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The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments

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Chapter 1: The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments

1. There are three ways that a company may account for its investments in other companies. The method of accounting is determined by the degree of influence or control that the investor has over the investee:

Criterion Ownership Level Accounting Method
Inability to significantly influence Less than 20% Fair value or cost
Ability to significantly influence 20% - 50% Equity method or fair value
Control (through voting power) More than 50% Consolidated financial statements
Control (through variable interests) Primary beneficiary status (no ownership required) Consolidated financial statements

2. The Fair-Value method is used for all equity investments in which the investor does not have the ability to significantly influence the investee. These investments are recorded at cost and periodically adjusted to fair value (i.e., market values). The basic principles are:
1) initial investments in equities are recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted to fair value if fair value is readily determinable; otherwise, the investment remains at cost.
2) equity securities held for sale in the short term are classified as trading securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings.
3) equity securities not classified as trading securities are classified as available for sale securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of shareholders’ equity as part of other comprehensive income.
4) dividends received are recognized as income for both trading and available-for-sale securities.

3. The equity method is used for investments where the company is deemed to have “significant influence” over their investment. FASB ASC Topic 323 provides guidance in determining whether an investor has

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