Question

The following happened in a recent M&A transaction:

PP&E of the target company was increased from its original book basis of $650 million to $800 million to reflect fair market value for book purposes in accordance with the purchase method of accounting.
No "step-up" for tax purposes
Original tax basis of $650 million
Assuming a corporate tax rate of 35%, for book purposes, the company should record the following:
A. A deferred tax liability equal to $280 million
B. A deferred tax asset equal to $280 million
C. A deferred tax liability equal to $52.5 million
D. A deferred tax asset equal to $52.5 million

Answer 1

Answer: D. A deferred tax asset equal to $52.5 million

Step-by-step explanation:

Original book basis of PP&E = $650 million

Fair market value = $800 million

Then, we calculate the difference between the fair market value and the original book value which will be:

= $800 million - $650 million

= $150 million

Then, the deferred tax liabilities will be:

= 35% × $150 million

= $ 52.5 million

Therefore, assuming a corporate tax rate of 35% for book purposes, the company should record a deferred tax asset equal to $52.5 million.