The current rate method is undeniably useful for the translation of financial statements based on current values or pricelevel adjusted accounting measures.
The current rate method, as defined here, translates all accounts at the current rate and includes the translation gain or loss in income.
Net translation impacts other comprehensive income under the
current rate method and the income statement directly under remeasurement.
The new pronouncement requires the use of the current rate method and the exclusion of translation adjustments from income when a foreign subsidiary uses a foreign currency as its functional currency.
In general, appreciation (depreciation) of the local currency results in an increase (decrease) in the book value of net assets under the current rate method and a positive (negative) foreign translation adjustment, suggesting an increase (decrease) in firm value.
While it requires different translation methods in various circumstances, financial statements of most typical parent-foreign subsidiary arrangements are translated using the
current rate method.
The Canadian dollar is the functional currency of the Company's Canadian operations, which are translated to United States dollars using the
current rate method.
When the functional currency is the foreign currency, the
current rate method is the approach mandated by SFAS 52.
The British Pound is the functional currency of the Company's UK operations, which are translated to United States dollars using the current rate method.
The Hong Kong Dollar is the functional currency of the Company's Hong Kong operations, which are translated to United States dollars using the current rate method.
Accordingly, effective June 1, 2002, the Corporation applied the
current rate method to account for the translation of the accounts of Fernau.
Where the
current rate method is used, the unrealized translation gains and losses on the Company's net investment in these operations, including long-term intercompany advances, are accumulated in a separate component of shareholders' equity, described in the consolidated balance sheet as cumulative translation adjustment.
