Derivatives: Accounting for Forward Contracts

Candra Christensen Cuisine operates a chain of fine seafood restaurants. The company makes very detailed long-term planning. On October 1, 2013, Candra Christensen determined that it would need to purchase 800,000 pounds of New England lobster on January 1, 2015. Because of the fluctuations in the price of New England lobster, on October 1 the company negotiated a special forward contract with Lisa Investment Bank for Candra Christensen to purchase 800,000 pounds of New England lobster on January 1, 2015, at a price of $9,600,000. The price of New England lobster was $12 per pound on October 1. Lisa Investment Bank has a staff of financial analysts who specialize in forecasting lobster prices. These analysts are predicting a drop in worldwide lobster prices between October 1, 2013, and January 1, 2015.

On December 31, 2013, the price of a pound of New England lobster is $15. On December 31, 2014, the price of a pound of New England lobster is $9. The appropriate discount rate throughout this period is 10%.

Make the journal entry necessary on Candra Christensen's books in 2014 to record the forward contract and the purchase of the lobster. For purposes of estimating future settlement payments under the forward contract, assume that the current price of lobster is the best forecast of the future price. Round your answers to the nearest whole dollar.