THE JOURNEY FROM HISTORICAL COST ACCOUNTING TO FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING: THE CASE OF ACQUISITION COSTS Sheldon R. Smith, Accounting Department, Woodbury School of Business, Utah Valley University, 800 W. University Parkway, Orem, UT 84058, 801-863-6153,
[email protected] Kevin R. Smith, Accounting Department, Woodbury School of Business, Utah Valley University, 800 W. University Parkway, Orem, UT 84058, 801-863-8859,
[email protected] ABSTRACT This paper discusses the evolution from historical cost accounting to fair value accounting and the corresponding change in the treatment of costs to acquire investment securities. The history of the movement from capitalizing acquisition costs to expensing these costs is documented. A discussion of the implications of these changes is also provided. INTRODUCTION For many years, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) placed more emphasis on historical cost accounting than on fair value accounting. However, there have been efforts over time to move toward some fair value reporting. In the last two decades, fair value accounting has made great strides in GAAP. In 1993, Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115 was issued which allowed for fair value accounting for certain investments in debt and equity securities. Any investments classified as either trading securities or available for sale securities are adjusted to fair value with a market adjustment at the end of each period. In 2007, SFAS No. 159 was issued. This statement allows reporting entities the option of measuring most financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Traditionally, transaction costs paid in the acquisition of investment assets were capitalized as part of the investment cost.