Sample Disclosure – Accounting Policy On Construction Contracts (15 Septemeber 2009)

Construction Contracts

Where the outcome of a construction contract can be estimated reliably, revenue and costs are recognised by reference to the stage of completion of the contract activity at the balance sheet date, measured as the physical proportion that contract costs incurred for work performed to date bear to the estimated total contract costs, except where this would not be representative of the stage of completion. Variations in contract work, claims and incentive payments are included to the extent that they have been agreed with the customer.

Where the outcome of a construction contract cannot be estimated reliably, contract revenue is recognised to the extent of contract costs incurred that it is probable will be recoverable. Contract costs are recognised as expenses in the period in which they are incurred.

When it is probable that total contract costs will exceed total contract revenue, the expected loss is recognised as an expense immediately as allowance for foreseeable loss.

When costs incurred on construction contracts plus recognised profits (less recognised losses) exceeds billings to contract customers, the balance is shown as amount due from contract customers. When billings to contract customers exceed costs incurred plus recognised profits (less recognised losses), the balance is shown as amount due to contract customers.