In: Accounting
On January 1, 2017, Gillettey Company purchases an investment in Buffalo, Inc., a company whose stock trades over the counter, for $2,700,000, representing 20% of the book value of Buffalo. During the year, Buffalo reports a net income of $942,000 and pays cash dividends of $294,000. The fair value of Buffalo’s stock on December 31, 2017, is $15,000,000. Gillettey has a calendar year-end. a. What amount does Gillettey report on its 2017 balance sheet for its investment in Buffalo, if 20% ownership does not imply any significant influence over Buffalo? b. What amount does Gillettey report on its 2017 balance sheet for its investment in Buffalo, if 20% ownership implies significant influence over Buffalo?
a). If 20% ownership does not imply any significant influence
over Buffalo.
Here we have to use cost method of investment because there is no
significant influence.
In Cost method, first investment is shown at the purchase price and
then there will no change in the value of investment due to
dividend and net Income declared by the investee until then there
will change in fair value of that investment.
As the fair value of Buffalo’s stock on December 31, 2017, is $15,000,000, the amount to be reported by Gillettey on its 2017 balance sheet is the fair value which is $15,000,000.
b). If 20% ownership implies significant influence over
Buffalo.
Here we have to use equity method of investment because of
significant influence. Here we do not change value of investment
due to its fair value instead, it is changed on the basis of
dividend and net income. Dividend received is reduced from the
value of investment and Investment is increased by the share of net
income.
Calculation of amount to be reported in the 2017 balance sheet
by Gillettey.
Investment amount on Jan 1, 2017 = $2,700,000
Less: Dividend share ($294,000 * 20%) = $58,800
Add: Share of Net Income ($942,000 * 20%) = $188,400
Amount to be reported in balance sheet as investment =
$2,829,600