Going concern is one the fundamental assumptions in
accounting on the basis of which financial statements are prepared. Financial
statements are prepared assuming that a business entity will continue to
operate in the foreseeable future without the need or intention on the part of
management to liquidate the entity or to significantly curtail its operational
activities. Therefore, it is assumed that the entity will realize its assets
and settle its obligations in the normal course of the business.
It is the responsibility of the management of a company to
determine whether the going concern assumption is appropriate in the
preparation of financial statements. If the going concern assumption is
considered by the management to be invalid, the financial statements of the
entity would need to be prepared on break up basis. This means that assets will
be recognized at amount which is expected to be realized from its sale (net of
selling costs) rather than from its continuing use in the ordinary course of
the business. Assets are valued for their individual worth rather than their
value as a combined unit. Liabilities shall be recognized at amounts that are
likely to be settled.
What are possible indications of going concern problems?
◾Deteriorating liquidity position
of a company not backed by sufficient financing arrangements.
◾High financial risk arising from
increased gearing level rendering the company vulnerable to delays in payment
of interest and loan principle.
◾Significant trading losses bieng
incurred for several years. Profitability of a company is essential for its
survival in the long term.
◾Aggressive growth strategy not
backed by sufficient finance which ultimately leads to over trading.
◾Increasing level of short term
borrowing and overdraft not supported by increase in business.
◾Inability of the company to
maintain liquidity ratios as defined in the loan covenants.
◾Serious litigations faced by a
company which does not have the financial strength to pay the possible settlement.
◾Inability of a company to
develop a new range of commercially successful products. Innovation is often
said to be the key to the long-term stability of any company.
◾ Bankruptcy of a major customer
of the company.
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