Implementing replacement cost accounting

Abstract

This thesis examines the methods proposed and employed to recognize the effects of inflation in financial reporting. A brief discussion of the development of valuation theory is presented and the principal alternatives to the present historic cost based method are described. The development of specific inflation accounting proposals and methods is described. The proposals for general price-level adjusted financial statements by the accounting profession are identified, and emphasis is given to the description of the replacement cost methods adopted by the governments in the United States and England. Specific methods of developing replacement costs in compliance with existing regulation are analyzed. The implementation and impact of replacement costing on a firm is described and possible alternatives to the specific method employed are explored. Conclusions are drawn as to the value of the replacement cost financial data, and opinions are offered concerning appropriate valuation methods.