Question

A company is facing a lawsuit from a customer. It is possible, but not probable, that the company will have to pay a settlement that management estimates to be $2,000,000. How would this fact be reported in the financial statements to be issued at the end of the current month?

a. $2,000,000 in the Current Liability section.
b. $2,000,000 in the Long-Term Liability section.
c. In a descriptive narrative in the footnote section.
d. None because disclosure is not required.

Answer 1

c. In a descriptive narrative in the footnote section.

Step-by-step explanation:

Only contingent liabilities that are probable and can be actually estimated must be recorded in the income statement and balance sheet. Contingent liabilities that are only possible, but not probable, must be disclosed in the footnotes of the financial statements. Liabilities that are not possible, nor probable, should not be included anywhere.