To summarize, the need for service potential adjustments depends upon the technology of the reference assets used in determining current cost. They are not needed if a company that was deprived of an asset would replace it with either new or used assets with the older technology in use. Often, however, acquisition of assets incorporating technological advances would be appropriate. If the estimation of current costs is based on newer technology assets. Statement 33 states that one or more of the aforementioned types of service potential adjustments may be required. The need for service potential adjustments, therefore, depends on management intention determined in a hypothetical capital investment decision.
After estimating the current cost to replace the service potential of an asset owned, a write down to a lower recoverable amount may be necessary. Statement 33 (para. 22) defines current cost accounting as: "A method of measuring and reporting assets and expenses associated with the use or sale of assets, at their current cost or lower recoverable amount at the balance sheet date or at the date of use or sale." In determining lower recoverable amount, any property, plant, or equipment that management intends to sell should be written down to net realizable value (selling price less any commissions, taxes, or other costs of the sale). For items not intended for sale, lower recoverable amount is an estimate of the net present value of future cash flows from use of the asset.