Chapter 11, Problem 11.10BYP

Ethics Case 11–10

Asset impairment

• LO11–8

At the beginning of 2016, the Healthy Life Food Company purchased equipment for $42 million to be used in the manufacture of a new line of gourmet frozen foods. The equipment was estimated to have a 10-year service life and no residual value. The straight-line depreciation method was used to measure depreciation for 2016 and 2017.

Late in 2018, it became apparent that sales of the new frozen food line were significantly below expectations. The company decided to continue production for two more years (2019 and 2020) and then discontinue the line. At that time, the equipment will be sold for minimal scrap values.

The controller, Heather Meyer, was asked by Harvey Dent, the company’s chief executive officer (CEO), to determine the appropriate treatment of the change in service life of the equipment. Heather determined that there has been an impairment of value requiring an immediate write-down of the equipment of $12,900,000. The remaining book value would then be depreciated over the equipment’s revised service life.

The CEO does not like Heather’s conclusion because of the effect it would have on 2018 income. “Looks like a simple revision in service life from 10 years to 5 years to me,” Dent concluded. “Let’s go with it that way, Heather.”

Required:

1. What is the difference in before-tax income between the CEO’s and Heather’s treatment of the situation?

2. Discuss Heather Meyer’s ethical dilemma.