1. Describe clearly all of the accounting changes Harnischfeger made in 1984.
-In 1984, there was a switch from accelerated to straight line depreciation retroactively. Because of this, the depreciation expense decreased. -The estimated depreciation lives on certain U.S. plants, machinery and equipment changed. The economic life of these assets was increased, so the depreciation expense was lowered. -There was an improvement in the minimum pension benefit. This change produced a lower pension expense. -The was a liquidation of LIFO inventory quantities carried at lower cost compared with the current cost of their acquisitions. Because of this, COGS decreased. -The accounts receivable were net of allowances for doubtful accounts $12.1 million in 1983 and $14.1 million in 1982. This change affected the company’s report profits by 7 million from 1984 to 1983 and by 9 million from 1984 to 1982.
7. Note 11 describes a number of changes in Harnischfeger’s pension plans in 1984. Describe these changes as clearly as you can. What are the economic consequences of these changes to Harnischfeger and its workers?
-The change in the return on investment assumption is for all US plans. The economic consequence is that there will be less injection of cash by these pension owners during the lifetime of their pension. -In 1984 the corporation established a new plan, which goal was an improvement in the minimum pension benefit. This constituted in a restructure of the Salaried Employees Retirement Plan.
8. How did the pension plan changes affect Harnischfeger’s financial statements in 1984? Are these changes likely to affect future profits?
The effect of the changes in the investment return assumption rates for all U.S. plans, together with the 1984 restructuring of the U.S. Salaries Employees Plan, was to reduce pension expense by approximately $4.0 million in 1984 and $2.0 million in 1983, and the actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits by approximately $60.0 million in 1984. This may have an effect on future profits.
9. Summarize all the accounting changes Harnischfeger made in 1984 and their effects on pre-tax profits and cash flows in 1984. Change of depreciation
613 Chapter 3: Harnischfeger Case 1. Identify all the accounting policy changes and accounting estimates that Harnischfeger made during 1984. Estimate, as accurately as possible, the effect of these on the company's 1984 reported profits. Harnischfeger made the following accounting policy changes and accounting estimates during the year 1984. There was a change in the recognition of some types of sales. This resulted in a change in sales calculation. Harnischfeger incorporated products…
HERNISCHFEGER CORPORATION CASE ANALYSIS 1. Describe clearly the accounting changes Harnischfeger made in 1984 as stated in Note 2 of its financial statements In 1984 they changed the depreciation method from accelerated methods to the straight-line for financial reporting purposes. This change included a adjustment of the residual values on certain machinery and equipment. They also included the products purchased from Kobe Steel, LTD and sold by them in their net sales. Moreover, they…
917470511 Summery NO.2 Case: Harnischfeger Corporation There are five changes in accounting policies or accounting estimates which were made by Harnischfeger that are listed as followed and if it is legitimate and if it is necessary to make theses changes: 1. Changing in Sales Calculation. The company entered into a long-term agreement with Kobe Steel, Ltd, that Kobe agree to supply Harnischfeger’s requirements for construction cranes for sale in USA as Harnischfeger phased out its own manufacture…
Identify all of the accounting policy changes and accounting estimates that Harnischfeger made during 1984. Estimate, as accurately as possible the effect of these on the company’s 1984 reported profits. Nearly 2/3 of 1984 profit increase was based on a cumulative net effect of change in depreciation accounting. Sales increased 24% from 1983 to 1984 and they entered 1985 with a backlog of $193M in sales orders. Mining sales saw the largest increase with large deals with China and Turkey – Potential…
1.Identify all the accounting policy changes and accounting estimates that Harnischfeger made during 1984. Estimate as accurately as possible, the effect of these on the company’s 1984 reported profits. -Included the net sales of products purchased from Kobe Steel Ltd. And sold by the corporation- Previously only the gross margin on Kobe- originated equipment was included. This caused sales to aggregate by $28 million in 1984, increasing net profit. -Included foreign subsidiaries on the basis…
Why accounting analysis How well accounting captures business reality Appropriateness of accounting policies and estimates Degree of distortions in accounting numbers To improve the reliability and relevance of financial statements Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) Statement of Financial Performance (Income Statement) Cash Flow Statements Foot Notes and Discussion and Analysis Section A Hierarchy of Accounting Qualities Accounting Equation Asset = Liability +…