Submitted by: Submitted by harb1703
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Words: 330
Pages: 2
Category: Business and Industry
Date Submitted: 03/17/2016 01:33 AM
MINICASE: ACCT – 18
BUSINESS ETHICS PROGRAM
Apel Manufacturing?
Topic:
Accounting for Leases
Characters: Jon, recently hired controller for Apel Manufacturing
Rex, CEO of Apel Manufacturing
Apel Manufacturing is a small nonpublic manufacturing company with plans to automate its
production process and add a third production shift. Management thinks the improved
technology and increased production are the only feasible ways the company can remain
competitive. All of Apel’s buildings are owned by the controlling shareholders and leased to
the company on a yearly basis. The leasing arrangement was established eight years earlier
to maximize tax benefits; as long as Apel needs the facilities, they will be available to the
company. Apel’s financial statements have not shown a lease liability during that period.
After a few years of public accounting experience, Jon recently joined Apel as controller.
Jon is presently reviewing the financial statements to prepare for the upcoming audit and to
begin making the needed loan application. In Jon’s opinion, there is no doubt the building
lease should be treated as a capital lease.
John decided to discuss the lease accounting with Rex, Apel’s CEO. When shown the
requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 13, Rex insisted that the
lease not be classified as a capital lease. Rex stated his belief that the lease meets none of the
four criteria used for lease classification in Statement No. 13, and he made it clear to John
that a capital lease liability should not be shown on the financial statements. He said that
Apel could not afford to jeopardize its loan application in any way.
Jon is concerned that Rex’s direction for reporting the lease is not fair disclosure. Given that
he is a new employee, John is confused about how to proceed.
Sandra IG Fleak, Associate Professor of Accounting, Northeast Missouri State
University
Co-author: Scott R Fouch, Assistant Professor of...