Final answer:
To compute Flyair's depreciation on the plane for the year ended December 31, 2015, we need to use the straight-line method, units-of-production method, and double-declining-balance method. The straight-line method spreads the depreciation expense evenly over the useful life of the plane, resulting in the lowest expense and highest net income. The double-declining-balance method accelerates the depreciation expense in the early years, resulting in the highest expense and lowest net income.
Step-by-step explanation:
To compute Flyair's depreciation on the plane for the year ended December 31, 2015, we need to use the straight-line method, units-of-production method, and double-declining-balance method.
Straight-Line Method:
The straight-line method depreciates an asset evenly over its useful life. In this case, the useful life of the plane is 4 years, so the annual depreciation expense would be calculated as:
Depreciation Expense = (Cost - Residual Value) / Useful Life = (€45,000,000 - €6,000,000) / 4 = €9,750,000
Units-of-Production Method:
The units-of-production method calculates depreciation based on the actual usage or mileage of the plane. Given that Flyair flew the plane 350,000 miles in 2017, we can calculate the depreciation expense for the year:
Depreciation Expense = (Cost - Residual Value) / Total Estimated Miles * Miles Flown = (€45,000,000 - €6,000,000) / 4,000,000 * 350,000 = €9,187,500
Double-Declining-Balance Method:
The double-declining-balance method accelerates depreciation in the early years of an asset's life. The annual depreciation rate for this method is calculated as double the straight-line rate, which is 100% / Useful Life. For this plane, the annual depreciation rate would be 100% / 4 = 25%. Applying this rate to the net book value each year, we can calculate the depreciation expense for 2015:
Depreciation Expense = Net Book Value at the Start of the Year * Depreciation Rate = (Cost - Accumulated Depreciation) * Depreciation Rate = (€45,000,000 - 0) * 25% = €11,250,000
The method that produces the highest net income for 2015 is the straight-line method. This is because it spreads the depreciation expense evenly over the useful life of the plane, resulting in a lower expense compared to the units-of-production method and double-declining-balance method.
The method that produces the lowest net income for 2015 is the double-declining-balance method. This is because it accelerates the depreciation expense in the early years, resulting in a higher expense compared to the straight-line method and units-of-production method.