Possible

Definition

In accounting, 'possible' refers to the likelihood of a future event occurring, particularly in relation to contingent liabilities. This term is crucial when assessing whether a company may have an obligation that could potentially affect its financial statements. It helps distinguish between different levels of uncertainty regarding future events, which impacts how such liabilities are reported or disclosed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Possible' suggests that an event has some chance of happening but is less likely than 'probable', influencing how companies report liabilities.
2. In accounting practices, if a contingent liability is classified as possible, it usually requires disclosure in the notes of the financial statements rather than on the balance sheet.
3. The determination of whether a liability is possible involves judgment and assessment of circumstances surrounding the future event.
4. Companies need to evaluate all known factors to decide if a contingent liability falls under the category of possible, probable, or remote.
5. The 'possible' classification helps investors and stakeholders understand potential risks without overstating financial obligations.

Review Questions

• How does classifying a contingent liability as 'possible' affect its treatment in financial statements?
  • 'Possible' classification indicates that the future obligation may arise, necessitating disclosure in the notes rather than direct recognition on the balance sheet. This helps maintain transparency about potential risks without impacting reported earnings. It reflects a prudent approach by management to inform stakeholders about uncertainties that could influence financial health.
• Discuss the implications of distinguishing between 'possible', 'probable', and 'remote' in accounting for contingent liabilities.
  • Differentiating these terms is essential for accurate financial reporting. While 'probable' leads to recognizing a liability on the balance sheet, 'possible' requires disclosure in notes, and 'remote' typically results in no action. This classification impacts how investors perceive a company's risk and financial stability, affecting their investment decisions.
• Evaluate how the treatment of 'possible' contingent liabilities can influence investor perception and decision-making.
  • 'Possible' contingent liabilities provide insight into potential risks that a company may face, influencing investor perceptions about its stability and reliability. Investors might assess the likelihood and impact of these liabilities on future earnings, leading them to either invest cautiously or seek opportunities elsewhere. Transparent reporting of such liabilities fosters trust, while failure to disclose may raise concerns about management's accountability and foresight.

Related terms

Contingent Liability: A potential obligation that may arise depending on the outcome of a future event, such as a lawsuit or warranty claim.

Probable: Refers to a higher likelihood of occurrence than 'possible', often leading to recognition of a liability in financial statements.

Remote: A term used when the chance of an event occurring is extremely low, usually resulting in no liability recognition in financial statements.