Consolidations

Question 1

When is the fair value method used for recording interest in a separate company?

Answer 1

20% Ownership or Less

Accounted for as a purchase

If amount paid is less than fair value; results in a gain in current period

Question 2

When is the equity method used when purchasing another company’s stock? How is it recorded?

Answer 2

Ownership 21% to 50%

Gives significant influence

Purchase Price - Par Value : Goodwill

Dividends received from the investee reduce the investment account and are not income

Question 3

When are companies required to file consolidated financials? How is it recorded?

Answer 3

Ownership of other company is greater than 50%

Investment account is eliminated

Only parent company prepares consolidated statements; not subsidiary.

Acquired assets/liabilities are recorded at Fair Value on acquisition date.

Eliminating entries for inter-company sales of inventory & PPE; also inter-company investments

Question 4

When is consolidation not required?

Answer 4

Ownership less than 50%

OR

Majority owner does not control - i.e. bankruptcy or foreign bureaucracy

Question 5

What occurs under a step acquisition?

Answer 5

Acquirer held previous shares accounted for under Fair Value Method or Equity Method; and are now re-valued to Fair Value

Results in a Gain or Loss in current period

Question 6

What is the difference between an acquisition and a merger?

Answer 6

Acquired companies continue to exist as a legal entity - their books are just consolidated with the parent company in the parent’s financial statements

Merged companies cease to exist and only the parent remains

Question 7

How are acquisition costs recorded in a merger?

Answer 7

Expensed in period incurred - i.e. NOT capitalized:
Accounting; Legal; Valuation; Consulting; Professional

Netted against stock proceeds:
Stock registration and issuance costs

Question 8

Under the Equity Method, how are liquidating dividends accounted for?

Answer 8

As a return of capital, reducing the investment account carrying value balance.

Question 9

How is revenue recognized when ownership goes from 20%+ using the Equity Method, to <20% using the cost method?

Answer 9

Revenues are recognized during the Equity Method period as the ownership % of net income, and during the Cost Method period as the amount of dividend received.