Archive | Financial accounting RSS feed for this section

How does Nike recognize the costs of suing 31 companies over Chuck Taylor trademark infringement?

In October 2014, Nike filed suit against 31 companies, claiming these companies have infringed on Nike’s Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers trademark. Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers have been made since 1917 when Converse first produced them (Nike purchased Converse in 2003).  It is an iconic shoe, with black stripes and a rubber toe topper. […]

Continue reading

What is the accounting impact of the issuance of Solar Bonds by SolarCity?

SolarCity is a U.S. company that designs, finances, and installs solar energy systems. These solar energy systems are installed at businesses, homes, non-profits, and other organizations. On October 15, 2014, SolarCity launched its first public offering of Solar Bonds. This public offering allows individuals to invest in SolarCity by purchasing bonds from SolarCity’s website. There […]

Continue reading

How will Slappey Communications’ investment in PP&E affect its financial statements?

Slappey Communications is a technology firm in Birmingham, Alabama, specializing in telecommunications, computer, and network security.  Its owner, Bill Slappey, invested nearly $770,000 in property, plant, and equipment for the business in 2014 (See “Small Firms Poised to Spend More on Plants, Equipment,” A. Loten and V. Monga, Wall Street Journal, September 3, 2014.) Slappey […]

Continue reading

How will a $37 million expansion to retool an assembly plan impact GM’s financial statements?

General Motors (GM) is considering a $37-million expansion to one of its Michigan assembly plants.  The Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia crossovers are built at the Lansing Delta Township plant. GM officials have not announced what the $37-million expansion will include but they have applied for tax incentives from the City of Lansing […]

Continue reading

What is the impact on American Apparel’s current ratio of the loan it received from Standard General?

American Apparel has been in the news in recent weeks.  Its board fired CEO Dov Charney amid several reports of his misdeeds. The company has also lost $270 million over the past three years. Last week, one of American Apparel’s creditors, Lion Capital, called a $10 million loan it had made to American Apparel.  (“Calling” […]

Continue reading

What are implications of Casella Waste Systems changing its year end from April 30 to December 31?

Casella Waste Systems, Inc., is a solid waste services company operating primarily in the eastern United States. Its fiscal year end has historically been April 30.  In recent years, the region has experienced severe weather in the spring.  The severe weather would drive down earnings for Casella in the last few months of its fiscal […]

Continue reading

How does cost cutting at Best Buy impact its ROI?

Best Buy is struggling to thrive (and some would say it is even struggling to survive) as it competes with online giant Amazon.com. According to a recent article in Forbes, one way Best Buy is aiming to improve its financial outlook is to cut its cost of goods sold through supply chain efficiency gains. Questions […]

Continue reading

If Quiznos’ debts are discharged in bankruptcy, how do its creditors account for the effect of the bankruptcy?

The sandwich chain Quiznos has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, which will allow it to continue operating while it works out a debt-restructuring plan with creditors.  Senior lenders would receive equity in exchange for the debt. On the other hand, some junior creditors may not get paid the monies due to them from Quiznos.  […]

Continue reading

What is the balance sheet impact of Delta’s improvements to its LAX Terminal 5?

Delta Air Lines is partnering with the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to overhaul Terminal 5 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for a total estimated cost of $240 million.  The project is expected to start in 2015. Delta is contributing $12 million for check-in and lounge improvements and the […]

Continue reading

How will a stock split impact Under Armour’s stockholders’ equity?

On March 17, 2014, Under Armour, a company selling sports clothing, shoes, and accessories, announced a two-for-one stock split (see Under Armour press release dated March 17, 2014).  Here is an excerpt from the Under Armour press release: “Baltimore, MD (March 17, 2014) – Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE: UA) today announced that its Board of Directors […]

Continue reading