Instructions

See Chapters V, XI, XVI, and XVII, where most of these matters are discussed.

XIII-XIV

The directors of the Ironclad Trunk Corporation, after receiving full authority from the stockholders, set December 31 as the close of the fiscal year, thereby making the present fiscal period fourteen months instead of one year.

From the following trial balance and supplementary data prepare:

• (a) Condensed balance sheet, supported by schedules.
• (b) Condensed income statement, supported by schedules.

Trial Balance, December 31, 1918

A careful investigation disclosed the following:

Interim dividends had been paid May 15, 1918: No. 5, cumulative preferred stock, $1,400; No. 6, preferred stock, $1,500; No. 7, common stock, $3,000.

The Royal Leather Co. stock now has a market value of $90 per share.

Items to be distributed:

The Suspense account was credited for $370 received from a former customer in payment of an old account which had been charged off as uncollectible some years ago.

In many cases notes payable have been issued with interest included in the face of the notes. Of this interest $290 is applicable to the succeeding period.

Provision for contingent royalties was begun two years ago in anticipation of an unfavorable decision in an action brought against us for infringement of patents. Recently the action was decided in our favor.

Legal expenses of $1,500 for prosecution of infringements of patents had been charged against profits at the close of the previous year. Of the present legal expenses, $100 was paid for services in protecting patents.

Inventories as at December 31, 1918:

Fire Loss was debited for $6,000 which represents damage to buildings of $4,000 and loss of machinery of $2,000 after making due allowance for depreciation. Just after the trial balance was made a check for $5,400 was received from the insurance company in full settlement of our claims for fire damage.

The Repairs to Buildings account contains $3,500 of charges for replacing the parts destroyed by fire.

Provision for reserve for depreciation is to be made on a straight line basis, at the following yearly rate: buildings 5%; machinery 10%; delivery equipment 12%; furniture and fixtures 12%.

It was deemed advisable to write off 20% of the accounts of Tools, and Drawings and Patterns. Also, to reserve from profits $2,000 for supersession of patents in addition to providing for the reduction in the life of the patent.

Interest has accrued on bonds payable for one month, and there is accrued amortization.

Bright—Special account shows the balance due on Bright’s embezzlement. The company holds good collateral in the form of stock for the full amount.

Trunks in Process, October 31, 1917, comprised raw materials $3,115, direct labor $1,120, and factory burden $749.20.

The account, Freight and Express Outward, represented items charged to customers on account of outward freight charges assumed by us and still owing to the transportation companies.

It was ascertained that on Oct. 31, 1917, the patents had 164 months yet to run, and that the policy is to depreciate the value remaining at the end of each fiscal period over the remaining life of the patents.

Royal leather stock was being held because of trade advantages secured thereby.

Claims against transportation companies represented claims for damage acknowledged as good by the companies.

Instructions

In a footnote to the balance sheet call attention to the contingent value of donated land. Extreme conservatism might require the setting aside of a reserve of surplus covering any expenditures on the land, such as assessments for street improvements, inasmuch as the same contingency attaches to them as to the land. So long as a good balance of general surplus is maintained, a special reserve is not usually considered necessary.

Note that both the Contingent Royalty Fund and its reserve are free. Transfer the fund to general cash, and the reserve to surplus.

Note that the reserve for supersession of patents is a reserve created out of surplus and therefore to be treated as a part of net worth. This is, of course, contrary to best practice.

Fire Loss account, as it appears in the trial balance, has been properly charged with the values of the assets destroyed but has not yet been credited with the insurance. Consider carefully the proper booking of the repairs to buildings on account of the fire.

See Problem XXVI, Appendix A, for instructions as to content of condensed balance sheet. See also Problem XV, this Appendix.

XV

From the information furnished in the preceding problem.

• (a) Construct a surplus statement.
• (b) Write the adjusting and closing journal entries.

Treat the surplus statement as a schedule supporting the balance sheet.

XVI

Some time ago the stockholders of the A. M. Strong Fiber Co. and the Randall Manufacturing Co. appointed committees on merger. At a joint meeting of the two committees a plan for merger of the two companies was adopted. The stockholders of the respective companies accepted the plan for the joint committee and instructed and authorized their boards of directors to carry out the terms of the merger. The agreement provided that a new corporation be formed to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of the two companies as shown on their balance sheets of December 31, 1916, except as noted.

The subjoined balance sheets show the conditions of the two companies. The balance sheet of the Randall Co. has already been adjusted to meet the conditions of the merger. The agreement provided, however, that the machinery and tools of the Strong Co. should be taken over at a 10% reduction of their present book valuation; that the book value of the Special War Plant assets be written up $20,000 on account of their adaptability to the regular needs of the merger; and that the reserve for bad debts be increased to $5,000. The surplus, after these adjustments, was reduced to even multiples of $10,000.

A. M. Strong Fiber Co.
Balance Sheet, December 31, 1916

Randall Manufacturing Co.
Balance Sheet, December 31, 1916

To effect the reduction of the surplus of the Strong Co. to even multiples of $10,000, by consent of all the stockholders, a special dividend was declared to be shared by both common and preferred stockholders equally on the basis of their respective holdings; and it was further agreed that because the preferred stock carried a participation privilege and preference as to assets, in the distribution of the stock of the merger in payment of the respective interests of the present stockholders, the preferred holders should be considered as being entitled to a pro rata share of the adjusted surplus and good-will.

The net profits for the last period, after deduction therefrom of 8% interest on the respective capitals as adjusted by taking effect of the foregoing items, were capitalized in even thousands of dollars on a 20% basis, to determine the value of the good-will of the two companies; the good-will of the Strong Co. so determined to be in addition to its present good-will. It was ascertained that the net profits for the last period were: Strong Co. $41,750, Randall Co., $30,000.

To carry out the plan of the merger, the Sterling Trunk Corporation was organized with sufficient capital in 7% cumulative preferred stock and common stock to acquire the two other companies, and additional common—to remain unissued for the present—to bring the total capitalization to $750,000.

XVII

1. A fire partially destroyed the power plant and equipment of the Zehner Manufacturing Co. on the night of June 30, 1918, entailing a loss of $25,000 on the building, and a ⅔ loss on the equipment. Insurance for one year, with the 80% coinsurance clause, had been purchased January 1, 1918, for $1,775, covering the above property. The policies carried $40,000 on the power house and $100,000 on the power house equipment. On that date—January 1, 1918—the values of the power house and equipment as shown on the balance sheet were:

Depreciation was estimated at the rate of 4% per annum on the power house, and 10% on the equipment.

The insurance company settled on the above basis.

Show the journal entries necessary to make all the adjustments in the accounts.

For the purpose of the problem assume that the rate on the power house was the same as on the equipment.

2. The Colorado Rock Drill Co. authorized the issue of $100,000 of 6% cumulative preferred stock callable by lot in amounts as follows:

• $10,000 at the end of 5 years at 107 in cash.
• $10,000 at the end of 7 years at 106 in cash.
• $15,000 at the end of 10 years at 105 in cash.
• $15,000 at the end of 12 years at 104 in cash.
• $50,000 at the end of 20 years at par in cash
• or convertible into the company’s common
• stock at the option of the company.

The entire issue was sold for cash at 103.

Set up the accounts showing the handling of all redemption transactions at the five periods above referred to, with these additional facts: It is the expectation of the company to provide for a permanent increase in capital of $100,000, the amount of the preferred stock issue, during the life of the issue; and at the end of the 20 years, the company exercises its option by converting $30,000 of the preferred into common stock out of unissued common to that amount held in the treasury.

Instructions

• Problem 1. Refer to Chapter XXXII.
• Problem 2. Refer to Chapters I and XXI.

XVIII

The Sterling Trunk Corporation, hoping to recoup excessive trade losses, engaged more extensively in the manufacture of war supplies. Instead of realizing the enormous anticipated profits, they sustained a severe loss through an explosion followed by a disastrous fire on August 1, 1918. The assets destroyed were only partially protected by insurance because of difficulty in getting a reasonable rate. Also some policies which had expired had not been renewed.

The following information was accepted by the insurance companies as a basis for settlement. Date of policies January 1, 1918.

• LEGEND:
• (A) = Name of Property Insured
• (B) = Original Value of the Property
• (C) = Reserve for Depreciation, Jan 1, 1918
• (D) = Yearly Rate of Depreciation
• (E) = Face of Ppolicy
• (F) = Amount of Property Destroyed on Aug 1, 1918
• (G) = Unexpired Premium on Policy Aug 1, 1918
• (H) = Coinsurance Clause in the Policy

XIX

The European War caused a reduction in the income of the Trunk Company by an abrupt falling off of sales; also as a result of the rapid increase in materials several contracts were completed at a loss. These losses together with the unexpected loss by fire placed the company in an embarrassing financial condition. There was great pressure from bondholders because the interest for the last year had not been paid, and dissatisfaction among stockholders because dividends had been passed. Current debts could not be met and it was clearly evident that the business could not continue long in its present condition. To remedy this a meeting of the stockholders was called and a committee on reorganization appointed. The recommendations of the committee, which are given below, were put into effect on December 31, 1918.

The holders of the 6% bonds were given one share of new cumulative 7% preferred stock in payment of defaulted interest on each bond. The holders of the $100,000 of 5% bonds assumed for Randall Manufacturing Co. contributed in cash 5% of the amount of their bonds and received for each $1,000 bond a new $500 bond bearing 5% interest and $700 in non-cumulative 6% preferred stock. The holders of $60,000 7% war munitions bonds received for each $1,000 bond $600 in 6% preferred stock and $500 in common stock. The old cumulative preferred stockholders were given new non-cumulative preferred stock, share for share. The old common stockholders were given new common stock and were assessed $20 per share for which they were given new cumulative preferred stock.

See Problem XVI for other necessary data. Assume all common stock outstanding. Par value of old issue bonds, $1,000; stock, $100.

XX

The Hillsdale Co. operates a factory and general sales organization from its main plant and conducts two branches, A and B, as distribution centers at conveniently located points. The branches maintain independent records which are subject to periodic audit by the head office. At the close of the fiscal period the branch trial balances are sent to, and incorporated with, the head office trial balance to determine the results of combined operation. Below are given the trial balances of the head office and branches with the data necessary to close the books and determine results. You are asked to present closing journal entries for Branch A and the entries necessary to incorporate the branch results with the head office and to close the head office books. Also present a consolidated balance sheet after closing.

Trial Balances, June 30, 1918

Inventories, at billed price: Branch A $10,000, Branch B $5,000.

Create on the branch books reserves for doubtful accounts of 1% of the sales at each branch.

Head Office

XXI

A New York company doing business in London, received the following trial balance from its London office at the end of a fiscal year:

Trial Balance—London Office

The New York books showed as follows:

Trial Balance—New York Books

The remittance account consisted of four 60-day drafts on London for £15,000 each, which were sold in New York at 4.85½, 4.86, 4.86½, and 4.86¾ respectively.

Make such journal entries as are necessary to incorporate with the New York accounts the results of the year’s business in London (conversion to be made at the average rate of exchange of the four remittances), and establish the new balance of the London office account so that it will agree with the London books when converted into sterling at 4.87¼, the rate of exchange ruling on the last day of the year. Show also trial balance of the New York books after closing.

XXII

Company A owns the entire capital stock of Companies B and C. The assets and liabilities of the respective companies are as follows:

Company A: cash $10,000; deferred charges $150; inventories $1,000; due from allied companies $25,000; notes receivable $15,000; petty cash $100; trade creditors $1,000; capital stock $100,000; surplus $5,250; notes payable $50,000; other investments $55,000; investments in allied companies $50,000.

Company B: trade debtors $10,000; cash $4,000; deferred charges $200; notes receivable $1,000; petty cash $500; inventories $8,000; land $10,000; buildings $25,000; equipment $20,000; surplus $1,000; dividends payable $500; due allied companies $30,000; notes payable $10,000; accrued liabilities $200; capital stock $25,000; trade creditors $12,000.

Company C: capital stock $30,000; notes payable $15,000; cash $2,000; trade creditors $4,000; notes receivable $1,000; petty cash $200; accrued expenses $100; trade debtors $3,500; allied companies $5,100; surplus $2,300; inventories $5,000; land $7,500; deferred charges $100; equipment $15,000; buildings $12,000.

Prepare consolidated balance sheet. Submit with your solution your working papers.

Criticize briefly (not to exceed 500 words) the condition of each company and state whether, in your opinion, the investments in allied companies are valued correctly.

XXIII

Jones & Robinson, merchants, are unable to meet their obligations. From their books and the testimony of the insolvent debtors, the following statement of their condition is ascertained:

Prepare a statement of affairs and deficiency account.

XXIV

Parker & Riley, being unable to meet their obligations, have made an assignment. You are asked to prepare a statement of affairs for presentation at a meeting of their creditors. Some of the creditors are entirely or partially secured, the security being a part of the assets. The following is a trial balance of their ledger at the date of the assignment:

The accounts receivable are classed as: good $8,000; doubtful $1,500 (estimated to produce $1,000); worthless, $1,050. Notes receivable will realize $1,800; the second mortgage is estimated to produce $800; the trust company shares $1,800; delivery equipment $900; fixtures $1,000; and real estate $12,500.

Of the accounts payable $20,000 is unsecured and $8,000 is secured by the second mortgage and trust company stock. The loans payable are secured by the equity in the real estate. The inventory of merchandise on hand which foots $5,000 is expected to realize $3,000. Other liabilities not booked are employees’ wages $550, and interest on mortgage $125. The unexpired insurance is expected to yield $150 upon redemption.

Draw up a statement of affairs and deficiency account.

XXV

The Metropolitan Book Co., a corporation, goes into voluntary liquidation and a trustee is appointed. The following is the trial balance of the company on July 1, 1918, the date when its affairs are turned over to the trustee.

Value of merchandise on hand is $20,183.86, and the other assets are appraised at book value. The trustee’s cash receipts and disbursements are:

Accounts receivable not collected are worthless.

Prepare a realization and liquidation account in technical form.

XXVI

Messrs. Sharp and Green having given the firm’s notes to a friendly company as an accommodation, became embarrassed through failure of the payee and appointed a trustee to realize and liquidate. The following is a statement of their condition January 1, 1916:

The following is a memorandum of the trustee’s transactions for the year: purchases to complete contract orders $70,000; sales for the year for cash $108,000; uncollected accounts $2,000; stock of goods on hand December 31, 1916, $10,000; notes receivable collected at a loss of $600; accounts receivable collected $3,600, balance lost; received 75% in full settlement of accommodation notes and paid cash on account of same $48,000 giving renewal notes for $10,000. The legal fees and petty expenses paid on account of accommodation paper amounted to $2,400. The following payments were also made: mortgage, with interest, and one year’s accrued interest to December 31, 1916; all taxes, notes payable, and accounts payable; and clerk hire, wages, and other expense, including an allowance of $100 per month to each of the active partners, one year’s interest at 6% to Maxwell, interest on Green’s excess capital ($6,325) for one year at 6%, and trustee’s fee of $5,000—in all $10,000.

The special partner had a ¹/₁₀ interest and the general partners shared alike in the residue of the net profits.

On January 1, 1917, the estate was returned to the owners.

Prepare the trustee’s realization and liquidation account in technical form, supported by trustee’s cash account. Show a balance sheet of the estate as turned back to the partners, and set up the partners’ accounts.

XXVII

Three partners contribute capital as follows: X $90,000, Y $45,000, Z $15,000. They share profits in the proportion of X 50%, Y 30%, Z 20%. X’s salary is $5,000, Y’s salary is $3,000, Z’s salary is $2,000. At the end of their fiscal period X dies. The books are closed and the net assets ascertained to be $152,500. Z and Y liquidate the firm’s affairs and distribute the surplus assets quarterly as follows:

Prepare a statement of the partners’ accounts, showing how the distribution of assets should be made, together with the apportionment of the loss. Give your authorities.

XXVIII

Use the following instructions as a guide in preparing a special report on a business with which you are familiar, either by experience or through investigation.

(a) Write a short history of the business, giving:

• 1. Title.
• 2. Character of business in which engaged.
• 3. Date of beginning and amount of capital invested.
• 4. Successive changes affecting:
• The ownership (individual, partnership, or corporate).
• The amount of capital.
• The character of the business in which engaged.

(b) Submit:

• 1. A trial balance at the close of a fiscal period.
• 2. A balance sheet for the same period.
• 3. A profit and loss statement for the same period.
• 4. Adjusting and closing journal entries for the same period.
• Note: If possible, give 1, 2, 3, for two successive periods
• and prepare a comparative balance sheet and profit and loss
• statement.

(c) Prepare: