SolutionManual Herauf9e SM Ch01 FINAL
SolutionManual Herauf9e SM Ch01 FINAL
SolutionManual Herauf9e SM Ch01 FINAL
CASES
Case 1-1
In this case, students are introduced to the difference in accounting for R&D costs between
IFRS and ASPE and asked to provide arguments to support the different standards.
Case 1-2 (adapted from a case prepared by Peter Secord, Saint Mary’s University)
In this real life case, students are asked to discuss the merits of historical costs vs. replacement
costs. Actual note disclosure from a company’s financial statements is provided as background
material.
Case 1-3 (adapted from a case prepared by Peter Secord, Saint Mary’s University)
A Canadian company has just acquired a non-controlling interest in a U.S. public company. It
must decide whether to use IFRS or U.S. GAAP for the U.S. subsidiary. Financial statement
information is provided under IFRS and U.S. GAAP. The reasons for some of the differences in
numbers must be explained and an opinion provided as to which method best reflects economic
reality.
Case 1-4
This case is adapted from a CPA Canada case. A private company is planning to go public.
Analysis and recommendations are required for accounting issues related to purchase and
installation of new information system, revenue recognition, convertible debentures and doubtful
accounts receivable.
Case 1-5
This case is adapted from a CPA Canada case. A private company is planning to transition
from ASPE to IFRS. Analysis and recommendations are required for accounting issues related
to convertible debentures, unusual item, revenue recognition, contingency and impairment.
A private company plans to convert to IFRS. It wants to know the impact on three key ratios if it
converts from ASPE to IFRS for impaired loans, capitalization of interest and actuarial
gains/losses.
1. There are times when external users may want financial reports that do not follow GAAP.
For example, users may need financial statements using non-GAAP accounting policies
required for legislative or regulatory purposes, or for contract compliance. A prospective
lender may want to receive a balance sheet with assets reported at fair value rather than
historical cost. Accountants have the skills and abilities to provide financial information in a
variety of formats or using a variety of accounting policies. When the financial statements
use non-GAAP accounting policies, the accounting policies must be disclosed in the notes
to the financial statements. The accountant’s report would make reference to these
accounting policies.
2. The three main areas where judgment needs to be applied are as follows:
- Choosing accounting policies that are appropriate for the company’s situation
- Making estimates to accurately reflect the company’s financial position and results of
operations
- Deciding what to disclose and how to disclose it in the notes to the financial statements.
3. The GAAP-based financial statements are prepared primarily for the benefit of external
users. The financial statements provide a summary of the financial position and results of
operations for the company. Management has access to the detailed information available
within the company. Therefore, the formal financial statements should give priority to the
needs of the external users.
4. The main reason the Accounting Standards Board decided to create a separate section of
the CPA Canada Handbook for private enterprises was to address the cost/benefit
discrepancy with respect to smaller private companies’ ability to comply with GAAP. GAAP
has become increasingly complex and for smaller private enterprises this often means that
the cost of complying with such requirements outweighs the benefit received from
compliance. In 2002, the AcSB adopted differential reporting, which allowed private
enterprises choices with the respect to certain complex accounting standards (e.g. the
option to use the cost method for investments that would otherwise require the equity
method). In 2009, the AcSB decided to create a self-contained set of standards for private
enterprises. These standards were effective for fiscal periods beginning on or after January
1, 2011.
5. There are a few reasons why a private company would want to comply with IFRS even
though it is not required to do so. It may have plans to become publicly listed at some point
7. For the item listed in Exhibit 1.1, all items except for disclosure would likely change when a
company switched from ASPE to IFRS.
8. The return on assets or return on equity is typically used to assess profitability. The current
ratio is typically used to assess liquidity. The debt-to-equity ratio is typically used to assess
solvency.
9. If XZY Co. had capitalized rather than expenses the development costs in Year 1, the
company’s key ratios would change as follows:
- the current ratio would increase if the development costs were classified as a current
asset because current assets would increase and current liabilities would remain the
same; the current ratio would not change if the development costs were classified as a
non-current asset because both current assets and current liabilities would remain the
same;
- the debt-to-equity ratio would decrease because debt would remain the same and equity
would increase
- the return on equity change would increase because net income and equity would
increase by the same dollar amount but net income would be a higher percentage of
equity after the change
10. The six steps of the case framework are as follows:
- Determine Your Role and Requirements
- Identify Users & Their Needs
- Identify & Rank Issues
- Identify Viable Alternatives for Each Major Issue
SOLUTIONS TO CASES
Case 1-1 [IFRS: The conceptual framework for financial reporting: chapter 3]
Students may assume that IFRS is superior and that all reporting issues can (or should) be
resolved by following IFRS. However, the reporting of research and development costs is a
good example of a requirement where many different approaches can be justified when one
considers the cost and benefits involved.
The issue is not whether costs that will have future benefits should be capitalized. Most
accountants around the world would recommend capitalizing a cost that leads to future
revenues that are in excess of that cost. The real issue is whether criteria can be developed for
identifying projects that will lead to the recovery of those costs. One could argue that it is too
subjective to determine whether future benefits will be realized and the assessment could be
open to manipulation. History has shown that the amount of research and development costs
capitalized tended to vary as a company experienced good years and bad. Conversely, under
IFRS, development costs must be recognized as an intangible asset when an enterprise can
show that the six criteria mentioned in the question can be met.
How easy is it for an accountant to determine whether the development project will result in an
intangible asset, such as a patent, that will generate future economic benefits?
Do the benefits of making a determination of future benefits outweigh the cost of making this
determination? No definitive answer exists for that question. Therefore, the option to simply
expense all development costs under ASPE may be a good approach especially when there is
lots of judgment involved in determining whether there will be future benefits.
Case 1-2 [IFRS: The conceptual framework for financial reporting: chapter 3]
(a) Can any alternative to historical cost provide for fair presentation in financial
reports or are the risks too great? Discuss.
When we refer to “present fairly” in the preparation of financial statements, we generally qualify
the statement (as the auditors here have): “in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.” That is, fair presentation has a contextual, rather than an absolute, meaning. In
order for any presentation to be fair to the user, the basis of presentation must be known and
understood, but does not necessarily have to follow any one particular model.
Arguably, fair value accounting is the model most likely to provide fair presentation, especially
where asset values are volatile, as historical costs become rapidly out of date. For many long-
established companies, historical costs for some assets are significantly out of date and of no
value in support of managerial decisions. In managerial accounting, we have long recognized
that the relevant costs are the current costs. In some European countries, an approach to
financial reporting has developed that adopts more of a managerial approach and seeks to
provide the most relevant information for decision-making. As a result, many companies follow
alternatives to historical cost, generally fair values, in the financial statements.
There are risks, however, that arise from the adoption of alternatives to historical cost. Some of
these are the same risks that arise from the historical cost model in that the recorded amount
may soon be out of date. Prices may go up or down, and even “fair values” of prior periods may
display no relationship to fair values at the present date. Cost is always cost in a particular
context and a cost determined for a particular context or decision may not be valid for a different
context or decision and the user should be aware of this.
The question of objective determination also arises. The reported values in fair value based
financial statements are not directly supportable by arms’ length transactions. This introduces
the risk of an important (and potentially deliberate) misstatement. This is the principal risk
arising from fair value accounting, and leads many countries to have highly detailed rules for the
preparation, audit, and publication of financial statement asset values under fair values.
(b) Discuss the relative merits of historical cost accounting and fair value accounting.
Consider the question of the achievement of a balance between relevance and reliability
when trying to “present fairly” the financial position of the reporting entity.
Students will provide a wide range of responses to this question; at this stage (unless they have
been provided with supplementary material or have background from other courses) responses
will just scratch the surface. The following note may be helpful:
Fair value accounting has the advantage of enhanced relevance because the values included
have been determined at the current time, rather than at some uncertain past date. These
amounts may therefore be better for investment decisions than historical costs. However, fair
values may be potentially deficient in that they might not be objectively determined and lack
reliability. At the worst, they could contain bias to support a particular management policy or
decision. In other cases, they could be guesses or otherwise based on invalid information. Also,
the use of fair value in financial statements in no manner makes the financial statements more
“accurate,” although (if the amounts are carefully and objectively determined) there may be
advantages in the fairness of presentation and therefore the relevance of financial statement
amounts.
With respect to income measurement, in a period of inflation, historical cost accounting will
result in an overstatement of income. Income is overstated, as a portion of the reported profits
must be reinvested in the business to maintain the productive capacity and not all profits are
available for distribution. If all profits are distributed, the business will not have the capacity to
replace the items that have been consumed in the process of earning income. Fair value
accounting will alleviate this problem by charging to expense the fair value of all items
consumed. With fair value charged to expense, the income remaining is a true income,
potentially available for distribution without impairment of the productive capacity of the
enterprise.
A further important point is that both the preparer and the user of financial statements should
understand the basis of preparation of the statements, and the strengths and weaknesses of the
approach employed.
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Solutions Manual, Chapter 1 9
(c) Financial statements are now beyond the comprehension of the average person. Many of
the accounting terms and methods of accounting used are simply too complex to
understand just from reading the financial statements. Additional explanations should be
provided with, or in, the financial statements, to help investors understand the financial
statements. Briefly discuss.
It is true that financial statements are complicated by accounting methods, such as the method
of accounting for deferred income taxes, foreign currency translation, and so on. However,
some of these complexities cannot be avoided. The business environment and business
transactions are themselves more complex. Since the financial statements try to reflect these
business events, it is inevitable that the financial statements will be more complex. Thus, it is
not accounting methods per se that make financial statements difficult to understand.
Financial statements are not directed at the average person, so they cannot be criticized on the
grounds that they are beyond the comprehension of the “average person”. Instead, they are
intended for users with a reasonable understanding of financial statements. The question then
becomes should additional explanations be provided for users who have a reasonable
understanding of the financial statements? The answer depends on what type of information
the “explanations” will contain.
- They could provide more detail on information that is already contained in financial
statements. For example, certain dollar amounts reported in the financial statements might be
broken down into more detail, or the significance of certain amounts might be discussed;
- They could make information that is currently in the financial statements easier to
understand by explaining technical accounting terms and concepts used in the statements; or
- They could provide entirely new information not included in financial statements that
might help users better understand the significance of the information that appears in the
financial statements.
In all three cases, the information provided might concern the future or the past. It is important
to note that for publicly accountable enterprises, there is already a considerable amount of
supplemental information provided in a company’s MD&A. This document provides
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10 Modern Advanced Accounting in Canada, Ninth Edition
supplementary discussion of financial results and in many cases explanations of accounting
treatments used in a company’s financial statements for the period. Further, it is important to
note that at some point additional information may “overload” the user. Too much information
may achieve the undesired result of making financial statements more difficult to understand.
This must be taken into account when considering supplemental information and explanations.
CASE 1-3
Case Note
Ajax Communications presents the classic case of the conflict among the accounting standards
that are in force in different jurisdictions. Each set of requirements can be seen to be correct,
although dramatically different amounts may be presented on a variety of dimensions.
Certainly, the standard-setters (and, generally, the accounting practitioners) of each jurisdiction
believe that the requirements in place locally are the best requirements available, in that they
present results that are consistent with the prevailing views on a fair presentation of both
financial performance and financial position. Although the conceptual frameworks are very
similar under IFRS and U.S. GAAP, the actual requirements in place are quite different in some
areas, and there is no guidance in choosing the right set of accounting standards to base
decisions upon. Harmonization efforts are ongoing to resolve these differences, yet regardless
of the changes in accounting standards, there will remain differences in interpretation of the
requirements and differences in the practices that are in place.
(a) As John McCurdy, outline the initial approach that you will take in order to determine the
reasons for the difference in the numbers.
Items throughout the income statement differ between the two sets of financial statements, as
do all the aspects of the balance sheet presented. Although it is not unusual to have some
differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRS, the magnitude of the differences would not usually
be of the size in the Waqaas case. As a start, McCurdy may be able to determine where some
of the difference arises by examining the summary of significant accounting policies included
with the financial statements. This source will not identify all of the accounting policies in place.
More detailed knowledge of the accounting policies in place could come from the specific notes
to the financial statements. In addition, he should search for publications or web sites that
(b) List some of the obvious items that need resolution and indicate some of the possible
causes of the discrepancies.
Why are operating income and net income higher under IFRS for the same period?
.
What is the nature of the accounting policy differences that have led to such dramatic
differences in asset valuation between the two sets of financial statements? (Two
possible reasons: (1) consolidation of some investments under IFRS that would not be
consolidated in the U.S. financial statements; this might explain the differences in the
investments account, and arises because there are different requirements for the
determination of when an investment is classified as a subsidiary and consolidated; and
(2) the use of LIFO in the U.S. and FIFO under IFRS might produce different results if
there have been major changes in inventory costs during the year.)
Given the higher asset values under IFRS, the company may be using the revaluation
option under IFRS.
What items, if any, have been deferred and are being amortized under IFRS that are
directly expensed in the U.S. statements? (R&D comes to mind) Does this account for
the difference in intangibles?
A variety of other specific points could be raised, including, for example, policies
associated with tax allocation.
(c) In your opinion, which GAAP best reflects economic reality? Briefly explain.
Without knowing what has caused the difference, it is hard to determine which GAAP best
reflects economic reality. Although the differences represent a dilemma to the Board of
Directors in this case, neither set of financial statements may be said to be unequivocally
superior to the other for the purpose of making investment decisions. This is the general
dilemma of international comparisons, and a principal reason why accounting harmonization is
so important. [IFRS: The conceptual framework for financial reporting: chapter 3]
CASE 1-4
Memorandum
Roman Systems Inc. (RSI) has been using IFRS over the past few years presumably because it
plans to go public within the next year. RSI’s bias is to maximize revenue, net income and
shareholder’s equity in order to attract potential investors.
The major financial reporting issues arising from our interim work are:
During fiscal Year 12, RSI implemented a new general ledger package. The new package has
been functioning in parallel with the old system since April 1, Year 12, and will no longer be
used in parallel effective July 1, Year 12. The new package has been used to generate RSI’s
financial results since April.
RSI has incurred $720,000 in third-party costs associated with the new general ledger package,
together with $70,000 of internal salary costs. These costs have all been capitalized in Year 12.
IAS 38 offers guidance as to the costs that may be capitalized when internally developing
intangible assets. In particular:
The cost of an internally generated intangible asset comprises all directly attributable costs
necessary to create, produce, and prepare the asset to be capable of operating in the manner
intended by management. Examples of directly attributable costs are:
The following are not components of the cost of an internally generated intangible asset:
(a) selling, administrative and other general overhead expenditure unless this expenditure can
be directly attributed to preparing the asset for use;
(b) identified inefficiencies and initial operating losses incurred before the asset achieves
planned performance; and
(c) expenditures on training staff to operate the asset.
Effective July 1, RSI should start amortizing the new system and effective June 30, Year 12, it
should write off the remaining carrying amount of the old system.
Product Revenue
Product revenue is recognized at the time of delivery and installation. Customer acceptance is
evidenced by customer sign-off once installation is complete. It is RSI’s standard practice to
obtain such evidence of acceptance. It would therefore be inappropriate to recognize revenue
without such evidence of customer acceptance.
In performing the interim work, we determined that revenue of $640,000 was recorded prior to
obtaining customer sign-off. This has not been an issue in the past and may be an isolated
case related to new employees who may be unfamiliar with RSI’s standard procedures. We
need to ensure that Marge communicated the policy to all staff members and ensure that
customer sign-off is obtained for all installations prior to year-end. Since it is early June, Marge
would have a month to ensure that there are no issues at year-end.
Maintenance contracts
During the year, the company changed its revenue recognition policy on maintenance contracts.
Assuming that the company previously recognized maintenance revenue on a straight-line basis
over the course of the contract, the new method will recognize a greater proportion of the
revenue earlier in the contract life. This new method recognizes 25% of the revenue in each of
the first two months and may not be appropriate. Maintenance services must be provided over
the full life of the contract. The preventive maintenance is entirely at the discretion of the
company. It may not be continued in the future and may not consistently reduce future service
calls. As well, the study serving as a basis for the policy is two years old, and may no longer be
an accurate reflection of the pattern of maintenance calls. Revenue recognition for service
contracts should be based on the service obligation over the term of the contract.
ABM business
RSI began selling ABMs in fiscal Year 12. The machines are purchased from an electronic
manufacturer and resold at margins of 5%. It is important to consider whether RSI is recording
revenue on a gross or net basis.
The company has begun a new line of business related to transaction fee revenue generated
from the sale of ABM machines. A total of 3,230,000 ABM transactions were processed at a fee
of $1.50 per transaction, for a total of $4,845,000. RSI’s share of this fee is 40%. RSI is
currently recording the transaction fee revenue on a gross basis, with an associated expense for
the 60% attributable to other parties.
The following factors suggest that the ABM transaction fee revenue should be recorded on a net
basis:
- RSI has no ownership of the ABM machines;
- RSI has no responsibility for stocking or emptying the machines;
- RSI has no responsibility for cash collection;
- RSI is being paid on a net basis;
- RSI does not have responsibility for maintenance of the ABMs, and
- RSI cannot set the transaction fee amount.
On this basis, it would be appropriate for the ABM transaction fee revenue to be recorded on a
net basis i.e. record revenue of $1,938,000 (40% x $4,845,000) and no expenses. This will
reduce revenue and expenses by $2,907,000 but will have no impact of net income or
shareholders’ equity.
The debentures are currently classified as long-term debt. Since they are convertible into
common shares, RSI should consider the reclassification of a portion of the debentures based
on the fair value of the conversion feature. This reclassification will result in higher charges to
the income statement through the addition of the debt discount. The reclassification is currently
not required since RSI is not a public company. Marge Roman should be made aware that if
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16 Modern Advanced Accounting in Canada, Ninth Edition
RSI is going public, a detailed analysis should be done related to the split between debt and
equity. The financial statements in an offering document would have to be modified to split the
debenture between debt and equity. The debt is repayable on demand should RSI not go public
by June 30, Year 13. The debt may therefore have to be reclassified as a short-term item in the
current financial statements. While there are plans to go public and negotiations have begun
(which supports a long-term classification), there is no document such as terms of agreement or
a memorandum of understanding providing evidence that this will likely occur. Also, the ability
to issue the IPO is beyond the strict control of the company. Reclassifying the debentures as
short-term appears to be the more appropriate form of presentation.
In reviewing the aged accounts received at April 30, Year 12 we determined that there was a
balance of $835,000 from Mountain Bank, which was overdue by more than 120 days. On June
1, $450,000 was received from the customer and the balance remains outstanding. There are
between five and ten sites where the Bank is not completely satisfied with the way the cameras
were installed.
Two issues arise which must be analyzed in succession. First, is it appropriate to recognize
revenue upon delivery, installation, and sign off by the customer? And second, if revenue
recognition is appropriate, is collection of the remaining accounts receivable doubtful?
On the issue of revenue recognition, IFRS 15.31 says that revenue shall be recognized when
(or as) the entity satisfied a performance obligation by transferring a promised good or service
(i.e. an asset) to a customer. An asset is transferred when (or as) the customer obtains control
of that asset.
In this case, the above conditions were met upon delivery and installation of the cameras.
Revenue may be held back, however, to the extent that a customer acceptance term exists in
the arrangement. Although no terms exist in the contract with Mountain that requires the client
to come back and adjust the installation of the cameras, it could be argued that such a term
exists implicitly since the client has been willing to do so and has accommodated the customer.
The question then becomes whether this implicit acceptance is material such that it could be
argued that the delivery criterion has not been met. In this case I believe the answer is no. The
work required to complete the adjustments is minimal and within the control of RSI, and has
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Solutions Manual, Chapter 1 17
nothing to do with the quality of the product. On this basis, it appears that revenue recognition
was appropriate.
IFRS 9. 5.5.15 states that an entity should measure the loss allowance at an amount equal to
lifetime expected credit losses. In this case, there is evidence that the customer is willing to pay
once the minor fixes are complete given the $450,000 payment that was made in June. It
appears unlikely that the customer will not pay. We should examine Mountain’s payment history
a little closer to determine whether amounts were unpaid regarding prior work/product sold and
whether any amounts were written off/forgiven. In the absence of either, it would appear
supportable that the accounts receivable related to this sale are collectible and do not need to
written down/off.
Overall Impact
Based on the recommendations above, RSI’s revenue, net income and shareholder’s equity will
decrease. RSI will not like these adjustments because they worsen the key financial metrics.
The adjustments are appropriate as they better reflect the results of operations and financial
position of RSI in accordance with GAAP.
CASE 1-5
Comments regarding July 1 to September 30, Year 9 (Q1) Financial Statements
On review of the draft first quarter interim financial statements, I have noted several items that
require corrections because they are not currently compliant with ASPE, or that require further
investigation before we decide whether they are compliant.
I have noted four issues that require corrections.
1. Long-Term Debt Arrangement
During the first quarter, GPL entered into a long-term debt arrangement of $1 million at a
rate of 5% (compared to a market rate of 9%) for 10 years. In obtaining the debt, $70,000 in
transaction costs were incurred. Currently, GPL has recorded a loan at the face amount and
the issue costs have been capitalized under other assets on the balance sheet. However,
there is a conversion option related to the debt. The principal of the debt can be converted,
at the option of the lender, into 200,000 common shares of GPL at any time prior to maturity.
.20 states, “…, the issuer of a financial instrument shall classify the instrument, or its
component parts, as a liability or as equity in accordance with the substance of the
contractual arrangement on initial recognition and the definitions of a financial liability
and an equity instrument.
.21 states, “The issuer of a financial instrument that contains both a liability and an equity
element, including warrants or options issued with and detachable from a financial
liability, shall classify the instrument's component parts separately in accordance with
paragraph 3856.20.
It appears that GPL has an arrangement in which there is both a debt and an equity element
to the transaction. Normally the debt would have to have been financed at a market rate of
9%. In this particular arrangement, the loan rate was reduced by 4% in return for issuing a
conversion option to the debt holder. It appears that the lender has “paid” for the option of
converting the debt principal repayments into shares of GPL in an amount equivalent to the
extra 4% interest they could have collected on the debt had they charged the market rate.
Based on the above Handbook description, GPL needs to allocate a portion of the proceeds
from the financing to the equity component. The easiest way to do so is to first
determine the carrying amount of the financial liability by discounting the stream of
future payments of interest and principal at the prevailing market rate for a similar
liability that does not have an associated equity component; in other words, by using the
9% market rate. The carrying amount of the equity instrument, represented by the
option to convert the instrument into common shares, is then determined by deducting
the carrying amount of the financial liability from the amount of the compound
instrument as a whole. Under a second approach, the equity component could be
measured as zero. If so, the entire proceeds of the issue would be allocated to the
liability component.
The ongoing measurement of the loan portion of the arrangement is determined by the
classification of the financial instrument, which in this case is a financial liability. Financial
liabilities are to be measured at fair value when they are classified as held for trading (or are
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Solutions Manual, Chapter 1 19
certain types of derivatives). Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at
amortized cost. Since the loan in this particular case was made to complete future
acquisitions, and it is not held for trading, it should be measured at amortized cost.
b) Transaction costs
According to Section 3856.07, “When a … financial liability is issued or assumed in an arm's
length transaction, an entity shall measure it at its fair value adjusted by financing fees and
transaction costs that are directly attributable to its origination, acquisition, issuance or
assumption.
Currently GPL has set up a financial asset of $70,000 in other assets and is amortizing it
using the effective interest method. Instead, GPL needs to include it in the amount
determined for the debt, after allocating a pro-rated portion to the equity conversion feature.
It would be treated similar to a discount on bonds payable. It would be amortized over the
life of the debt and incorporated as a component of interest expense using either the
effective interest method or straight-line method.
2. Revenue Recognition
The quarterly highlights mention that title and risk of loss for the special shipment of balls
transferred once they were shipped, and that GPL has invoiced the PAC committee for the
full amount of this shipment. The committee does not have to pay for the balls until they are
sold at the PAC in November, and they can return any unsold balls. But, GPL is confident
they will sell all the balls. The accounting for this transaction appears to be incorrect.
Although title and risk of loss transferred once the balls were shipped, the customer has a
right of return until November, and only has to pay for the balls once they are sold in
November. The question is whether we have earned the revenue and therefore whether we
should have recorded the $900,000 in revenue in the first quarter.
The general revenue recognition criteria in Section 3400.05 are:
In a transaction involving the sale of goods, performance shall be regarded as having been
achieved when the following conditions have been fulfilled:
(a) the seller of the goods has transferred to the buyer the significant risks and
rewards of ownership, in that all significant acts have been completed and the
seller retains no continuing managerial involvement in, or effective control of, the
goods transferred to a degree usually associated with ownership; and
The transaction appears to meet the requirements of the first condition; however, the
second condition may not have been met. Although we are “confident” that the balls will sell
out, there is nothing to guarantee this. The number of balls sold is linked to the success of
the tournament, and we have no information on sales at the PAC. In addition, because this
was a special shipment for GPL, we likely have no prior history with this customer and
event.
Furthermore, the fact that the customer does not have to pay until November and the fact
that it can return any unsold balls raises the question as to whether all the risks and rewards
have transferred. Section 3400.13 states that:
“Revenue from a transaction involving the sale of goods would be recognized when the
seller has transferred to the buyer the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the
goods sold. When the seller retains significant risks of ownership, it is normally inappropriate
to recognize the transaction as a sale. Examples of a significant risk of ownership being
retained by a seller are: when there is a liability for unsatisfactory performance not covered
by normal warranty provisions; when the purchaser has the right to rescind the transaction;
and when the goods are shipped on consignment.”
It appears that the transaction is closer to a consignment arrangement than a normal sales
transaction.
Based on the above, GPL should not have recorded the revenue in Q1. It should wait until
the risks and rewards have transferred, in November, to record the revenue. GPL may wish
to include this information as part of the Summary Highlights, but it would not have to be
disclosed as part of the Q1 notes.
3. Lawsuit Contingency
Minimum interim disclosures require that any changes from year-end regarding the
existence, likelihood, or amounts of contingencies are to be disclosed.
Section 3290 requires that a contingent loss be accrued when its occurrence is likely and
the loss can be reasonably estimated. If the occurrence is unknown or the estimate not
determinable, the loss is only required to be disclosed.
The supplier that is suing us is claiming for damages as well as loss of revenue in the
amount of approximately $800,000. Based on the documentation, GPL’s legal counsel
Asset Impairment
Let me begin with a discussion of how our quarterly statement would be affected if we applied
IAS 36 rather than Section 3063 on Impairment of long-lived assets, which currently applies to
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22 Modern Advanced Accounting in Canada, Ninth Edition
us. First, let me explain in very general terms what the requirements are under both sets of
standards.
1. Under ASPE, we must test for impairment when there is an indication or “triggering event”
that leads us to question the carrying amount of the asset. However, the requirement for
when to test is more passive than under IFRS. Section 3063 first compares the carrying
value to the recoverable amount, which is undiscounted future cash flows. If the carrying
value exceeds the recoverable amount, an impairment loss is computed as the difference
between the carrying amount and fair value, and there is no reversal of impairment losses.
2. IFRS requires impairment indicators to be assessed at each reporting date. IAS 36
computes impairment loss as the excess of carrying amount above the recoverable amount
(higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use), and the loss must be reversed if
there has been a change in estimates used to determine the recoverable amount since the
last impairment loss was recognized.
Essentially, Section 3063 differs from IAS 36 in that IAS 36
• does not include a separate trigger for recognizing impairment losses based on an
assessment of undiscounted cash flows;
• determines an impairment loss as the excess of the carrying amount of an asset or group of
assets above the recoverable amount (the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in
use), rather than the difference between carrying amount and fair value; and
• requires the reversal of an impairment loss when there has been a change in estimates
used to determine the recoverable amount.
Since you think you have located the critical part needed to make the manufacturing equipment
serviceable again, you might have an opportunity to reverse the impairment loss recorded at
year-end (to the extent of the impairment amount less depreciation taken in the year).
Based on the differences between the two sets of standards, our first quarter statement would
have required us to assess the recoverable amount associated with the piece of equipment
(assuming that it is a cash-generating unit on its own — I won’t go into detail on cash-generating
units at this point), and to then reverse the impairment loss of $160,000 we recorded (or part of
it) to better reflect the estimated value of the equipment. Under Handbook Section 3063, we are
not allowed to write an asset up again once it has been written down.
Under IFRS, basic and fully diluted EPS would need to be reported for the current period and
comparative period. EPS information is not required to be disclosed under ASPE.
Changeover to IFRS
In your email to me, you said that you don’t imagine the transition to IFRS will have much of an
impact on GPL. Based on my assessment of the control work that is required and my belief that
the transition to IFRS is a large project, I think you need to give immediate consideration to how
GPL plans to manage the transition to IFRS.
SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS
Problem 1-1
Historical Current
Cost Value
(ASPE) (IAS 16)
Jan 1 /1 Asset cost 10,000,000 10,000,000
Year 1 Depreciation 500,000 500,000
Dec 31/1 Balance 9,500,000 9,500,000
Year 2 Depreciation 500,000 500,000
Dec 31/2 Balance 9,000,000 9,000,000
Jan 2/3 Appraisal 12,000,000
Year 3 Depreciation 500,000 666,667
Dec 31/3 Balance 8,500,000 11,333,333
Year 4 Depreciation 500,000 666,667
During the first two years the reduction in shareholders’ equity is the same under the two
alternatives (2 x 500,000 = 1,000,000)
During the last 18 years
depreciation IAS 16 > ASPE (18 x 166,667) 3,000,000
Offset by appraisal surplus through OCI 3,000,000
Difference in shareholders’ equity 0
Problem 1-2
(a)
(i) IFRS1 ASPE2
Development costs @ Dec 31, Yr 2 $135,000 $0
1
$500,000*.30 - ($500,000*.30)/10 = $135,000 – only development costs are capitalized. (IAS
38.57)
2
R&D costs are expensed in Year 1 under ASPE in order to minimize net income.
3
Under IFRS (IAS 36), an asset is impaired at the end of Year 1 if the carrying amount of
$80,000 ($100,000 – $100,000/5 years) exceeds the higher of assets value in use (discounted
cash flows = $75,000 at Dec 31, Yr 1) and its FV less costs to dispose ($72,000). If impaired,
the asset is written down to its value in use. The balance at Dec 31, Yr 2 is therefore
determined using the $75,000 value in use at Dec 31, Yr 1 less one year of depreciation
($75,000/4 = $18,750).
4
Under ASPE, there is no indicator of impairment if the undiscounted cash flows from its use
($85,000) are greater than the carrying amount, $80,000, at Dec 31, Yr 1. The balance under
ASPE at Dec 31, Yr 2 is therefore $100,000 less two years of depreciation ($20,000 per year).
(b)
Net Income Year 2 under IFRS $200,000
Less: additional depreciation under ASPE (20,000 - 18,750) (1,250)
Add: development cost amortization, not recognized under ASPE 15,000
Net Income Year 2 under ASPE $213,750
Problem 1-3
Net income Shareholders’ equity
Description ASPE IFRS ASPE IFRS
Preliminary financial statements $409,000 $409,000 $3,590,000 $3,590,000
Loan impairment (#1) (6,307) (13,165) (6,307) (13,165)
Accrued interest payable (#2) (28,665) (28,665)
Actuarial gains (#3) 98,100 98,100 98,100
Equity portion of compound instrument (#4) 68,000 68,000
Notes:
1. Impaired loans – Must determine present value of future cash flows. Must use market
interest rate of 9% under ASPE and original interest rate of 11% under IFRS.
2. Interest costs – Can capitalize or expense under ASPE; would expense in order to
minimize ROE. Must capitalize under IFRS.
3. Actuarial gains – Must recognize immediately in net income under ASPE. Must
recognize immediately in OCI under IFRS.
4. Compound financial instrument – Can recognize the $68,000 value of the conversion
option as debt or equity under ASPE; would recognize as equity to increase denominator
for ROE calculation and thereby reduce ROE. Must recognize as equity under IFRS.
5. Income Tax –Can use taxes payable or future income tax method under ASPE; would
use future income tax in order to reduce net income. Must use future income tax method
under IFRS.
Problem 1-4
(a) i)
BALANCE SHEETS
Year 7 Year 6
Assets
Cash 1 2
Accounts receivable 23 25
Inventory 39 40
Property, plant & equipment 37 33
100 100
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Accounts payable 24 26
Other accrued liabilities 8 7
Bonds payable 22 24
Common shares 21 23
Retained earnings 25 20
100 100
INCOME STATEMENT
Year 7 Year 6
Sales 100 100
Cost of goods sold 71 69
Gross margin 29 31
Depreciation expense 2 2
Other expenses 21 22
Income tax expense 2 3
Problem 1-5
ASPE IFRS
Current ratio Current assets 6,800 = 1.26 6,800 = 1.26
Current liabilities 5,400 5,400
Debt to equity Debt 12,600 = 1.16 12,600 = 1.15
Equity 10,900 10,933
Return on total equity Net income 1,500 = 13.76% 1,633 = 14.94%
Total equity 10,900 10,933
1. The loan receivable is $452 under ASPE and should be $440 under IFRS.
2. The interest cost was expensed under ASPE and should be capitalized under IFRS. (500 x
6% = 30)
3. The interest cost was expensed under ASPE and should be capitalized under IFRS.
(500x6% x 1.5 years = 45)
4. The actuarial loss is reported in net income under ASPE and should be reported in OCI
under IFRS.
5. Since net income and OCI both end up in shareholders' equity, there is no change to
shareholders' equity when converting from ASPE to IFRS.
(b) The current ratio did not change, which means that liquidity remains the same under IFRS.
The debt-to-equity ratio decreased, which means that solvency looks better under IFRS.
The return on total equity increased, which makes profitability look better under IFRS.
Problem 1-6
IFRS ASPE
Current ratio Current assets 13,600 = 1.27 13,600 = 1.27
Current liabilities 10,700 10,700
Debt to equity Debt 25,200 = 1.17 21,299 = 0.89
Equity 21,500 24,016
Return on total equity Net income 3,000 = 13.95% 3,061 = 12.75%
Copyright 2019 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
32 Modern Advanced Accounting in Canada, Ninth Edition
21,500
Total equity 24,016
Notes:
1. The recoverable amount under IFRS is the higher of value in use and fair value, which are
$18,900 at the end of Year 5 and $18,200 at the end of Year 6. Under ASPE, the
equipment is written down to fair value if the undiscounted cash flows are less than the
carrying amount. An impairment loss can be reversed under IFRS but not under ASPE.
IFRS ASPE
YR5 YR6 YR5 YR6
Cost of equipment $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000
Accum depreciation (5,000) (6,000) (5,000) (5,885)
Accum impairment losses (1,100) (800) (2,300) (2,300)
Carrying amount on SCFP $18,900 $18,200 $17,700 $16,815
Depreciation expense 1,000 1,000 1,000 885*
Impairment loss (recovery) 1,100 (300) 2,300
2. Under ASPE, you can assign the entire proceeds from the convertible bonds to bonds
payable or can split the total proceeds between bonds payable and conversion option
(which is a component of shareholders’ equity. Maurice wants to use the simplest method,
which would be assigning the entire amount to bonds payable.
IFRS ASPE
Liability Equity Liability Equity
3. Under ASPE, Maurice would choose the taxes payable method because it is much simpler
than the future taxes payable method. Therefore, all of the future tax amounts would be
eliminated when converting from IFRS to ASPE.
(b) The current ratio did not change, which means that liquidity remains the same under ASPE.
The debt-to-equity ratio decreased, which means that solvency looks better under ASPE.
The return on total equity decreased, which makes profitability look worse under ASPE.