Accounting theory and practice, Volume 2 (of 3) : a textbook for colleges and…
Chapter XI.
579 words | Chapter 66
(e) Insurance Method
This method of carrying the depreciation charge is analogous to the
policy practiced by some concerns of taking care of their fire losses
by carrying their own insurance. If physical conditions are such
as to make such a policy advisable or prudent, it should work out
satisfactorily. It should be noted, however, that the insurance method
is a means of providing funds for financing replacements and renewals
rather than a method of insuring an equitable distribution of the
depreciation cost over the product. The method of providing funds does
not need to be the same as the method of measuring the periodic cost of
depreciation. The insurance method serves the former purpose but is not
well adapted to the latter. Much of the criticism of the sinking fund
method is here applicable.
(f) Percentage of Gross Earnings Method
Measuring periodic depreciation as a percentage of the period’s gross
earnings is a convenient and fairly satisfactory method under some
conditions. If the principal element is wear and tear—a service factor
rather than a time factor—output may have a very direct relation to
gross earnings. If the commodity dealt in is a standardized product
and its price does not fluctuate to any extent or, better still, is
fixed, gross earnings will be a very fair measure of output. It is
true that the estimate is based on a sales valuation of output rather
than its cost of manufacture, but under some conditions this is a good
measure of relative output as between periods. A depreciation charge
based on gross earnings may thus give an equitable distribution of the
depreciation burden. In the case of public utilities, when the price of
the commodity or service dealt in is fixed, an estimate based on gross
earnings usually gives satisfactory results where used. In applying
the method, the expected earnings during the composite life-period
of the plant are estimated and depreciation costs are then prorated
over periods on the basis of earnings for the period as compared with
total earnings for the composite life-period; or more simply, a fixed
percentage based on past experience can be applied to the earnings
of each period. Some objections to the method, arising in some cases
from a misunderstanding of its operation, were pointed out when an
explanation of its working was given.
In some cases gross earnings bear no relation, or only the remotest, to
the quantity of output or the units of service rendered. A depreciation
estimate based on earnings would not in that case be logical and could
not give satisfactory results.
From the above discussion of some of the merits and shortcomings of
the various methods, the cogency of the introductory remarks, to the
effect that no method of measuring depreciation can serve as a panacea,
should be appreciated. Every depreciation problem is more or less an
individual problem; sweeping generalities will not serve.
Effect on Return on Investment
Many interesting studies have been made of the effect of some of the
above methods on stability of income as between periods and their
effect on the return of the investment, using hypothetical data as
to the earnings of the depreciating asset. Except for the purpose of
fixing rates in the case of public service corporations, where the
public has an interest because of the monopoly granted, stability of
income should be subordinated to the fact of depreciation and not serve
as a test of the merit or demerit of a method.
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