Canada Steel Co. produces steel casting and metal fabrications for sale to manufacturers of heavy construction machinery and agricultural equipment. Early in Year 3, the company's president sent the following memorandum to the financial vice president:

TO: Robert Kinkaid, Financial Vice President

FROM: Richard Johnson, President

SUBJECT: Accounting and Finance Policies

Fiscal Year 2 was a difficult year for us, and the recession is likely to continue in Year 3. While the entire industry is suffering we might be hurting our performance unnecessarily with accounting and business policies that are not appropriate. Specifically:

1) We depreciate most fixed assets (foundry equipment) over their estimated useful lives on the "tonnage of production" method. Accelerated methods and shorter lives are used for income tax purposes. A switch to straight-line for financial reporting purposes could a) eliminate deferred tax liability on our balance sheet and b) leverage our profits if business picks up in Year 4.

2) Several years ago you convinced me to change from FIFO to LIFO inventory method. Since inflation is now down to a 4% annual rate, and balance sheet strength is important in our current environment, I estimate we can increase shareholders' equity by about $2 million, working capital by $4 million, and Year 3 earnings by $0.5 million if we return to FIFO in Year 3. This adjustment is real- these profits were earned by us over the past several years and should be recognized.

3) If we make the inventory change, our stock repurchase program can be continued. The same shareholder who sold us 50,000 shares last year at $100 per share would like to sell another 20,000 shares at the same price. However, to obtain additional bank financing, we must maintain the current ratio at 3:1 or better. It seems prudent to decrease our capitalization if return is unsatisfactory and our industry is declining. Also, interest rates are lower (11%) and we can save $60,000 after taxes annually once our $3.00 per share dividend is resumed.

These actions would favorably affect our profitability and liquidity ratios as shown in the pro forma income statement and balance sheet data for Year 3 ($ millions)

REQUIRED

Assume you are Robert Kinkaid, the financial vice president. Appraise the president's rationale for each of the proposals. You should place special emphasis on how each accounting or business decision affects earnings quality. Support your response with ratio analysis.

Include what other things influence the decision you take. What other things if you were to find out would alter your decision-making and how? What is the best manner to convey this information to others relying on it