medium · Financial Accounting stockholders-equity

A manufacturer of lithium batteries estimates its warranty liability using a 'percentage of sales' approach. In 2026, it increased its estimated warranty rate from 2% to 4% of sales due to new data on cell degradation.

How should this change be reported?

  1. Retrospectively, by restating all prior years presented to the 4% rate.
  2. As a prior period adjustment to correct a previously issued estimate.
  3. As a cumulative-effect adjustment to the beginning balance of Retained Earnings.
  4. Prospectively, by applying the 4% rate to current and future sales with no prior period restatement.

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