Chapter 9
Foreign currency transactions and
Hedging foreign exchange risk

Answers to Questions

1. Under the two-transaction perspective, an export sale (import purchase) and the subsequent collection (payment) of cash are treated as two separate transactions to be accounted for separately. The idea is that management has made two decisions: (1) to make the export sale (import purchase), and (2) to extend credit in foreign currency to the foreign customer (obtain credit from the foreign supplier). The income effect from each of these decisions should be reported separately.

2. Foreign currency receivables resulting from export sales are revalued at the end of accounting periods using the current spot rate. An increase in the value of a receivable will be offset by reporting a foreign exchange gain in net income, and a decrease will be offset by a foreign exchange loss. Foreign exchange gains and losses are accrued even though they have not yet been realized.

3. Foreign exchange gains and losses are created by two factors: having foreign currency exposures (foreign currency receivables and payables) and changes in exchange rates. Appreciation of the foreign currency will generate foreign exchange gains on receivables and foreign exchange losses on payables. Depreciation of the foreign currency will generate foreign exchange losses on receivables and foreign exchange gains on payables.

4. Hedging is the process of eliminating exposure to foreign exchange risk so as to avoid potential losses from fluctuations in exchange rates. In addition to avoiding possible losses, companies hedge foreign currency transactions and commitments to introduce an element of certainty into the future cash flows resulting from foreign currency activities. Hedging involves establishing a price today at which foreign currency can be sold or purchased at a future date.