Question

You are comparing two companies in the same industry. You have determined that Gore Corp. depreciates its plant assets over a 40-year life, whereas Ross Corp. depreciates its plant assets over a 20-year life. Discuss the implications this has for comparing the results of the two companies.

Answer 1

Answer:

Gore Corp. is depreciating over a longer term than Ross Corp. This means that on a yearly basis, they will have less depreciation expenses. This would give them a higher net income than Ross Corp but as a result they will then have to pay a higher tax.

Ross Corp on the other hand will be depreciating over a shorter term so this would mean that they are recognizing a higher depreciation expense per year. This would mean that their net income will be lower and by extension their taxes will be lower as well.