3M Accounting
Case Study

Can We Spend Equity?

Your friend Andrew is looking at purchasing a small business and has come to you for help. Andrew thinks he's found a great value in this business, but he wants you to look at the balance sheet and give your opinion.

The business is being sold for $4000.00. Andrew is attracted to this business because the assets are worth more than the purchase price. In addition, Andrew believes that the business is worth the owner's equity plus the assets.

Analyze the balance sheet presented below, and answer the questions that follow.


Student Internet Service
Balance Sheet
As at October 31, 2009

Assets
Liabilities
Cash$250.00Bank Loan$2,500.00
Accounts Receivable1,500.00Accounts Payable500.00
Equipment2,500.00_______
Furniture750.00Total Liabilities3,000.00
Owner's Equity
Capital$2,000.00
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Total Assets$5,000.00Total L & O.E.$5,000.00
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Questions


1. Comment on Andrew's method of valuation. Is his approach to evaluating the worth of this business sound?

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2. What would be a fair price for this business? Explain how you arrived at this amount.

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