ABSTRACT
Based on a Big 4 real estate audit partner's client, this case introduces graduate research and advanced financial accounting students to acquisition accounting under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), provides a perspective on real estate investment trusts (REITs), and requires analyzing a U.S. versus Canadian (Ontario) initial public offering (IPO). Students list U.S. and Canadian advantages and disadvantages of REITs, record a portfolio purchase, prepare U.S. GAAP and IFRS balance sheets in order to grasp major REIT reporting differences, contrast the key provisions between U.S. and Canadian (Ontario) securities commissions' IPO reporting, and consider ongoing securities commissions' reporting options. Finally, students will recommend whether the IPO should be issued in the U.S. or Canada. Completing the case helps students: (1) grasp U.S. GAAP and IFRS acquisition accounting methods and different REIT presentations; and (2) recognize that the country selected for the IPO depends upon the issuer's circumstances and preferences.
