Harnischfeger

7) What was the effect on 1988 earnings per share, of the non-recurring items: area development

5. What was the effect on earnings per share of the change in depreciation method for 'hit" tapes (assume that hit tapes made up 25% of new tape purchases, and that the average hit tape was owned for half the year)?

1. Using the historical data as a guide, construct a pro forma (forecasted) profit and loss statement

1. Describe the impact the three proposed accounting methods (full revenue recognition, deferral of revenue, and partial revenue recognition) would have on the company’s financial statements: 1) at the time of the sale, and 2) in future periods.

Based on the financial statements in 1984 Harnischfeger made changes from the previous year, the corporation computed depreciation expenses on plants, machinery and equipment using the straight-line method. Prior to the accounting changes in 1984, the company had experienced some financial losses was able to recover. There has been a change in depreciation accounting when it comes to profit. Before they used to apply the accelerated methods for the operating

1. Describe clearly the accounting changes Harnischfeger made in 1984 as stated in Note 2 of its financial statements.

4. The depreciation accounting changes assume that Harnischfeger’s plant and machinery will last longer and will lose their value more slowly.  Given the business conditions Harnischfeger was facing in its primary industries in 1984, are these economic assumptions justified?

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.

2. Considering your answer to item 1, the first three exhibits, and related introductory discussion, is it likely that the accounting system may distort product profit significantly? Why? (Ignore general, selling, and admin expense.)

Note 9 indicates that Harnischfeger decreased its R&D expense considerably in 1984 relative to the previous two years. Do you think this change was motivated by business considerations or accounting considerations? How did this change affect the company’s reported profits in 1984?

Diane Hollowell and Terry Parmenter were discussing the format of the statement of cash flows of Snowbarger Co. At the bottom of Snowbarger's statement of cash flows was a separate section entitled “Noncash investing and financing activities.” Give three examples of significant noncash transactions that would be reported in this section.

For years 1983-1985, additional corporate assessment expense was given. This would lower Polymold’s earnings on their income statement. Another piece of data that was given is research and development expense. Without the CAD/CAM investment, research and development expense is $130,000. This is double to $260,000 without the CAD/CAM investment. This would lower earnings. We are also given the savings that the investment would yield. Without the CAD/CAM investment, there would still be savings – but not as much as with the CAD/CAM investment, which is due to the depreciation of the equipment and tax credits.

For pensions and post-retirement accounting methods to recognize the benefit costs, estimates and assumptions on future events ascertaining the timing and amount of benefits payments must be sought first. This paper seeks to compare and contrast the early historical accounting for pensions and post-retirement healthcare and life insurance benefits with the rules and guidance applied today in addition to the changes to such guidance and rules that would improve the accounting and reporting of such benefits depending on the business and political changes and as such, predict the effect of such changes on financial reporting and accounting practices.

The productive assets of property, plant, and equipment changed dramatically in 1996 they were 5,581 to 2010 an increase to 21,706. In total current assets there was a increase in 1996 from 5,910 to in 2010 21,579. Another significant change is in long term debt in 1996 of 1,116 to in 2010 an increase to 14,041. Also an important figure to note is in the retained earning in 1996 they were 94% (15,127) to 2010 68%

It would also reduce the risk of price increases by negotiating future prices. As shown previously, Harnischfeger was able to successfully reduce its cost to sales ratio. Through targeting new growth, emphasizing the high technology portion of its business and developing the Industrial Technologies Group, would create new business and ultimately increase sales for the company, which is shown in its financials, a 24% increase in sales from 1983 to 1984.