EX 10-7 Nature of depreciation

Butte Ironworks Co. reported $7,500,000 for equipment and $6,175,000 for accumulated depreciation—equipment on its balance sheet.

Does this mean (a) that the replacement cost of the equipment is $7,500,000 and (b) that $6,175,000 is set aside in a special fund for the replacement of the equipment? Explain.

Answer:
a. No. The $7,500,000 represents the original cost of the equipment. Its replacement cost, which may be more or less than $7,500,000, is not reported in the financial statements.
b. No. The $6,175,000 is the accumulation of the past depreciation charges on the equipment. The recognition of depreciation expense has no relationship to the cash account or accumulation of cash funds.

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