Question

On June 19, Don Co., a U.S. company, sold and delivered merchandise on a 30-day account to Cologne GmbH, a German corporation, for 200,000 euros. On July 19, Cologne paid Don in full. Relevant currency exchange rates were:
June 19 July 19
Spot rate $.988 $.995
30-day forward rate .990 1.000
What amount should Don record on June 19 as an account receivable for its sale to Cologne?
a. $197,600
b. $198,000
c. $199,000
d. $200,000

Answer 1

Answer: $197,600

Explanation: Don Co is making a sale to Cologne GmbH and on the date of the transaction there is an exchange rate called the spot rate. Don Co will record in its books the value of the transaction on the set date at the spot rate which is:

200,000 euros @ .988

= $197,600

on the date of the settlement of the debt by Cologne GmbH, the spot rate is also considered which will be 200,000@ .995 = $199,000

Note that on the payment date, the exchange rate has gone up and now Don Co has a higher receivable value that what is in its book.

the difference of $1,400 ($199,000-$197,600) will now be noted in the books of Don Co as an exchange gain on the transaction.