1) The Peidmont Computer Company has brought legal action against ATC Corporation for alleged monopolistic practices in the development of software. The claim has been pending for two years, with both sides accumulating evidence to support their position. The case is now ready for trial. ATC corporation has offered to settle out of court for $500,000, but Piedmont is asking for $5,000,000. If financial statements must be issued prior to the court action, how should ATC reflect this contingent claim?

2) Flexisoft Company has had excellent success in developing business software for computers. Management has followed the accounting practice of deferring the research costs for the software until sufficient sales have developed to cover the software cost. Because of past successes, management believes it is improper to charge software research costs directly to expense as current GAAP requires.What are the pros and cons of immediately deferring or expensing these research cost?