Identify at least two situations in which application of different accounting methods or accounting estimates results in difficulties in comparing companies.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The changes made by the business entity in its inventory valuation methods and depreciation methods lead to difficulties in the comparison process.

Step by step solution

01

Accounting Methods

Accounting methods are the procedures and rules used to report theexpenses and revenues followed by a company. Cash and Accrual accounting are the two main methods of accounting.

02

Different accounting methods leading to difficulties

Identification of two situations:

  • Changes in inventory methods: Changes in inventory methods such as LIFO to FIFO make the comparison complicated because both methods provide distinct outcomes.
  • Changes in depreciation methods: Each depreciationmethod provides different results. Hence, changing depreciation computation from the straight line to the diminishing value method may lead to difficulty in comparing companies.

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Instructions

Prepare a statement of stockholders’ equity.

What is the basis for distinguishing between operating and non-operating items?

The financial statements of P&G are presented in Appendix B. The company’s complete annual report, including the notes to the financial statements, is available online.

Instructions

Refer to P&G’s financial statements and the accompanying notes to answer the following questions.

(a) What type of income statement format does P&G use? Indicate why this format might be used to present income statement information.

(b) What are P&G’s primary revenue sources?

(c) Compute P&G’s gross profit for each of the years 2012–2014. Explain why gross profit decreased in 2014.

(d) Why does P&G make a distinction between operating and nonoperating revenue?

(e) What financial ratios did P&G choose to report in its “Financial Summary” section covering the years 2009–2014?

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