Question

On January 1, 2021, David Mest Communications granted restricted stock units (RSUs) representing 30 million of its $1 par common shares to executives, subject to forfeiture if employment is terminated within three years. After the recipients of the RSUs satisfy the vesting requirement, the company will distribute the shares. The common shares had a market price of $15 per share on the grant date. At the date of grant, Mest anticipated that 7% of the recipients would leave the firm prior to vesting. On January 1, 2022, 6% of the RSUs are forfeited due to executive turnover. Mest chooses the option to account for forfeitures when they actually occur.

Answer 1

Answer:

1. December 31, 2018

Dr Compensation expense $150 million

Cr Paid-in capital - restricted stock $150 million

2. December 31, 2019

Dr Compensation expense $132 million

Cr Paid-in capital - restricted stock $132 million

3. December 31, 2020

Dr Compensation expense $141 million

Cr Paid-in capital-restricted stock $141 million

Explanation:

1. to 3. Preparation of the appropriate journal entry to record compensation expense on December 31, 2018. December 31, 2019. and December 31, 2020

1. Preparation of the appropriate journal entry to record compensation expense on December 31, 2018

First step is to determine the Total compensation expense

Total compensation =$15 per share x 30 million options granted = $450 million total comp.

1.Preparation of the appropriate journal entry to record compensation expense on December 31, 2018

December 31, 2018

Dr Compensation expense $150 million

($450 million/3 years )

Cr Paid-in capital - restricted stock $150 million

(To record compensation expense)

2. Preparation of the appropriate journal entry to record compensation expense on December 31, 2019

December 31, 2019

Dr Compensation expense $132 million

[($450 million*94%*(2/3))-$150 million]

(100%-6%=94%)

Cr Paid-in capital - restricted stock $132 million

(To record compensation expense)

3. Preparation of the appropriate journal entry to record compensation expense on December 31, 2020

December 31, 2020

Dr Compensation expense $141 million

[($450 million*94%)-$150 million -$132 million]

Cr Paid-in capital-restricted stock $141 million

(To record compensation expense)