Ross’s Lipstick Company’s long-term debt agreements make certain demands on the business. For example, Ross may not purchase treasury stock in excess of the balance of retained earnings. Also, long-term debt may not exceed stockholders’ equity, and the current ratio may not fall below 1.50. If Ross fails to meet any of these requirements, the company’s lenders have the authority to take over the management of the company. Changes in consumer demand have made it hard for Ross to attract customers. Current liabilities have mounted faster than current assets, causing the current ratio to fall to 1.47. Before releasing financial statements, Ross’s management is scrambling to improve the current ratio. The controller points out that an investment can be classified as either long-term or short-term, depending on management’s intention. By deciding to convert an investment to cash within one year, Ross can classify the investment as short-term—a current asset. On the controller’s recommendation, Ross’s board of directors voted to reclassify long-term investments in the short-term. Requirements What effect will reclassifying the investments have on the current ratio? Is Ross’s true financial position stronger as a result of reclassifying the investments? Shortly after the financial statements are released, sales improve; so, too, does the current ratio. As a result, Ross’s management decides not to sell the investments it had reclassified as short-term. Accordingly, the company reclassifies investments in the long-term. Has management behaved unethically? Give the reasoning underlying your answer.

EBK CONTEMPORARY FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

14th Edition

ISBN:9781337514835

Author:MOYER

Publisher:MOYER

Chapter3: Evaluation Of Financial Performance

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 16P

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Ross’s Lipstick Company’s long-term debt agreements make certain demands on the business. For example, Ross may not purchase treasury stock in excess of the balance of retained earnings. Also, long-term debt may not exceed stockholders’ equity, and the current ratio may not fall below 1.50. If Ross fails to meet any of these requirements, the company’s lenders have the authority to take over the management of the company.

Changes in consumer demand have made it hard for Ross to attract customers. Current liabilities have mounted faster than current assets, causing the current ratio to fall to 1.47. Before releasing financial statements, Ross’s management is scrambling to improve the current ratio. The controller points out that an investment can be classified as either long-term or short-term, depending on management’s intention. By deciding to convert an investment to cash within one year, Ross can classify the investment as short-term—a current asset. On the controller’s recommendation, Ross’s board of directors voted to reclassify long-term investments in the short-term.

Requirements

What effect will reclassifying the investments have on the current ratio? Is Ross’s true financial position stronger as a result of reclassifying the investments?
Shortly after the financial statements are released, sales improve; so, too, does the current ratio. As a result, Ross’s management decides not to sell the investments it had reclassified as short-term. Accordingly, the company reclassifies investments in the long-term. Has management behaved unethically? Give the reasoning underlying your answer.

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