Cornerstones of Cost Management (Cornerstones Series)
4th Edition
ISBN: 9781305970663
Author: Don R. Hansen, Maryanne M. Mowen
Publisher: Cengage Learning
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Chapter 1, Problem 4E
Consider the following thoughts of a manager at the end of the company’s third quarter:
If I can increase my reported profit by $2 million, the actual earnings per share will exceed analysts’ expectations, and stock prices will increase. The stock options that I am holding will become more valuable. The extra income will also make me eligible to receive a significant bonus. With a son headed to college, it would be good if I could cash in some of these options to help pay his expenses. However, my vice president of finance indicates that such an increase is unlikely. The projected profit for the fourth quarter will just about meet the expected earnings per share. There may be ways, though, that I can achieve the desired outcome. First, I can instruct all divisional managers that their preventive maintenance budgets are reduced by 25 percent for the fourth quarter. That should reduce maintenance expenses by approximately $1 million. Second, I can increase the estimated life of the existing equipment, producing a reduction of
Required:
Comment on the ethical content of the earnings management being considered by the manager. Is there an ethical dilemma? What is the right choice for the manager to make? Is there any way to redesign the accounting reporting system to discourage the type of behavior the manager is contemplating?
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Consider the following thoughts of a manager at the end of the company’s third quarter: If I can increase my reported profit by $2 million, the actual earning per share will exceed analysts’ expectations, and stock prices will increase. The stock options that I am holding will become more valuable. The extra income will also make me eligible to receive a significant bonus. With a son headed to college, it would be good if I could cash in some of these options to help pay his expenses. However, my Vice President of finance indicates that such an increase is unlikely. The projected profit for the fourth quarter will just about meet the expected earnings per share. There may be ways, though, that I can achieve the desired outcome. First, I can instruct all divisional managers that their preventive maintenance budgets are reduced by 25 percent for the fourth quarter. That should reduce maintenance expenses by approximately $1 million. Second, I can increase the estimated life of the…
You have invested in a business that proudly reports that it is profitable. Your investment of $5,000 has produced a profit of $300. The managers think that if you leave your $5,000 invested with them, they should be able to generate $300 per
year in
profits for you in perpetuity. Evaluating other investment opportunities, you note that other long-term investments of similar risk offer an expected return of 8%. Should you remain invested in this firm?
The expected return of your investment is %. (Round to one decimal place.)
(Select from the drop-down menus.)
If projects that are similar in horizon and risk are offering an expected return of 8%, then this business
earning your opportunity cost of capital, and you should
remain invested
invest elsewhere
It is important to consider the time value of money along with financial risk when making financial decisions. Determine the best course of action for your company using the information below:
Assume the stock market returns 11.3% per year on average.
Your company has $100,000 to spend on the down payment on the purchase of a new office.
A new office will cost $500,000
To rent a new office it will cost your company $3,500 per month and you will need to sign a 3-year lease.
Find any other information that is necessary to perform the calculation such as the current market rate for a commercial loan.
What should you do: buy an office or lease? Choose the best answer and justify your answer by calculating the time value of money. What other factors should you use besides the time value of money? Why?
Chapter 1 Solutions
Cornerstones of Cost Management (Cornerstones Series)
Ch. 1 - What is cost management, and how does it differ...Ch. 1 - How do cost management and financial accounting...Ch. 1 - Identify and discuss the factors that affect the...Ch. 1 - What is a flexible manufacturing system?Ch. 1 - Prob. 5DQCh. 1 - What is the difference between a line position and...Ch. 1 - The controller should be a member of the top...Ch. 1 - Prob. 8DQCh. 1 - What is the role of cost management with respect...Ch. 1 - Prob. 10DQ
Ch. 1 - What is business ethics? Is it possible to teach...Ch. 1 - Firms with higher ethical standards will...Ch. 1 - Prob. 13DQCh. 1 - Prob. 14DQCh. 1 - What are the two parts to the CMA examination?...Ch. 1 - Classify each of the following actions as either...Ch. 1 - Hepworth Communications produces cell phones. One...Ch. 1 - Prob. 3ECh. 1 - Consider the following thoughts of a manager at...Ch. 1 - Bill Christensen, the production manager, was...Ch. 1 - Each of the following scenarios requires the use...Ch. 1 - Prob. 7ECh. 1 - Lily Shultz is a junior majoring in hotel and...Ch. 1 - John Biggs and Patty Jorgenson are both cost...Ch. 1 - Emily Henson, controller of an oil exploration...Ch. 1 - Prob. 11PCh. 1 - Emery Manufacturing Company produces component...Ch. 1 - Prob. 13P
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