Samson Corporation is preparing its December 31, 2017 statement of financial position. The following items may be reported as either current or long-term liabilities:
1. On December 15, 2017, Samson declared a cash dividend of $1.50 per common share to shareholders of record on December 31. The dividend is payable on January 15, 2018. Samson has issued one million common shares.
2. Also, on December 31, Samson declared a 10% stock dividend to shareholders of record on January 15, 2018. The dividend will be distributed on January 31, 2018. Samson's common shares have a market value of $54 per share.
3. At December 31, bonds payable of $100 million is outstanding. The bonds pay 7% interest every September 30 and mature in installments of $25 million every September 30, beginning on September 30, 2018.
4. At December 31, 2016, customer advances were $12 million. During 2017, Samson collected $40 million in customer advances, and advances of $25 million were earned.
5. At December 31, 2017, Samson has an operating line of credit with a balance of $3.5 million outstanding. For several years now, Samson has successfully met all the conditions of this bank loan. If Samson defaults on any of the loan conditions in any way, the bank has the right to demand payment of the loan.
6. Samson is contingently liable for a bank loan in the amount of $10 million of its associated company, DD Ross Ltd. Samson has guaranteed the bank that should DD Ross default on the loan or any outstanding interest payable, Samson will have to pay any and all outstanding balances. DD Ross Ltd. is in excellent financial position and shows no signs of defaulting on the terms of the bank loan.
Instructions
(a) For each item above, indicate the dollar amounts to be reported as a current liability and as a long-term liability, if any.
(b) Referring to the definition of a liability (discussed in Chapter 2), explain the accounting treatment of item 4 above.
(c) Can you think of a reason why Samson would be willing to guarantee the bank loan of its associate, DD Ross Ltd.? What possible benefit could this burden bring Samson?