Fiat College Essay Example
Fiat College Essay Example

Fiat College Essay Example

Available Only on StudyHippo
  • Pages: 2 (530 words)
  • Published: October 15, 2016
  • Type: Essay
View Entire Sample
Text preview

What sets apart the two methods are their characteristics.

Substance over form is an important concept in accounting. A good example of this is the recognition of revenue.

An example of reduced flexibility is the recognition of R&D cost.

In the fiscal year 2005, management's reporting incentives and strategy are influenced by various factors that contribute to greater transparency.

Fiat heavily depends on research and development to create new car models for all their brands. This includes focusing on creativity, style, innovation, and new technology.

Sales are crucial for Fiat, and it is essential for them to implement accounting policies that portray sales in the most favorable manner. The adoption of IFRS affects key accounting policies, particularly revenue recognition for sales with a buy-b

...

ack commitment. Under Italian GAAP, management's compliance with IFRS may be reduced. In addition, Fiat's key accounting policies regarding development (R;D) costs allow for the option of capitalizing them or charging them to operations when incurred.

Under the Italian GAAP, Fiat had the choice of two options, highlighting the greater flexibility in development costs. However, the new IFRS mandated that Fiat capitalize and amortize research and development costs. As a result, intangible assets increased by 2,499 million euros as of Dec 31st, 2004. Under Italian GAAP, Fiat recognized revenue from product sales when title passed to the customer, typically upon shipment.

IFRS requires the establishment of a reserve for future risks and charges for vehicle sales contracts with buy-back commitments. These contracts do not meet the criteria for recognizing revenue because the buyer may not assume the significant risks and rewards of

View entire sample
Join StudyHippo to see entire essay

owning the goods.

The adoption of IFRS led to a 1,106 million increase in tangible assets by December 31, 2004. This change affected various accounting policies, including the treatment of sales of receivables. Previously, under Italian GAAP, all receivables sold through securitization or factoring transactions were removed from the company's records. However, with the implementation of IFRS, if there is a controlling entity indicated by their relationship's substance, an SPE (Special Purpose Entity security vehicle) must be consolidated. As a result, all securitization transactions have been reversed.

The de-recognition of a financial asset under IAS 39 can only happen if there is a significant transfer of risks and rewards of ownership, which leads to an increase in trade and financial receivables, as well as financial debt balances. This results in a deteriorated net debt on the balance sheet. By adopting IFRS, Fiat allows minority investors to have better access to information about the company's economic performance. The implementation of IFRS enhances transparency in management and transactions, instilling confidence among minority investors and generating positive market expectations. Furthermore, other competitors such as Peugeot and Volkswagen are also following the global trend of adopting IFRS.

Investors will gain insight into the performance of Fiat and its competitors. They will witness collaborative efforts resulting in successful resolutions for major strategies and financial issues, consequently improving key financial indicators. It is important to mention that Fiat lacks innovation and has not introduced any new car models. Additionally, the ongoing economic slowdown in Europe remains a challenge. Lastly, there has been an endeavor to diversify into unrelated industries.

Get an explanation on any task
Get unstuck with the help of our AI assistant in seconds
New