Dryden Natural Springs Case Analysis

Introduction

This case is about a potential buyer who wants to purchase all of the common shares of a small
bottled water company called Dryden Natural Springs (DNS). DNS follows ASPE in accounting
principles, accordingly any buyers or investors should read and analyze DNS ‘s Financial
statement under ASPE.

Accounting Issues

The key accounting issue of this case is to decide the proper purchase price for all common
shares of DNS.

The purchase price will be based on DNS’s net book value (NBV), calculated under ASPE, with an
adjustment for only the fair value of capital assets. The NBV given in the most recent unaudited
statement of financial position is $225,790.

According to review on the financial statements and information obtained

during due diligence, several adjustments are required as follows:

 Long-term debt with accrued interest of 6% annually

Four years ago received $250,000,
Accrued expense and liability $250,000 X 1.06 4 = $315,619
Recommendation: Purchase price should be reduced by $315,619 – $250,000 =
$ 65619
 Rewards program
Under ASPE, DNS uses Expense Approach to record its rewards program, under year
end, it should adjust entry to recognize the remaining expense and estimated liability
for outstanding premiums at the end of the period.

Total bottles sold during the period: 105455

 Total bottles with “free bottle of water”: 10546 (105455 X 10%)
Bottles redeemed: 4556
Estimated future redemption: 5990
Cost of estimated redemption outstanding: 5990 X $0.75 = $ 4493

Adjusted Entry:
Dr. Premium Expense 4493
Cr. Estimated Liability for Premiums 4493
Recommendation: Purchase price should be reduced by $4493
 Capital assets Appraise
Capital assets are appraised at $485,000. ASPE allows the fair value option for all
financial instruments as long as the amount valued is reliable. The new price of
$485,000 is appraised by an independent, qualified third party, so this value can be
treated as the fair value of the assets.
$485,000 -$455,775 = $29,225
Recommendation: Purchase price should be increase by $29,225
 Preferred Shares retained
The preferred shares shall be retained by the current owners DNS, so this part should be
exclude from the purchase of the common shares. Under ASPE, value of preferred
shares should be recorded at its book value:
$10 x 500 = $5000
Recommendation: Purchase price should be reduced by $5,000
 Guarantee/commitment
DNS has provided a guarantee on $50,000 debt for a related company. Under ASPE,
such financial guarantee fall under the loss contingence stands, which is “loss likely and
amount reasonably estimated”. As there is only a 10% chance that the debt may be
insolvent, so no need to accrue the guarantee.
 Contingencies
1. DNS is being sued by a former employee, and legal suggests it is 50% of paying
$20,000 and 50% of paying $10,000. Under ASPE, a liability incurred as a result of a loss
contingency is a contingent liability. To determine whether a liability should be
 recorded, the following is evaluated: the time period in which the underlying cause of
action occurred; the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome; the ability to reasonably
estimate the loss. DNS can accrue $10,000 contingency loss.
Recommendation: Purchase price should be reduced by $10,000
2. DNS is suing a competitor and legal counsel suggests that it is very likely that DNS
will be awarded a settlement of $25,000. Under ASPE, gain contingencies are not
recorded in the accounts. So DNS would certainly ask any potential buyer to pay for
this contingency gain.
Recommendation: Purchase price should be increase by $25,000

Conclusion

Based on the above analysis, the purchased price of DNS common shares should be: $225,790 –
$65,619 - $4493 + $29,225 - $5,000 - $10,000 + $25,000 = $194,903