CPA Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) : Contingencies

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Current Liabilities

Company A has a contingent loss. At the end of Year 1, several possible losses and their probabilities are estimated, including a $130,000 loss (35% chance), $180,000 loss (55% chance), or $80,000 (10% chance). The company also believes it is reasonably possible that the loss could be as high as $230,000. In Year 2, the loss is settled for $172,000. What income statement effect will the company recognize in Year 2?

Possible Answers:

$8,000 recovery

$15,000 loss

$10,000 recovery

$68,000 recovery

Correct answer:

$8,000 recovery

Explanation:

In Year 1, the company will record a contingent loss of $180K, because this is the most likely loss at a 55% chance. In Year 2, then company will need to adjust the liability to reflect the actual loss of $172K, recording an $8K recovery of cost.

Example Question #2 : Current Liabilities

Doe Corp has guaranteed the indebtedness of Rae Corp. Doe can reasonably estimate a loss on this debt ranging from $100,000 to $150,000. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the contingent liability recorded for this debt?

Possible Answers:

If no estimated amount is more certain than any other, no loss should be recorded

If no estimated amount is more certain than any other, the average possible loss should be recorded

If no estimated amount is more certain than any other, the maximum possible loss should be recorded

If no estimated amount is more certain than any other, the smallest possible loss should be recorded

Correct answer:

If no estimated amount is more certain than any other, the smallest possible loss should be recorded

Explanation:

When recording contingent liabilities, a company should record the most likely loss amount. However, if no amount is more probable than any other, a company records the smallest possible loss.

Example Question #3 : Current Liabilities

Of the following costs, which is associated with exit and disposal activities?

Possible Answers:

Capital lease termination costs

Costs to relocate employees

Costs associated with the retirement of a fixed asset

Terminated employee benefits

Correct answer:

Costs to relocate employees

Explanation:

Relocation costs for employees are related with exit and disposal activities.

Example Question #4 : Current Liabilities

The Truman Company sells 12,500 of microwaves during Year 5. All sales are covered by a warranty through the end of Year 6. Based on past experience, the company expects 4% of microwaves sold to break during Year 6 and expects it will cost $30 to fix each microwave. However, during Year 6, 540 microwaves actually break and they each cost $28 to fix. The company is now preparing comparative financial statements for Years 5 and 6. What amount of warranty expense should be recognized?

Possible Answers:

$15,120 in Year 5 and $0 in Year 6

$0 in Year 5 and $15,120 in Year 6

$14,500 in Year 5 and $620 in Year 5

$15,000 in Year 5 and $1,120 in Year 6

Correct answer:

$15,000 in Year 5 and $1,120 in Year 6

Explanation:

The company will estimate warranty expense in Year 5 based on expectations (12,500 microwaves x 4% x $30 each = $15K in warranty expense). In Year 6, it will record the difference needed to true up the warranty expense to actual cost (remaining 40 microwaves x $28 per microwave = $1,120).

Example Question #5 : Current Liabilities

Of the following, which is not a criteria for recognizing a liability associated with exit or disposal activities?

Possible Answers:

The existence of a present obligation to transfer assets in the future

A commitment to an exit plan

The occurrence of an obligating event

The entity has no discretion to avoid the future transfer of assets

Correct answer:

A commitment to an exit plan

Explanation:

An entity's commitment to an exit or disposal plan is not enough to result in liability recognition.

Example Question #6 : Current Liabilities

Which terms indicate that a contingent liability likely should be recognized?

Possible Answers:

Both

Neither

Probable

Estimable

Correct answer:

Both

Explanation:

Both of these terms indicate that a contingent liability must be recognized. Estimable indicates a number available for disclosure and probable indicates that the event will likely occur.

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