Question

Presented below is selected information for Sandhill Company.
Answer the questions asked about each of the factual situations.
1. Sandhill purchased a patent from Vania Co. for $1,300,000 on January 1, 2015. The patent is being amortized over its remaining legal life of 10 years, expiring on January 1, 2025. During 2017, Sandhill determined that the economic benefits of the patent would not last longer than 6 years from the date of acquisition. What amount should be reported in the balance sheet for the patent, net of accumulated amortization, at December 31, 2017?

The amount to be reported		$

2. Sandhill bought a franchise from Alexander Co. on January 1, 2016, for $400,000. The carrying amount of the franchise on Alexander’s books on January 1, 2016, was $550,000. The franchise agreement had an estimated useful life of 30 years. Because Sandhill must enter a competitive bidding at the end of 2018, it is unlikely that the franchise will be retained beyond 2025. What amount should be amortized for the year ended December 31, 2017?

the amount to be amortized

$

3. On January 1, 2017, Sandhill incurred organization costs of $300,000. What amount of organization expense should be reported in 2017?

The amount to be reported

$

4. Sandhill purchased the license for distribution of a popular consumer product on January 1, 2017, for $160,000. It is expected that this product will generate cash flows for an indefinite period of time. The license has an initial term of 5 years but by paying a nominal fee, Sandhill can renew the license indefinitely for successive 5-year terms. What amount should be amortized for the year ended December 31, 2017?

The amount to be amortized

$

Answer 1

1)	Original cost	$   1,300,000
	Amount amortized for two years (1300000/10)*2 =	$      260,000
	Carrying amount at the beginning of 2017	$   1,040,000
	Balance life as per revised estimate = 6-2 =	4 years
	Amortization for the remaining 4 years = 1040000/4 =	$      260,000
	Amortization for 2017	$      260,000
	Amount to be reported at December 31, 2017 = 1040000-260000 =	$      780,000
2)	The franchise is to be amortized over its estimated useful life.
	As Sandhill, is unsure whether it will continue the franchise
	beyond 2025, the cost should be amortized over 10 years.
	Hence, amortization for 2017 = 400000/10 =	$         40,000
3)	As the costs incurred for organization purpose is to be expensed
	the amount incurred should be reported as orginazation expense =	$      300,000
4)	AS the license can be easily renewed by paying a nominl fee, the
	license can be deemed to be having an indefinite life. Hence, no
	cost is to be amortized. However, the license can be put to
	impairment test in future.