

150,000 Estimated liability

112,500 Balance

37,500

Exercise 1316
Requirement 1
This is not a loss contingency. An extended warranty is priced and sold
separately from the warranted product and therefore essentially constitutes a
separate sales transaction.
Since the earning process for an extended
warranty continues during the contract period, revenue should be recognized
over the same period. Revenue from separately priced extended warranty
contracts are deferred as a liability at the time of sale, and recognized over
the contract period on a straight-line basis.
Requirement 2
During the year
Accounts receivable .............................................
Unearned revenueextended warranties ........
December 31 (adjusting entry)
Unearned revenueextended warranties............
Revenueextended warranties* ......................

412,000
412,000

57,937.50
57,937.50

* If warranties don't earn any revenue for 90 days (after the free

warranty expires), then only sales up until 9/30 can earn any revenue,
with sales on 1/1 earning nine months worth of revenue, and sales on
9/30 earning one day of revenue. If sales proceed smoothly during the
year, we can assume that, as of 9/30, they have made $412,000(.75) =
$309,000 of sales. So, during that nine-month period, the $309,000 is
outstanding an average of 4.5 months, and so should earn 4.5 24 x
$309,000 of revenue, or $57,937.50.

Exercise 1317
Requirement 1
This is a loss contingency. A liability is accrued if it is both probable that the
confirming event will occur and the amount can be at least reasonably estimated. If
one or both of these criteria is not met, but there is at least a reasonable possibility that
the loss will occur, a disclosure note should describe the contingency. In this case, a
liability is accrued since both of these criteria are met.
Requirement 2
Loss:
$2 million
Requirement 3
Liability:
$2 million
Requirement 4
Lossproduct recall ............................................................... 2,000,000
Liabilityproduct recall..........................................
2,000,000
A disclosure note also is appropriate.

Exercise 1318
Requirement 1
This is a loss contingency. Some loss contingencies dont involve liabilities at
all. Some contingencies when resolved cause a noncash asset to be impaired, so
accruing it means reducing the related asset rather than recording a liability. The most
common loss contingency of this type is an uncollectible receivable, as described in
this situation.
Requirement 2
Bad debt expense: 3% x $2,400,000 = $72,000
Requirement 3
Bad debt expense (3% x $2,400,000) .................................
Allowance for uncollectible accounts ..................

72,000
72,000

Requirement 4
Allowance for uncollectible accounts:
Beginning of 2013
Write off of bad debts*
Credit balance before accrual
Year-end accrual (Req. 3)
End of 2013

$75,000
73,000
2,000
72,000
$74,000

* Allowance for uncollectible accounts ........................

Accounts receivable ..........................................
Net realizable value:
Accounts receivable
Less: Allowance for uncollectible accounts
Net realizable value

73,000

$490,000
(74,000)
$416,000

73,000

Exercise 1319
Requirement 1
Promotional expense:
70% x $5 x 20,000 = $70,000
Requirement 2
Premium liability:
$70,000 22,000 = $48,000
Requirement 3
Promotional expense ([70% x $5 x 20,000] $22,000) .......
Estimated premium liability ....................................

48,000
48,000

Exercise 1320
Scenario 1
No disclosure is required because an EPA claim is as yet unasserted, and an
assessment is not probable.
Scenario 2
No disclosure is required because an EPA claim is as yet unasserted, and an
assessment is not probable. Even if an unfavorable outcome is thought to be
probable in the event of an assessment and the amount is estimable, disclosure is
not required unless an unasserted claim is probable.
Scenario 3
A disclosure note is required because an EPA claim is as yet unasserted, but an
assessment is probable. Since an unfavorable outcome is not thought to be
probable in the event of an assessment, no accrual is needed, but since an
unfavorable outcome is thought to be reasonably possible in the event of an
assessment, disclosure in a footnote is required. Keep in mind, though, that in
practice, disclosure of an unasserted claim is rare. Such disclosure would alert the
other party, the EPA in this case, of a potential point of contention that may
otherwise not surface. The outcome of litigation and any resulting loss are highly
uncertain, making difficult the determination of their possibility of occurrence.
Scenario 4
Accrual of the loss is required because an EPA claim is as yet unasserted, but an
assessment is probable. Since an unfavorable outcome also is thought to be
probable in the event of an assessment, accrual is needed. Keep in mind, though,
that in practice, accrual of an unasserted claim is rare. Such disclosure would alert
the other party, the EPA in this case, of a potential point of contention that may
otherwise not surface. Accrual could be offered in court as an admission of
responsibility. A loss usually is not recorded until after the ultimate settlement
has been reached or negotiations for settlement are substantially completed.

Exercise 1321
Requirement 1
Warranty expense ([4% x $2,000,000] $30,800).............
Estimated warranty liability ..................................

49,200
49,200

Requirement 2
Bad debt expense (2% x $2,000,000) .................................
Allowance for uncollectible accounts ...................

40,000
40,000

Requirement 3
This is a loss contingency. Classical can use the information occurring after
the end of the year and before the financial statements are issued to determine
appropriate disclosure.
Losslitigation ......................................................... 1,500,000
Liabilitylitigation ...............................................
1,500,000
A disclosure note also is appropriate.
Requirement 4
This is a gain contingency. Gain contingencies are not accrued even if the
gain is probable and reasonably estimable. The gain should be recognized only
when realized. A disclosure note is appropriate.
Requirement 5
Lossproduct recall ....................................................
Liabilityproduct recall..........................................

500,000
500,000

A disclosure note also is appropriate.

Requirement 6
Promotional expense ([60% x $25 x 10,000] $105,000) ...
Estimated premium liability ....................................

45,000
45,000

Exercise 1322
Requirement 1
Erismus would recognize a liability of $1,000,000, as IFRS defines
probable as more likely than not (> 50%), and they are more likely than
not to lose in court.
Requirement 2
Erismus would recognize a liability of $3,000,000, as they are more likely
than not to lose in court, and IFRS requires that they take the midpoint of the
range of equally likely outcomes.
Requirement 3
Erismus would recognize a liability of $3,500,000, as they are more likely
than not to lose in court, and IFRS requires that they take the present value of
future outcomes if time-value-of-money effects are material.
Requirement 4
This is a gain contingency. Gain contingencies are not accrued under IFRS
when the gain is probable and reasonably estimable.
The gain should be
recognized only when realized. A disclosure note is appropriate.
Requirement 5
This is a gain contingency. Gain contingencies are accrued under IFRS
when the gain is virtually certain and reasonably estimable. Erismus would
recognize a gain of $500,000, recorded at present value if the time value of
money is material.

Exercise 1323
Item
C_
D_
C_
C_
C_
C_

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

C_ 7.
C_ 8.
L_ 9.
D_ 10.
C_ 11.
N_ 12.
C_ 13.
A_ 14.
C_ 15.

Reporting Method

Commercial paper.
N. Not reported
Noncommitted line of credit.
C. Current liability
Customer advances.
L. Long-term liability
Estimated warranty cost.
D. Disclosure note only
Accounts payable.
A. Asset
Long-term bonds that will be callable by the creditor in the upcoming
year unless an existing violation is not corrected (there is a reasonable
possibility the violation will be corrected within the grace period).
Note due March 3, 2014.
Interest accrued on note, Dec. 31, 2013.
Short-term bank loan to be paid with proceeds of sale of common stock.
A determinable gain that is contingent on a future event that appears
extremely likely to occur in three months.
Unasserted assessment of back taxes that probably will be asserted, in
which case there would probably be a loss in six months.
Unasserted assessment of back taxes with a reasonable possibility of
being asserted, in which case there would probably be a loss in 13
months.
A determinable loss from a past event that is contingent on a future event
that appears extremely likely to occur in three months.
Bond sinking fund.
Long-term bonds callable by the creditor in the upcoming year that are
not expected to be called.

Exercise 1324
Requirement 1
Accrued liability and expense
Warranty expense (3% x $3,600,000) ............................................... 108,000
Estimated warranty liability ...............................................
108,000
Actual expenditures (summary entry)
Estimated warranty liability ...................................................
Cash, wages payable, parts and supplies, etc. ...................

88,000
88,000

Requirement 2
Actual expenditures (summary entry)
Estimated warranty liability ($50,000 23,000) .......................
Loss on product warranty (3% 2%] x $2,500,000) ...................
Cash, wages payable, parts and supplies, etc. ...................

27,000
25,000
52,000*

*(3% x $2,500,000) $23,000 = $52,000

Exercise 1325
1. This is a change in estimate.
To revise the liability on the basis of the new estimate:
Liabilitylitigation ($1,000,000 600,000) ..................
Gainlitigation ......................................................

400,000
400,000

2. A disclosure note should describe the effect of a change in estimate on income

before extraordinary items, net income, and related per-share amounts for the
current period.

Exercise 1326
The note describes a loss contingency. Dow anticipates a future sacrifice of
economic benefits (cost of remediation and restoration) due to an existing
circumstance (environmental violations) that depends on an uncertain future event
(requirement to pay claim).
Dow considers the liability probable and the amount is reasonably estimable.
As a result, the company accrued the liability:
($ in millions)

Loss provision from environmental claims .....................

Liability for settlement of environmental claims ....

607
607

In practice this liability would be accrued in multiple entries, increasing when Dow
recognized additional liability and decreasing either when Dow paid off parts of the
liability or revised downward their estimate of remediation and restoration costs.

Exercise 1327
Salaries and wages expense (total amount earned) .....
Withholding taxes payable (federal income tax) ...
Social security taxes payable ($500,000 x 6.2%) ..
Medicare taxes payable ($500,000 x 1.45%) .........
Salaries and wages payable (net pay) .................

500,000

Payroll tax expense (total) ......................................

68,250
Social security taxes payable (employers matching amount)
Medicare taxes payable (employers matching amount)
Federal unemployment tax payable ($500,000 x 0.6%)
State unemployment tax payable ($500,000 x 5.4%)

100,000
31,000
7,250
361,750
31,000
7,250
3,000
27,000

CPA / CMA REVIEW QUESTIONS

CPA Exam Questions
1. d. The accrued interest at end of the first year, February 28, 2013, is $1,200
($10,000 x 12% = $1,200). The interest for the remaining ten months is
compounded based on the carrying amount of the total liability at February
28, 2011, $11,200 ($10,000 principal plus the $1,200 accrued interest).
Therefore, the interest is $11,200 x 12% x 10/12 = $1,120 for the last ten
months. The accrued interest liability at December 31, 2013, would be the
total interest for the two time periods, $1,200 + 1,120 = $2,320.
2. a. The liability for compensated absences at December 31, 2013, is $15,000
for the 150 vacation days times $100 per day. The key word in dealing with
sick pay is the word required. The problem asks what is the liability
required at December 31, 2013. Since the accrual of sick pay is optional,
North Corp. would not be required to accrue a liability for sick pay.
3. a. The amount excluded from current liabilities through refinancing cannot
exceed the amount actually refinanced. Therefore, Largo should consider
the $500,000 paid by the refinancing to be a long-term liability and the
$250,000 a current liability on the December 31, 2013, balance sheet. The
refinancing was completed before the issuance of the financial statements
and meets both criteria (intent and financial ability) for the classification of
the $500,000 as a long-term liability.
4. a. Gain contingencies should not be recognized in the financial statements
until realized. Adequate disclosure should be made in the notes but care
should be taken to avoid misleading implications as to the likelihood of
realization of the contingent gain.

CPA Exam Questions (concluded)

5. a.
Packages of candy sold
Times expected redemption rate
Equals protected coupons returned
Divided by coupons required for each toy
Equals expected toys to be mailed =
Times net cost per toy ($.80 .50)
Liability on balance sheet at December 31, 2013
6. d.
2013 and 2014 sales =
Warranty %
2013 and 2014 allowance
Actual expenditure
12/31/14 remaining liability

110,000

60 %
66,000
5 coupons
13,200

.30
$3,960

$ 400,000
6%
$ 24,000
(9,750)
$ 14,250

7. a.

Under IFRS, contingent liabilities (called provisions) are accrued if the

probability of payment is more likely than not, defined as a probability of
greater than 50%.

8. a.

Under IFRS, contingent assets are accrued if they are virtually certain to
occur.

9. c.

Under IFRS, contingent liabilities (called provisions) are accrued equal to

the expected value of a range of equally likely amounts. In this case, $15
million is the expected value of the range of $10 million to $20 million.

CMA Exam Questions

1. b. If an enterprise intends to refinance short-term obligations on a long-term
basis and demonstrates an ability to consummate the refinancing, the
obligations should be excluded from current liabilities and classified as
noncurrent. Under U.S. GAAP the ability to consummate the refinancing
may be demonstrated by a post-balance-sheet-date issuance of a long-term
obligation or equity securities, or by entering into a financing agreement.
2. d. There are four requirements that must be met before a liability is accrued for
future compensated absences. These requirements are that the obligation
must arise for past services, the employee rights must vest or accumulate,
payment is probable, and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If the
amount cannot be reasonably estimated, no liability should be recorded.
However, the obligation should be disclosed.
3. c. GAAP requires a contingent liability to be recorded, along with the related
loss, when it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has
been incurred, and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The
key words are probable and reasonably estimated.
4. c. The likelihood of contingencies is divided into three categories: probable
(likely to occur), reasonably possible, and remote. When contingent losses
are probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, the amount of the
loss should be charged against income. If the amount cannot be reasonably
estimated but the loss is at least reasonably possible, full disclosure should
be made, including a statement that an estimate cannot be made.

PROBLEMS
Problem 131
Requirement 1
Blanton Plastics
Cash ......................................................................... 14,000,000
Notes payable .......................................................
14,000,000
L & T Bank
Notes receivable ....................................................... 14,000,000
Cash .....................................................................
14,000,000
Requirement 2
Adjusting entries (December 31, 2013)
Blanton Plastics
Interest expense ($14,000,000 x 12% x 3/12) .................
Interest payable.....................................................

420,000

L & T Bank
Interest receivable ....................................................
Interest revenue ($14,000,000 x 12% x 3/12)..............

420,000

420,000

420,000

Maturity (January 31, 2014)

Blanton Plastics
Interest expense ($14,000,000 x 12% x 1/12) .................
140,000
Interest payable (from adjusting entry) .........................
420,000
Notes payable (face amount) ....................................... 14,000,000
Cash (total) .............................................................
14,560,000
L & T Bank
Cash (total) ................................................................ 14,560,000
Interest revenue ($14,000,000 x 12% x 1/12) ................
140,000
Interest receivable (from adjusting entry) .................
420,000
Notes receivable (face amount) ...............................
14,000,000

Problem 131 (concluded)

Requirement 3
a.
Issuance of note (October 1, 2013)
Cash (difference) ........................................................ 13,440,000
Discount on notes payable ($14,000,000 x 12% x 4/12) 560,000
Notes payable (face amount) .........................................
14,000,000
Adjusting entry (December 31, 2013)
Interest expense ($14,000,000 x 12% x 3/12).................
420,000
Discount on notes payable ...................................

420,000

Maturity (January 31, 2014)

Interest expense ($14,000,000 x 12% x 1/12).................
Discount on notes payable ...................................

140,000

140,000

Notes payable (face amount) ...................................... 14,000,000

Cash .....................................................................
14,000,000
b.
Effective interest rate:
Discount ($14,000,000 x 12% x 4/12)
$ 560,000
Cash proceeds
$13,440,000
Interest rate for four months
4.1666%
x 12/4
Annual effective rate

12.5%

Problem 132
Requirement 1
2013
a.

No entry is made for a line of credit until a loan actually is made. It

would be described in a disclosure note.

b.

Cash .................................................................... 12,000,000

Notes payable.................................................
12,000,000

c.

Cash.....................................................................
Liabilityrefundable deposits .....................

2,600

Accounts receivable (total) ...................................

Sales revenue (given) ......................................
Sales taxes payable ([3% + 3%] x $4,100,000) ...

4,346,000

Interest expense ($12,000,000 x 10% x 3/12) ............

Interest payable .............................................

300,000

d.

e.

2,600
4,100,000
246,000
300,000

2014
f.

Cash .................................................................... 10,000,000

Bonds payable................................................
10,000,000
Interest expense ($12,000,000 x 10% x 2/12) ............
200,000
Interest payable (from adjusting entry)....................
300,000
Notes payable (face amount) .................................. 12,000,000
Cash ($12,000,000 + 500,000) ............................
12,500,000

g.

Liabilityrefundable deposits ..........................

Cash ...............................................................

1,300
1,300

Problem 132 (concluded)

Requirement 2
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable
Current portion of bank loan
Liabilityrefundable deposits
Sales taxes payable
Accrued interest payable
Total current liabilities

$ 252,000
2,000,000*
2,600
246,000
300,000
$2,800,600

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Bank loan to be refinanced
on a long-term basis

$10,000,000*

* The intent of management is to refinance all

$12,000,000 of the bank loan, but the actual refinancing
demonstrates the ability only for $10,000,000.

Problem 133
Requirement 1
a. The requirement to classify currently maturing debt as a current liability
includes debt that is callable by the creditor in the upcoming yeareven if the
debt is not expected to be called. So, the entire $40 million debt is a current
liability.
b. $5 million can be reported as long term, but $1 million must be reported as a
current liability. Short-term obligations that are expected to be refinanced with
long-term obligations can be reported as noncurrent liabilities only if the firm
(a) intends to refinance on a long-term basis and (b) actually has demonstrated
the ability to do so.
Ability to refinance on a long-term basis can be
demonstrated by either an existing refinancing agreement or by actual
financing prior to the issuance of the financial statements. The refinancing
agreement in this case limits the ability to refinance to $5 million of the notes.
In the absence of other evidence of ability to refinance, the remaining $1
million cannot be reported as long term.
c. The entire $20 million maturity amount should be reported as a current liability
because that amount is payable in the upcoming year and it will not be
refinanced with long-term obligations nor paid with a bond sinking fund.
d. The entire $12 million loan should be reported as a long-term liability because
that amount is payable in 2019 and it will not be refinanced with long-term
obligations or paid with a bond sinking fund.
The current liability
classification includes (a) situations in which the creditor has the right to
demand payment because an existing violation of a provision of the debt
agreement makes it callable and (b) situations in which debt is not yet callable,
but will be callable within the year if an existing violation is not corrected
within a specified grace periodunless it's probable the violation will be
corrected within the grace period. Here, the existing violation is expected to be
corrected within six months (actually three months in this case).

Problem 133 (concluded)

Requirement 2
December 31, 2013
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accruals
10% notes payable due May 2014
Currently maturing portion of long-term debt:
11% bonds due October 31, 2024,
redeemable on October 31, 2014
12% bonds due September 30, 2014
Total Current Liabilities
Long-Term Debt
Currently maturing debt classified as long-term:
10% notes payable due May 2014 (Note X)
9% bank loan due October 2019
Total Long-Term Liabilities
Total Liabilities

($ in millions)
$ 22
1
$40
20

60
83

5
12
17
$100

NOTE X: CURRENTLY MATURING DEBT CLASSIFIED AS LONG-TERM

The Company intends to refinance $6 million of 10% notes that mature in May of
2014. In March, 2014, the Company negotiated a line of credit with a commercial
bank for up to $5 million any time during 2014. Any borrowings will mature two
years from the date of borrowing. Accordingly, $5 million was reclassified to
long-term liabilities.

Problem 134
Requirement 1
a. Interest expense ($600,000 x 10% x 5/12) ......................
Interest payable ................................................

25,000
25,000

b. No adjusting entry since interest has been paid up to December 31. $950,000
can be reported as a noncurrent liability, because (a) intent and (b) ability to
refinance has been demonstrated for that amount.
c. Accounts receivable (to eliminate the credit balance)...
Advances from customers ................................

18,000

d. Rent revenue (10/12 x $30,000) .................................

Unearned rent revenue ....................................

25,000

18,000
25,000

Requirement 2
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable
Current portion of long-term debt250,000
Accrued interest payable
Advances from customers
Unearned rent revenue
Bank notes payable
Total current liabilities
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Mortgage note payable

$ 35,000
25,000
18,000
25,000
600,000
$953,000
$950,000

Problem 135
Requirement 1
B = .10 ($150,000 B T), where

B = the bonus
T = income tax

T = .30 ($150,000 B)
Requirement 2
Since income tax (T) is a component of both equations, we can combine the two
and then solve for the remaining unknown amount (B):
Substitute value of T for T:

B = .10 [ $150,000 B .30 ($150,000 B)]

Reduce the right-hand side of the equation to one known and one unknown value:

B = .10 ( $150,000 B $45,000 + .30B)

B = .10 ( $105,000 .70B)
B = $10,500 .07B
Add .07B to both sides

1.07B = $10,500
Divide both sides by 1.07

B = $9,813
Requirement 3
Bonus compensation expense.............................
Accrued bonus compensation payable ...........

9,813
9,813

Requirement 4
The approach is the same in any case: (1) express the bonus formula as one or
more algebraic equation(s), (2) use algebra to solve for the amount of the bonus. For
example, the bonus might specify that the bonus is 10% of the divisions income
before tax, but after the bonus itself:
B = .10 ($150,000 B)
B = $15,000 .10B
1.10B = $15,000
B = $13,636

Problem 136
a. This is a loss contingency. Eastern can use the information occurring after the end
of the year in determining appropriate disclosure. It is unlikely that Eastern would
choose to accrue the $122 million loss because the judgment will be appealed and
that outcome is uncertain. A disclosure note is appropriate:
Note X: Contingency
In a lawsuit resulting from a dispute with a supplier, a judgment was rendered
against Eastern Manufacturing Corporation in the amount of $107 million plus
interest, a total of $122 million at February 3, 2014. Eastern plans to appeal the
judgment. While management and legal counsel are presently unable to predict the
outcome or to estimate the amount of any liability the company may have with
respect to this lawsuit, it is not expected that this matter will have a material
adverse effect on the company.
b. This is a loss contingency. Eastern can use the information occurring after the end
of the year in determining appropriate disclosure. Eastern should accrue the $140
million loss because the ultimate outcome appears settled and the loss is probable.
Losslitigation...........................................
Liabilitylitigation.................................

140,000,000
140,000,000

A disclosure note also is appropriate:

Notes: Litigation
In November 2012, the State of Nevada filed suit against the Company, seeking
civil penalties and injunctive relief for violations of environmental laws regulating
hazardous waste. On January 12, 2014, the Company announced that it had
reached a settlement with state authorities on this matter. Based upon discussions
with legal counsel, the Company has accrued and charged to operations in 2013,
$140 million to cover the anticipated cost of all violations. The Company believes
that the ultimate settlement of this claim will not have a material adverse effect on
the Company's financial position.

Problem 136 (concluded)

c. This is a gain contingency. Gain contingencies are not accrued even if the gain is
probable and reasonably estimable. The gain should be recognized only when
realized.
Though gain contingencies are not recorded in the accounts, they should be
disclosed in notes to the financial statements.
Note X: Contingency
Eastern is the plaintiff in a pending lawsuit filed against United Steel for damages
due to lost profits from rejected contracts and for unpaid receivables. The case is
in final appeal. No amount has been accrued in the financial statements for
possible collection of any claims in this litigation.

d. No disclosure is required because an EPA claim is as yet unasserted, and an

assessment is not probable. Even if an unfavorable outcome is thought to be
probable in the event of an assessment and the amount is estimable, disclosure is
not required unless an unasserted claim is probable.

Problem 137
Requirement 1
Item (a): Because the loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated,
HW would be required to accrue a liability under both U.S. GAAP and
IFRS, but the amount of the liability would differ between the two. Under
U.S. GAAP, the liability would be for $5,000,000, the low end of the
range, while under IFRS the liability would be for $7,500,000, the
midpoint of the range.
Item (b): Under IFRS, present values would be used, so the relevant
midpoint of the range that would be accrued as a liability would be
$5,500,000. Under U.S. GAAP, present values would not be used given
the uncertain timing of cash flows, so HW would still use the lower end of
the undiscounted range, or $5,000,000.
Item (c): This item is only probable according to IFRSs use of the term, so
it would only be accrued as a liability under IFRS, for the midpoint of the
range ($6,000,000).
Item (d): This item would be classified as long-term under U.S. GAAP, but
short-term under IFRS, given that the financing was obtained prior to
financial statement issuance but not before the balance sheet date.
Requirement 2
Total liabilities under U.S. GAAP equal $5,000,000 + 5,000,000 + 0 +
10,000,000 = $20,000,000.
Total liabilities under IFRS equal $7,500,000 + 5,500,000 + 6,000,000 +
10,000,000 = $29,000,000.
In this case, U.S. GAAP provides the lower total liabilities.

Problem 138
Requirement 1
Heinrich would record a contingent liability (and loss) of $27,619,020, calculated as
follows:
$40,000,000 x 20% = $ 8,000,000
30,000,000 x 50% =
15,000,000
20,000,000 x 30% =
6,000,000
$29,000,000
x .95238*
$27,619,020
*Present value of $1, n = 1, i = 5% (from Table 6A-2)

Requirement 2
Lossproduct recall
Liabilityproduct recall

27,619,020
27,619,020

Requirement 3
The difference between $29,000,000 and the initial value of the liability of
$27,619,020 represents interest expense, which Heinrich will accrue during 2012 as
follows:
Interest expense
Liabilityproduct recall

1,380,980
1,380,980

Requirement 4
Interest increases the liability to $29 million at the end of 2014. Since there is a
difference between the actual costs, $30 million, and the $29 million liability,
Heinrich will record an additional loss.
Liabilityproduct recall
Lossproduct recall
Cash

29,000,000
1,000,000
30,000,000

Problem 138 (concluded)

Requirement 5
By the traditional approach, Heinrich would accrue the most likely amount, $30
million:
Lossproduct recall
Liabilityproduct recall

30,000,000
30,000,000

Problem 139
Case 1
Note Only. When a contingency comes into existence after the year-end, a liability
cannot be accrued because it didnt exist at the end of the year. However, if the
loss is probable and can be estimated, the situation should be described in a
disclosure note.
Case 2
Note Only. Since an unasserted claim or assessment is probable, the likelihood of
an unfavorable outcome and the feasibility of estimating a dollar amount should
be considered in deciding whether and how to report the possible loss. An
estimated loss and contingent liability cannot be accrued since an unfavorable
outcome is only reasonably possible even though the amount can be reasonably
estimated.
Case 3
Accrual and Disclosure Note. When the cause of a loss contingency occurs before
the year-end, a clarifying event before financial statements are issued can be used
to determine how the contingency is reported. Even though the loss was not
probable at year-end, it becomes so before financial statements are issued. The
situation also should be described in a disclosure note.
Case 4
No Disclosure. Even though the cause of the contingency occurred before year-end,
Lincoln is unaware of the loss contingency when the financial statements are
issued.

Problem 1310
Requirement 1
Portion of the notes payable not refinanced
on a long-term basis through the stock sale ..................

$3,000,000

Liability for the payment of employees medical bills ...

Total..............................................................................

75,000
$3,075,000

Normally, short-term debt (payable within a year) is classified as current

liabilities. However, when such debt is to be refinanced on a long-term basis, it
may be included with long-term liabilities. The narrative indicates that Rushing
refinanced $9 million of the notes payable on a long-term basis. Thus, Rushing
should report that amount among long-term liabilities. The remaining $3 million
was a current liability at Dec. 31.
The $75,000 payment of the employees medical bills is a loss contingency as
of Dec. 31. Rushing can use the information occurring after the end of the year
and before the financial statements are issued (the settlement) to determine
appropriate disclosure. That information confirms that payment was probable
(certain) and the amount can be at least reasonably estimated (known).
A disclosure note also is appropriate.

Requirement 2
Portion of the notes payable refinanced
on a long-term basis through the stock sale ..................

$9,000,000

Normally, short-term debt (payable within a year) is classified as current

liabilities. However, when such debt is to be refinanced on a long-term basis, it
may be included with long-term liabilities. The narrative indicates that Rushing
refinanced $9 million of the notes payable on a long-term basis. Thus, Rushing
should report that amount among long-term liabilities.

Problem 1310 (concluded)

Requirement 3
If the settlement agreement had occurred on March 15, 2014, instead, the
$75,000 payment of the employees medical bills would not have been accrued as
either a current or long-term liability because that payment had not been
determined to be probable as of the publication of the financial statements.

Requirement 4
If the work-site injury had occurred on January 3, 2014, instead, the $75,000
payment of the employees medical bills would not have been accrued as either a
current or long-term liability because the cause of the liability had not occurred as
of Dec. 31, 2013. Thus, the liability did not exist as of that date.

Problem 1311
j_
g
h
i_
d
a
b_
c_
f_
e_
l_
k_

List A
1. Face amount x Interest rate x Time
2. Payable with current assets
3. Short-term debt to be refinanced
with common stock
4. Present value of interest plus
present value of principal
5. Noninterest-bearing
6. Noncommitted line of credit
7. Pledged accounts receivable
8. Reclassification of debt
9. Purchased by other corporations
10. Expenses not yet paid
11. Liability until refunded
12. Applied against purchase price

List B
a. Informal agreement
b. Secured loan
c. Refinancing prior to the issuance
of the financial statements
d. Accounts payable
e. Accrued liabilities
f. Commercial paper
g. Current liabilities
h. Long-term liability
i. Usual valuation of liabilities
j. Interest on debt
k. Customer advances
l. Customer deposits

Problem 1312
Requirement 1
The requirement to classify currently maturing debt as a current liability includes
debt that is callable by the creditor in the upcoming yeareven if the debt is not
expected to be called. So, the entire $90 million debt is a current liability.
Requirement 2
The entire $30 million loan should be reported as a long-term liability because that
amount is payable in 2019. The current liability classification includes (a) situations
in which the creditor has the right to demand payment because an existing violation of
a provision of the debt agreement makes it callable and (b) situations in which debt is
not yet callable, but will be callable within the year if an existing violation is not
corrected within a specified grace periodunless it's probable the violation will be
corrected within the grace period. Here, the existing violation is expected to be
corrected within six months (actually six weeks in this case).
Requirement 3
The intent of management is to refinance all $45,000,000 of the 7% notes, but the
refinancing agreement demonstrates the ability only for $40,000,000. $40 million can
be reported as long term, but $5 million must be reported as a current liability. Shortterm obligations that are expected to be refinanced with long-term obligations can be
reported as noncurrent liabilities only if the firm (a) intends to refinance on a longterm basis and (b) actually has demonstrated the ability to do so. Ability to refinance
on a long-term basis can be demonstrated by either an existing refinancing agreement
or by actual financing prior to the issuance of the financial statements. The
refinancing agreement in this case limits the ability to refinance to $40 million of the
notes. In the absence of other evidence of ability to refinance, the remaining $5
million cannot be reported as long term.
Requirement 4
The lawsuit resulting from a dispute with a food caterer should not be accrued.
The suit is in appeal and it is not deemed probable that that transit will lose the appeal.
Note disclosure is required.

Problem 1312 (continued)

Requirement 5
December 31, 2013
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accruals
6.5% bonds maturing on July 31, 2022, callable July 31, 2014
Current portion of 7% notes payable due May 2014
Total Current Liabilities
Long-Term Debt
8% bank loan payable on October 31, 2019
Currently maturing debt classified as long-term:
7% notes payable due May 2014 (Note X)
Total Long-Term Liabilities
Total Liabilities

($ in millions)

$ 43
90
5
138
30
40
70
$208

Problem 1312 (continued)

Requirement 6
NOTE X: CALLABLE DEBT CLASSIFIED AS CURRENT

Transit has outstanding 6.5% bonds with a face amount of $90 million. The bonds
mature on July 31, 2022. Bondholders have the option of calling (demanding
payment on) the bonds on July 31, 2014, at a redemption price of $90 million.
Market conditions are such that the call option is not expected to be exercised. The
Company is required to report debt that is callable by the creditor in the upcoming
year even if the debt is not expected to be called. Accordingly, the $90 million of
6.5% bonds is reported as a current liability.

NOTE X: LOAN IN VIOLATION OF DEBT COVENANT

A $30 million 8% bank loan is payable on October 31, 2019. The bank has the
right to demand payment after any fiscal year-end in which the Companys ratio of
current assets to current liabilities falls below a contractual minimum of 1.9 to 1
and remains so for six months. That ratio was 1.75 on December 31, 2013, due
primarily to an intentional temporary decline in parts inventories. Normal
inventory levels will be reestablished during the sixth week of 2014. Accordingly,
the loan is reported as a long-term liability in the balance sheet.

Problem 1312 (concluded)

NOTE X: CURRENTLY MATURING DEBT CLASSIFIED AS LONG-TERM

The Company intends to refinance $45 million of 7% notes that mature in May of
2014. In February 2014, the Company negotiated a line of credit with a
commercial bank for up to $40 million any time during 2014. Any borrowings will
mature two years from the date of borrowing. Accordingly, $40 million was
reclassified to long-term liabilities.

NOTE X: LAWSUIT

The Company is involved in a lawsuit resulting from a dispute with a food caterer.
On February 13, 2014, judgment was rendered against the Company in the amount
of $53 million plus interest, a total of $54 million. The Company plans to appeal
the judgment and is unable to predict its outcome, though it is not expected to have
a material adverse effect on the company.

Problem 1313
Salaries and wages expense (total amount earned) ..........
Withholding taxes payable (federal income tax) .........
Withholding taxes payable (local income tax) ............
Social security taxes payable ($2,000,000 x 6.2%) .....
Medicare taxes payable ($2,000,000 x 1.45%) ............
Medical insurance payable ($42,000 x 20%) ..............
Life insurance payable ($9,000 x 20%) ...........................
Retirement plan payable (employees investment) .........
Salaries and wages payable (net pay) .......................

2,000,000
400,000
53,000
124,000
29,000
8,400
1,800
84,000
1,299,800

Payroll tax expense (total) ..........................................

273,000
Social security taxes payable (employers matching amount)
Medicare taxes payable (employers matching amount)
FUTA payable ($2,000,000 x 0.6%) ............................
State unemployment tax payable ($2,000,000 x 5.4%).
Salaries and wages expense (fringe benefits)................
Medical insurance payable ($42,000 x 80%) ..............
Life insurance payable ($9,000 x 80%) ...........................
Retirement plan payable (matching amount) ..................

124,000
29,000
12,000
108,000

124,800
33,600
7,200
84,000