Question

Paxton Co. signed contracts for the purchase of raw materials to be executed the following year at a firm price of $5 million. The market price of the materials dropped to $3 million on December 31. What amount should Paxton record as an estimated liability on purchase commitments as of December 31?

Answer 1

Answer:

Accrued Loss on Purchase Commitments $2,000,000

Explanation:

December 31, (recognition of loss on purchase commitments)

• Dr Loss on Purchase Commitments account 2,000,000
• Cr Accrued Loss on Purchase Commitments account 2,000,000

Since the price of raw materials lowered by 2,000,000, the company lost money on its purchase commitments:

Purchase commitments loss = contracted price - market value = $5,000,000 - $3,000,000 = $2,000,000

The loss on purchase commitments is an expense, and accrued loss on purchase commitments is a liability.