CPA Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) : Current Liabilities

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for CPA Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)

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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:

$15,000 loss

$68,000 recovery

$10,000 recovery

$8,000 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 maximum possible loss should be recorded

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

If no estimated amount is more certain than any other, the average 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 #2 : Current Liabilities

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

Possible Answers:

Capital lease termination costs

Costs associated with the retirement of a fixed asset

Costs to relocate employees

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:

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

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

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

$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 #3 : Current Liabilities

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

Possible Answers:

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

The occurrence of an obligating event

A commitment to an exit plan

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

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:

Neither

Estimable

Both

Probable

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.

Example Question #1 : Payables And Accrued Liabilities

Which of the following is true regarding purchases made from a seller that offers a discount for early payment?

Possible Answers:

The purchase is recorded as a credit to accounts payable as if the discount is going to be taken, if using the net method

The purchase is recorded as a credit to accounts payable as if the discount is going to be taken, if using the gross method

The purchase is recorded as a credit to accounts payable as if the discount is going to be taken, under the gross or net method

The purchase is recorded as a credit to accounts payable without regard for the discount, if using the net method

Correct answer:

The purchase is recorded as a credit to accounts payable as if the discount is going to be taken, if using the net method

Explanation:

Under the net method, a company initially records a purchase as if the discount is going to be taken. Recording the purchase includes a credit to accounts payable.

Example Question #2 : Payables And Accrued Liabilities

Glidell Company issues coupons for its products, which are redeemable at grocery stores. Each coupon entities the customer to $.65 off their purchase of Glidell's products. Additionally, Glidell reimburses retailers an additional $.05 per coupon. On July 1 of the current year, Glidell mailed out $1 million coupons to consumers, and expects 300,000 to be redeemed by their expiration date of December 31. Retailers can take up to 90 days to mail their coupons to Glidell. As of December 31, Glidell has made payments of $95,000 to retailers, and has 115,000 coupons waiting to be processed for payment. What amount should Glidell report as outstanding liability for coupons in its December 31 balance sheet?

Possible Answers:

$210,000

$90,000

$115,000

$175,000

Correct answer:

$115,000

Explanation:

Glidell must record an expense of $.70 ($.65 savings to customer + $.05 fee to retailers) for each of the 300K coupons it expects to be redeemed. 300K x $.70 = $210K. Glidell then subtracts the $95K it has already paid out.

Example Question #3 : Payables And Accrued Liabilities

The Wyman Company borrowed $250,000 on October 31, Year 1, and signed a two-year note bearing interest of 10% on that date. Interest is compounded annually and is payable in full at the note’s maturity date of March 31, Year 3. What amount of liability for interest should Wyman report at December 31, Year 2?

Possible Answers:

$4,167

$25,416

$0

$29,584

Correct answer:

$29,584

Explanation:

The liability for interest at the end of Year 2 should include interest expense recorded in Year 1 and in Year 2. In Year 1, Wyman will record $4,167 in interest ($250K x 10% x 2/12 months). In Year 2, this interest will be compounded and added to the principal. Therefore, interest expense in Year 2 will be $25,417 ($245,167 x 10% x 12/12 months). The interest from both years will be added together to get the total liability at the end of Year 2.

Example Question #4 : Payables And Accrued Liabilities

Under which of the following circumstances does substantial doubt exist about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern?

Possible Answers:

It is probable that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations coming due within 12 months of financial statement issuance

The entity projects that it will have negative cash flows from operating activities over the next 12 months

The entity's CFO has retired and there is no definitive succession plan in place

The entity is not in compliance with statutory capital requirements

Correct answer:

It is probable that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations coming due within 12 months of financial statement issuance

Explanation:

Substantial doubt exists when relevant conditions and events, indicate it is probable that the entity will not be able to meet its obligations as they become due within one year from the financial statement issuance date.

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