Session 10: Financial Reporting and Analysis: Applications and International Standards Convergence Reading 43: International Standards Convergence
LOS a: Identify and explain the major international accounting standards for each asset and liability category on the balance sheet and the key differences from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
On January 1, 2004, Cayman Corporation bought manufacturing equipment for $30 million. On December 31, 2006, Cayman determined the equipment was impaired and recognized a $5 million impairment loss in its income statement. As of December 31, 2007, the fair value of the equipment exceeded the book value by $7 million. What amount of the recovery in value can Cayman recognize in its 2007 income statement under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP) and under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)?
U.S. GAAP does not permit upward valuations of plant and equipment. Under IFRS, the recovery is reported in the income statement to the extent that the previous downward adjustment (loss) was reported in net income. Otherwise, the increase in value is reported as an adjustment to equity. Thus, under IFRS, $5 million will be reported in 2007 net income and $2 million will be directly added to to equity (as an adjustment to equity). |