Question

On January 1, 2012, Sunland Company issued $18000000 of 8% ten-year bonds at 103. The bonds are callable at the option of Sunland at 105. Sunland has recorded amortization of the bond premium on the straight-line method (which was not materially different from the effective-interest method). On December 31, 2018, when the fair value of the bonds was 96, Sunland repurchased $4020000 of the bonds in the open market at 96. Sunland has recorded interest and amortization for 2018. Ignoring income taxes and assuming that the gain is material, Sunland should report this reacquisition as

Answer 1

Based on the information provided, Sunland Company should report the reacquisition of the bonds as an extinguishment or retirement of debt.

When a company repurchases its own bonds before their maturity date, it is considered an extinguishment of debt. In this case, Sunland repurchased $4,020,000 worth of bonds at 96% of their face value, which indicates a discount from the face value of the bonds.

To properly report the reacquisition, Sunland should record the following:

1. Retirement of Bonds Payable: Debit the Bonds Payable account by the face value of the bonds repurchased, which is $4,020,000.
2. Gain on Extinguishment of Debt: Credit the Gain on Extinguishment of Debt account for the difference between the carrying amount of the bonds ($4,020,000 * 96%) and their recorded value on the books.
3. Cash: Credit the Cash account for the amount paid to repurchase the bonds, which is $4,020,000.

It's important to note that the gain or loss on extinguishment of debt should be reported separately on the income statement, typically as a non-operating item. Additionally, the amortization of the bond premium and interest expense should also be recorded, as mentioned in the provided information.