Problem
On January 3, 2009, Acme Corp. owned a machine that had cost $300,000. The accumulated depreciation was $180,000, estimated salvage value was $18,000, and fair market value was $480,000. On January 4, 2009, this machine was irreparably damaged by Reed Corp. and became worthless. In October 2009, a court awarded damages of $480,000 against Reed in favor of Acme. At December 31, 2009, the final outcome of this case was awaiting appeal and was, therefore, uncertain. However, in the opinion of Acme's attorney, Reed's appeal will be denied. As of December 31, 2009, do we have a loss contingency, a gain contingency, or both? How should this be accounted for in the financial statements? Be sure to use the requirements of Codification Section 450 (FASB 5) to explain your answer.