Question

Hogan Company uses the net method of accounting for sales discounts. Hogan offers trade discounts to various groups of buyers.

On August 1, 2021, Hogan factored some accounts receivable on a without recourse basis. Hogan incurred a finance charge.

Hogan also has some notes receivable bearing an appropriate rate of interest. The principal and total interest are due at maturity. The notes were received on October 1, 2021, and mature on September 30, 2022. Hogan’s operating cycle is less than one year.

1a. What is the rationale for the amount recorded as sales under the net method?

1b. Using the net method, describe any effect on Hogan’s sales revenues and net income when customers do not take the sales discounts.

2. Describe the effect trade discounts have on the amount recorded as sales revenue and accounts receivable

3. Explain why Hogan should or shouldn't decrease accounts receivable to account for the receivables factored on August 1, 2021.

4. Explain the reasoning for the classification of the interest-bearing notes receivable as current or non-current in its December 31, 2021, balance sheet.

Answer 1

Part 1:

a.

Yes, Hogan should account for the sales discounts at the date of sale using the net method by recording accounts receivable and sales revenue at the amount of sales less the sales discounts available.

Revenues should be recorded at the amount the seller is entitled to receive. Under the net method, the sale is recorded at an amount that represents that amount, as the seller anticipates that the buyer will take the sales discount.

b.

Yes, sales revenues should be increased by the amount of sales discounts forfeited when customers do not take the sales discounts. That has the effect of also increasing net income.

Part 2:

Yes, trade discounts affect the amount recorded as sales revenue. The amount recorded as sales revenues and accounts receivable is net of trade discounts and represents the price of the asset sold. The trade discount is simply a way of specifying the transaction price.

Part 3:

Yes, to account for the accounts receivable factored on August 1, 2021, Hogan should decrease accounts receivable by the amount of the accounts receivable factored, increase cash by the amount received from the factor, and record a loss. Factoring of accounts receivable without recourse is equivalent to a sale. The difference between the cash received and the carrying amount of the receivables is a loss.

Part 4:

Hogan should report the face amount of the interest-bearing notes receivable and the related interest receivable for the period from October 1 through December 31 on its balance sheet as current assets. Both assets are due on September 30, 2022, which is less than one year from the date of the balance sheet.