6.5 Changes to Historical Classification
In certain instances, an entity may elect to change its historical classification of certain items in the statement of cash flows. We do not believe that such a change in classification would represent a change in accounting principle as defined in ASC 250 if the entity is able to conclude that both the previous classification and the new classification are acceptable under GAAP. Instead, the change should be viewed as a change from one acceptable presentation to another acceptable presentation in accordance with ASC 230. Further, an entity should retrospectively apply the revised classification for each year presented in the financial statements and include appropriate disclosure of the change.
Conversely, a change to an entity’s policy for determining which items are treated as cash equivalents represents a change in accounting principle for which the entity must demonstrate preferability in accordance with ASC 250 (see Section 4.1 regarding the definition of cash and cash equivalents).
Example 6-11
Entity A has decided to change the approach it uses for presentation in its statement of cash flows in the current year from the direct method to the indirect method, since management considers presentation under the indirect method to be more informative and readily understandable by financial statement users.
Both the direct method and the indirect method are acceptable under U.S. GAAP, and the change is considered to be a change in presentation, which is analogous to a reclassification. Entity A will retroactively reclassify the statement of cash flows presented and disclose the reclassification in the notes to the financial statements.