Accounting theory and practice, Volume 2 (of 3) : a textbook for colleges and…
3. For the fixed assets, the principle of valuation generally
515 words | Chapter 33
applicable may be stated as valuation on the basis of cost less
depreciation. This group of assets represents the properties held for
operating and without which operation could not continue. They are the
very essence of the enterprise. Disposal of them would mean abandonment
of the undertaking. Hence they are not held for realization and
conversion into cash, and in a going concern market value has no effect
on them. To a going concern they are worth at any time what they cost
less the portion used up in operations to date. Therefore valuation at
cost less depreciation is the proper basis for showing the fixed assets
in the balance sheet.
Valuation of Liability Items
To the liability items of the balance sheet, principles of valuation
are not directly applicable as such, except so far as content or
inclusion and measure of quantity or amount may be said to embody
considerations of valuation.
Over- and Under-Valuation
The need for correct valuations requires no comment and can best be
appreciated as compared with the effects of over- and undervaluations.
Particularly bad and harmful is overvaluation of the assets and
undervaluation of the liabilities. The use of the balance sheet as
an index of financial condition makes apparent the harm of wrongful
content or valuation of the items entering into it.
The Balance Sheet an Expression of Opinion
It is thus seen that the main problem in connection with the
presentation of a true balance sheet is a problem in valuation and
content rather than form. From what has been said it will be evident
that valuation in the vast majority of cases is not an exact science—a
process of definite determination. Rather, from the nature of the data
to be handled and the principles of valuation given as applicable
to the various groups of data, valuation must almost always be an
estimate. The determination of the value of the elements of cost,
the proper differentiation between capital and revenue charges, and
finally the calculation of the amount of depreciation necessary to
the valuation of fixed assets—all are estimates. It is true, they are
estimates based on experience, but, from their nature and the influence
of local conditions in a given case, no universally applicable law of
experience can be formulated. It is safe to say that two men would
seldom, if ever, arrive at the same estimate of the values of given
assets. Accordingly the conclusion is reached that a balance sheet
is not a statement of fact but always an expression of opinion. If
estimates are carefully made in the light of all available facts
applicable thereto, the expression of opinion in the balance sheet will
approximate as nearly as may be to a statement of fact.
Because depreciation plays so important a part in making these
estimates, it seems necessary, before setting forth the detailed
application of the principles of valuation to the various assets, to
devote several chapters to a full discussion of the subject, chiefly
as it is related to the problem of valuation but also in some of its
correlated aspects.
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