AUDIT MEMORANDUM
To: First Motors Corporation
From: Nam Do
CC: Dr. Jeff Archambault
Date: 11/10/2011
Re: The Accounting Policies and Procedures
Purpose:
The purpose of the audit memo is to clarify the accounting policies and procedures used by clients and the accounting policies and procedures that should be followed. The audit memorandum also provides a clear explanation of a difference between the risk premium in discounting the free cash flow from Plant 3 and the risk premium in discounting the cash flows for the Macinaw Division and which of the appropriate discount rate for computation of goodwill impairment. The case mentioned about impairments which will be written down after the assets are tested for impairments and how
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An impairment loss is equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the asset. Thus, once it is determined that carrying value will not be recovered, an impairment loss must be recognized”. For purposes of testing for recoverability and measuring an impairment loss, individual long-lived assets should be grouped with other assets forming the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of those of the entity's other assets. Note, though, that, if an impairment loss is recognized, it should be applied only to the long-lived assets in the group that are covered by FASB ASC 360-10 ; thus, other assets in the group are not affected but should, if necessary, be adjusted for impairment in accordance with other applicable GAAP. As defined in FASB ASC 350-10: “Goodwill should be part of an asset group to be tested for impairment only if the group is itself a “reporting unit” or includes such a unit”. Note that when we want to evaluate or compute the implied goodwill or test goodwill impairment, we should include the combined net assets of Plant 3 which includes property, plant and equipment. 8A-Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (WG&L) provided relevant parts that: “impairment occurs when the carrying amount of asset is not recoverable and a write-off is needed”. The section also mentioned about various events and changes in circumstances might lead to an impairment
Goodwill is considered impaired when the implied fair value of goodwill in a reporting unit of a company is less than its carrying amount, or book value, including any deferred income taxes. By qualitative factors, if the fair value is less than its book value (likelihood more than 50%), two step of the goodwill impairment test is necessary. According to ASC 350-20-35-2 and 3(A&B&D), if the company determines that it is not more likely than not that fair value is less than the book value, it does
Goodwill is not amortised. Instead, goodwill is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired, and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to each of the Group 's cash-generating units (CGUs), or groups of CGUs, expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination. CGUs (or groups of CGUs) to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired.If the recoverable amount of the CGU (or groups of CGUs) is less than the carrying amount of the CGU (or groups of CGUs), the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the CGU (or groups
If their stock price dropped to ZERO, an impairment would not be required because they are comparing the market price of their stock to their carrying amount of stockholder’s equity, which in a deficit. Also, the Company is anticipating those assets to produce future benefits that exceed its costs.
Where explain the concept of Intangible asset, which represents assets that absence of physical substance. Moreover, Goodwill represents an asset from which is expected future economic benefits, emerge from the acquisition of other assets or business combination. Another important point would be the impartments testing as refers ASC 350-20-35-28 where indicates that Goodwill of reporting unit must be tested for impairment annually. The test can be accomplished at any time in the fiscal year. In the case of different reporting unit, the impairment test could be at different times. This citation in the memorandum was provided incorrect (ASC 305-20-35-1 and 28) this encoding does not exist in FASB.
Section 360-10-35-17 of the Code states that an impairment loss shall be recognized if the carrying value of a fixed asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The carrying value of the fixed asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and disposal of the asset. An impairment loss shall be measured by the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value.
* Test for recoverability — If indicators are present, perform a recoverability test by comparing the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the asset (group) in question to their carrying amounts (as a reminder, entities cannot record an impairment for a held and used asset unless the asset first fails this recoverability test).
Goodwill Impairment is the Goodwill that has become or is considered to be of lower value than at the time or purchase. From an accounting perspective, when the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds the fair value, then it is considered to be impaired. Negative publicity about a firm can create goodwill impairment, as can the reduction of brand-name recognition. Since the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) first introduced its standards update on testing for goodwill impairment (ASU 2011-08), entities with goodwill on their balance sheet have had the option when testing goodwill for impairment to first assess qualitative factors as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the traditional two-step approach described in ASC Topic 350. The optional qualitative assessment is commonly referred to as “step zero.”
Based on ASC 320-10-35-34 I mentioned above, the other-than-temporary impairment should be recoded as $28 ($100-$72) as of December 31, 20X1. On January 31, 20X2, when the price of the stock went up to $75, the other-than-temporary impairment should be recoded as $25 ($100-$75). If the share price was $95 instead of $75 on January 31, 20X2, I think no other-than-temporary impairment needs to be recorded, because there is no material decrease occurred.
ASC 360-10-35-17 provides that, “[a]n impairment loss shall be recognized only if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset (asset group) is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset (asset group) is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset (asset group). That assessment shall be based on the carrying amount of the asset … An impairment loss shall be measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset (asset group) exceeds its fair value.”
IAS 36-2 states the Impairment of Assets rule shall be applied in accounting for the impairment of all
An impairment loss shall be recognized only if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset (asset group) is
According to Section 360-10-35-21, examples of events that would cause an asset to be tested for impairment include a significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset, or a asset group, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset or asset group is being used or in its physical condition, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate that could affect the value of a long-lived asset, or asset group, and a current period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset or asset group.
The authoritative guidance for asset impairment is to ensure that impairment is recorded and dealt with as depreciation. The scope of the standard is writing off of assets and depreciation. According to the guidance of 360-10-35, it address how long-lived assets that are intended to be held and used in an entity’s business shall be reviewed for impairment. The impairment loss can only be recognized if the carrying amount of a long-lived assets is not recoverable and
If these estimated undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment charge is recognized for the excess, if any, of the asset’s carrying value over its estimated fair value.
This case analysis commences by explaining the type of accounting officer needed to execute the job functions for the client, Big Spenders Inc. The next objective will be to examine the income statements of the two prospective business entities that the client intends to choose from concerning investment – in order to diversify its portfolio. The strategies that will be explored in terms of the analysis of the income statements includes the computation of (i) operation profit margin, (ii) gross margin, (iii) net profit margin, and (iv) return on equity – for both companies of interest. The results of examinations will put the accountant in a position to make sounds recommendation to his superior at BUSI 1043 LLP, so that Big Spenders Inc. can be properly guided.