Diversified Systems, Inc., reports consolidated financial statements this year in place of
statements of individual companies reported in previous years. This results in: A. An
accounting change that should be reported prospectively.
B. An accounting change that should be reported by restating the financial statements of
all prior periods presented.
C. A correction of an error.
D. Neither an accounting change nor a correction of an error.
Answer:
Cucumber Company concluded at the beginning of 2013 that the company’s ownership
interest in PickelCo had decreased to the point that it became appropriate to begin
accounting for its investment as available for sale, rather than using the equity method
as it had been doing. The balance in the investment account is $75,000 at the time of the
change, and accountants working with company records determined that the balance
would have been $50,000 if the investment had been accounted for as an
available-for-sale investment. At the time of implementing the change to the
available-for-sale method, if financial statements were prepared: A. Net income and
retained earnings will be lower by $25,000.
B. Net income will be unchanged, and retained earnings will be lower by $25,000.
C. The accounts will be unchanged, because no adjustment is necessary.
D. Other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income will be
lower by $25,000.