In: Accounting
Although the equity method is a generally accepted accounting principle (GAAP), recognition of equity income has been criticized. What theoretical problems can opponents of the equity method identify? What managerial incentives exist that could influence a firm’s percentage ownership interest in another
Answer:-
●The equity method has been criticized because it allows the investor to recognize income that may not be received in any usable form during the foreseeable future.
●Income is being accrued based on the investee's reported earnings, not on the investor's share of investee dividends.
●Frequently, equity income will exceed the investor's share of
investee cash dividends with no assurance that the difference will
ever be forthcoming.
●●Many companies have contractual provisions (e.g., debt covenants,
managerial compensation contracts) based on ratios in the main body
of the financial statements.
●Relative to consolidation, a firm employing the equity method will report smaller values for assets and liabilities.
●Consequently, higher rates of return for its assets and sales, as well as lower debt-to-equity ratios may result.
●Meeting such contractual provisions of may provide managers incentives to maintain technical eligibility for the equity method rather than full consolidation.