03 Intercorporate Investments

Intercorporate Investments Test ID: 7440409
Question #1 of 117 Question ID: 462119
Company A acquired a 50% stake in Company T on January 1, 2003 by paying T's shareholders $100,000 in cash. Pre
acquisition balance sheets for the two firms are presented below:
Balance Sheet
Company A Company T
Current assets $400,000 $60,000
Fixed assets 600,000 100,000
Total $1,000,000 $160,000
Current liabilities $50,000 $ 30,000
Common stock 350,000 60,000
Retained earnings 600,000 70,000
Total $1,000,000 $160,000
What are the postacquisition balance sheet values for total assets for Company A under the equity and acquisition methods of
accounting respectively?
✗ A) $1,060,000 and $1,000,000.
✗ B) $1,060,000 and $1,060,000.
✓ C) $1,000,000 and $1,060,000.
Explanation
Using the equity method will result in a decrease of the current asset account to $300,000 because of the cash outflow.
However, a new noncurrent asset called "Investment in Company T" will be added to the balance sheet. This amount will be
$100,000, so the total assets will remain unchanged. Under acquisition, total assets will be $1,060,000 (400,000 + 60,000 +
600,000 + 100,000 100,000).
Questions #27 of 117
James White works in the compliance and reporting department of Linnekt Inc., a large transportation company based on the
west coast of the U.S.A. Linnekt has a small investment division which holds U.S. equities as a source of income. Linnekt's has
no clear investment strategy, holding some stocks long term aiming for capital growth, and some short term with a view to
turning a quick profit.
White is currently putting together a presentation for the investment department to show the impact of different accounting
treatments on the group accounts.
White is considering the securities shown in exhibit 1, all of which are currently held by GLI.
Exhibit 1 Security Information

Security Cost 2005 Value 2006 Value
ABC $80 $75 $85
HIJ $20 $30 $35
XYZ $40 $20 $45
Linnekt holds 100,000 shares of each security. None of the holdings represents more than a 1% ownership in the respective
company. As a result Linnekt has no significant influence over the any of the companies.
In addition to the securities shown in Exhibit 1, Linnekt purchased 40,000 shares in Trackite Inc. on the first day of this period.
White has been tasked with deciding on the correct accounting treatment for this holding.
Trackite is a supplier of materials to several of Linnekt's divisions and the investment was initially made with a view to gaining
significant influence over Trackite's operations through further share purchases. This plan was put hold, however, due to
tough economic conditions during the year.
However, Linnekt intends to hold the shares permanently and may revisit increasing the holding to gain significant influence in
the future.
White's supervisor, Dan Gatuso believes that the treatment of the shares is straightforward and sent White an email with the
following recommendations:
Recommendation 1
As the shares are to be held permanently they should be valued at cost
Recommendation 2
Dividends should be taken to the income statement
Which of the following statements regarding the income statement and balance sheet treatment of securities classified as
heldtomaturity is most accurate? They are carried at:
✓ A) cost on the balance sheet and coupon receipts are considered income.
✗ B) cost on the balance sheet and realized and unrealized gains are taken to the income
statement.
✗ C) fair market value on the balance sheet with unrealized gains and losses excluded from
income and reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity.
Explanation
Accounting standards require a company to classify its securities into categories based upon the company's intent relative to
the eventual disposition of the securities.
One of these categories, heldtomaturity securities, is composed of debt securities which a company has the positive intent
and ability to hold to maturity. These securities are carried at the cost on the balance sheet and coupon receipts are
considered income.
(LOS 19.a)
How many of Gatuso's recommendations are most likely accurate?

✓ A) Recommendation two only
✗ B) Recommendation one only

✗ C) Both recommendations
Explanation
Shares cannot be classified as held to maturity. If they are not held for trading purposes, then they should be shown at fair
value on the balance sheet. Dividend income should be taken to the income statement and unrealized gains and losses to
other comprehensive income.
(LOS 19.b)
availableforsale is most accurate? They are carried at:
✗ A) fair market value on the balance sheet with unrealized gains and losses
reported in income.
✗ B) cost on the balance sheet and coupon receipts are considered income.
✓ C) fair market value on the balance sheet with unrealized gains and losses excluded from
income and reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity.
Explanation
One of these categories, availableforsale securities, may be sold to address the liquidity and other needs of a company. Debt
and equity securities classified as availableforsale are carried at fair market value on the balance sheet with unrealized gains
and losses excluded from income and reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity.
(LOS 19.a)
trading securities is most accurate? They are carried at:
✓ A) fair market value on the balance sheet with unrealized gains and losses
reported in income.
✗ B) fair market value on the balance sheet with unrealized gains and losses excluded from
income and reported as separate component of shareholders' equity.
✗ C) cost on the balance sheet with unrealized gains and losses reported in income.
Explanation
One of these categories, trading securities, is for debt and equity securities acquired for the purpose of selling them in the
near term. These securities are measured at fair market value and are listed as current assets on the balance sheet.
Unrealized and realized gains and losses are reported in income.
(LOS 19.a)
If the securities are classified as trading securities the balance sheet value for the portfolio at yearend 2005 is:
✓ A) $12,500,000 and record an unrealized loss of $1,500,000.

✗ B) $12,500,000 and record no gains or losses.
✗ C) $14,000,000 and record no gains or losses.
Explanation
The original portfolio cost was: $8,000,000 + $2,000,000 + $4,000,000 = $14,000,000
In 2005: $7,500,000 + $3,000,000 + $2,000,000 = $12,500,000
Thus we write the portfolio down by $1,500,000 and take an unrealized loss.
(LOS 19.b)
If the securities are classified as trading securities the balance sheet value for the portfolio at yearend 2006 is:
✗ A) $16,500,000 and record an unrealized gain over the past year of $2,500,000.
✓ B) $16,500,000 and record an unrealized gain over the past year of $4,000,000.
✗ C) $14,000,000 and record an unrealized gain over the past year of $2,500,000.
Explanation
The original portfolio cost was: $8,000,000 + $2,000,000 + $4,000,000 = $14,000,000
In 2005 the value of the portfolio was: $7,500,000 + $3,000,000 + $2,000,000 = $12,500,000
In 2006 the value of the portfolio was: $8,500,000 + $3,500,000 + $4,500,000 = $16,500,000
We write the balance sheet value up to current value and recognize an unrealized gain of $4,000,000.
(LOS 19.b)
A company reports an intercorporate investment using the acquisition method. Which of the following statements is most
accurate?
✗ A) The use of the equity method by a company will generally report the same
results.
✗ B) The use of the acquisition method by a company will generally report the more
favorable results.
✓ C) The use of the acquisition method by a company will generally report the less
favorable results.
Explanation
The equity method will provide more favorable results, while the acquisition method will provide less favorable results.
Which of the following methods of accounting for investments will reflect the highest net income on a company's income
statement?
✓ A) Both methods report the same net income.

✗ B) Acquisition method.
✗ C) Equity method.
Explanation
Both methods will report the same net income.
Under U.S. GAAP rules, where an investor owns 41% of the voting shares of an investee and is able to control the investee,
which of the following methods of accounting is most appropriate to use?
✓ A) Acquistion method.
✗ B) Equity method.
✗ C) Proportionate consolidation method.
Explanation
It is possible to control with less than a 50% ownership interest. In this case, the investment is still considered controlling and
the acquisition method would be most appropriate.
Which of the following statements about variable interest entities (VIE) are correct or incorrect?
Statement #1 One potential benefit of a VIE is a lower cost of capital since the assets and
liabilities of the VIE are isolated in the event the sponsor experiences
financial difficulties.
Statement #2 The organizational form of a VIE must be either a partnership or a joint

venture and it is necessary for the VIE to have separate management and
employees.
✓ A) Only one is correct.
✗ B) Both are correct.

✗ C) Both are incorrect.
Explanation
Statement #1 is a correct statement. A lower cost of capital is a potential benefit of forming a VIE. Statement #2 is an incorrect
statement. The organizational form can be a corporation, partnership, joint venture or trust. It is not necessary for the VIE to
have separate management and employees.
On December 15, 2009, the Zeisler Company faces a financial crisis. Zeisler's industry has gone into recession and net
income has declined to nearly zero. Jeremiah Welch, the company's CFO, is extremely concerned that, when the final figures
for 2009 come in, the poor operating results will throw the firm into violation of its debt covenants, which specify that it must
meet a certain return on assets (ROA) and not exceed a certain debttoasset ratio. A violation of either covenant would trigger
a provision in the lending agreement allowing lenders to put Zeisler's debt back to the firm and likely force Zeisler into
bankruptcy.
With only two weeks before the close of the firm's fiscal year on December 31, there is no way to avoid bankruptcy through
improved operations. Welch calls an emergency meeting with Olivia Dupree, the firm's controller, to come up with a plan of
action to keep Zeisler out of bankruptcy. He explains to Dupree that they need to increase Zeigler's reported ROA and reduce
its reported debttoassets ratio relative to the numbers that would otherwise be reported for 2009.
Dupree suggests that Zeisler's equity investments might be useful in staving off bankruptcy. Zeisler acquired 100,000 shares
of the Market Square Corporation on January 1, 2009, at $25 per share. Market Square paid dividends during 2009 of $1.50
per share and was expected to have earnings for 2009 of $2.50 per share. Zeisler also holds 250,000 shares of General
Nuclear, purchased for $72 per share. General Nuclear has no dividends and is expected to report a loss for 2009. Both
securities are classified on the financial statements as availableforsale.
Dupree added that Zeisler also holds several million dollars of Market Square's debt securities, classified as a heldtomaturity
investment. The holding in Market Square represents a small fraction of Zeisler's total fixedincome investments, all of which
are also classified as heldtomaturity. The investment in Market Square's debt differs significantly from Zeisler's other
investments in fixedincome securities in that Market Square's debt is trading slightly above Zeisler's cost while Zeisler's other
fixedincome investments are all trading significantly below Zeisler's cost because of a general increase in market interest
rates. Welch points out, however, that even if the firm were to sell all its marketable securities, the proceeds would not be
sufficient to pay off the debt and avert bankruptcy.
Dupree left the meeting with Welch for a moment to check the stock market. She found that Market Square was trading at $35
per share and General Nuclear was at $43. This new information gave Dupree an idea.
Dupree suggested to Welch, "We could reclassify our equity investment in Market Square as trading before yearend. That will
help raise our ROA for this year." Welch pointed out that a reclassification of the equity investment from availableforsale to
trading would reduce Zeisler's reported net income because the firm would be required to stop including the dividends it
receives from Market Square in net income.
Welch suggested that, instead of reclassifying Market Square's equity, they sell Market Square's debt. That would reduce
Zeisler's debttoassets ratio because the unrealized gain in the market value of the Market Square debt would be realized
when the security was sold. Dupree added that the firm could also liquidate the General Nuclear investment to raise cash
without affecting the firm's reported ROA for 2009. Welch and Dupree decided to liquidate the two assets to help improve the
firm's financial position.
What is the investment income that Zeisler Company will report for the year 2009 on its investment in Market Square
Corporation shares if it continues to account for the shares as an availableforsale investment?
✓ A) $150,000.
✗ B) $250,000.
✗ C) $200,000.
Explanation
The investment income for availableforsale securities includes dividends, interest, and realized gains. In this case, the
investment income from Market Square Corporation would be the dividends it paid to the number of shares Zeisler owns:
100,000 shares × $1.50 per share = $150,000. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.c)
If Zeisler were to account for the Market Square Corporation shares as trading securities, assuming that the securities do not
change in value between the December 15th meeting and the end of the year, the carrying amount of these shares on
Zeisler's December 31, 2009 balance sheet would be:
✓ A) $3.50 million.
✗ B) $2.50 million.
✗ C) $2.75 million.
Explanation
Trading securities are carried at fair market value:
100,000 shares × $35 per share = $3,500,000. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.c)
If Zeisler reclassified the common stock of General Nuclear as a trading security, what effect would it have on Zeisler's 2009
income statement?
✗ A) Reclassifying the security would have no effect on the income statement

because gains and losses would be recognized in equity.
✓ B) Net income would decline.

✗ C) Net income would increase.
Explanation
Reclassifying a security from availableforsale to trading requires unrealized gains and losses to be recognized in income.
Since Zeisler's investment in General Nuclear has an unrealized loss, net income would be reduced. (Study Session 6, LOS
19.c)
Regarding the statements made by Dupree and Welch about reclassifying Zeisler's equity investment in Market Square to
trading:
✓ A) Welch's statement is incorrect; Dupree's statement is correct.
✗ B) Welch's statement is correct; Dupree's statement is incorrect.
✗ C) Welch's statement is incorrect; Dupree's statement is incorrect.
Explanation
Welch's statement is incorrect because dividends and interest are recognized as income both when the securities are
classified as trading and when they are classified as availableforsale.
Dupree's statement is correct. Reclassifying the securities from availableforsale to trading will significantly raise Zeisler's
nearzero net income by allowing Zeisler to recognize the unrealized gain in income when the security is reclassified. It will
have no material effect on asset value because the shares will be carried at fair market value as trading securities and were
already carried at fair market value (with the net unrealized gain in equity) as availableforsale securities. Even though it may
appear that equity would decline by the amount of the unrealized gain if the securities were reclassified, the unrealized gain
will flow through income in 2009 and thus return to equity. Consequently, reclassifying the equity securities of Market Square
would help increase Zeisler's ROA by raising net income and having little effect on assets. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.c)
If Zeisler were to account for the Market Square Corporation shares using the equity method, assuming that the securities do
not change in value between the December 15th meeting and the end of the year, the carrying amount of these shares on
Zeisler's December 31, 2009 balance sheet would be:
✗ A) $3.50 million.
✓ C) $2.60 million.
Explanation
Under the equity method the market value of the stock is ignored but the proportionate share of the earnings are added to the
original investment and the proportionate share of the dividends are subtracted from the earnings. Hence, we have the original
investment + (earnings − dividends) = total value of the investment.
[(100,000 shares)($25)] + [(100,000 shares)($2.50 earnings − 1.50 dividend)] = $2,600,000. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.c)
Regarding the statements made by Welch about reclassifying Zeisler's debt investment in Market Square to trading, and
Dupree's statement on General Nuclear:
✓ A) Welch's statement is incorrect; Dupree's statement is incorrect.

✗ B) Welch's statement is correct; Dupree's statement is incorrect.
✗ C) Welch's statement is correct; Dupree's statement is correct.
Explanation
Welch's statement is incorrect because accounting standards require a firm that sells a heldtomaturity security before
maturity to carry its remaining heldtomaturity securities at market value instead of cost. Since the Market Square debt is the
only fixedincome investment trading above Zeisler's cost, and it represents only a small part of Zeisler's total fixedincome
portfolio, the net effect of selling the Market Square debt would be to reduce assets (not raise them) because it would require
Zeisler to mark down all its other fixedincome investments. A decline in assets would effectively increase the debt to assets
ratio.
Dupree's statement is also incorrect. The investment in General Nuclear would be carried on the books at fair market value,
with the unrealized loss in equity. Selling the asset and converting it to cash would not materially affect total assets. However,
selling the General Nuclear shares would reduce net income because the realized loss would have to be recognized in
income. Thus, the sale would reduce reported ROA. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.c)
GTH Corporation has just purchased 18% of the common stock of Pittor Corporation, one of their major suppliers, making
GTH the largest single shareholder in Pittor. The primary motivation for the purchase is that managerial problems at Pittor
have resulted in quality control difficulties, thereby affecting the reliability of several critical component parts for GTH products.
At the time of the purchase, GTH management announced they plan to be an active investor and exercise significant influence
on Pittor so the quality problems can be resolved. Given these circumstances, the accounting method used to record the
intercorporate investment will most likely be the:
✗ A) investment in financial assets method.

✗ B) acquisition method.
✓ C) equity method.
Explanation
Normally, due to the less than 20% ownership stake, investment in financial assets accounting would be used to record this
investment. However, percentage ownership rules are guidelines only and the appropriate accounting method is dependant on
the degree of influence the acquirer intends to exert. In this case, GTH has announced their desire to exert significant
influence, hence, the equity method is the appropriate choice.
Which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding the classification of debt and equity security investments?
✗ A) If equity and debt securities are trading securities, any realized and unrealized gains
and losses are reported in the income statement.
✗ B) Debt heldtomaturity is reported in the balance sheet at amortized cost.
✓ C) If equity and debt securities are availableforsale securities, any realized and unrealized gains
and losses are reported in the income statement.
Explanation
In the case of availableforsale securities, unrealized gains and losses are excluded from the income statement and are reported as a
component of shareholders' equity.
Harter Company recently acquired a 40% stake in Compton Corp. for $40 million in cash by borrowing at 10%. Harter will account for this
acquisition using which of the following methods:
✗ A) Held to maturity debt securities method.
✓ B) Equity method.
✗ C) Acquisition Method.
Explanation
The 40% ownership stake would indicate significant control has been gained over the affiliate company. The equity method would be
used.
On January 9, 2006, Company X paid $2,000,000 for 100,000 shares of stock in Company S. Originally the company intended
on holding the securities for the foreseeable future. As of December 31, the stocks were valued at $2,200,000. In 2006,
Company S had earnings per share of $0.90 and paid dividends per share of $0.20. In late December 2006, the company
decided to place the securities in their active marketable securities portfolio.
What is the impact of this change in status on the value of the assets of Company X?
✗ A) $70,000.
✗ B) $200,000.
✓ C) $0.
Explanation
The stocks were classified as debt and equity securities available for sale, but now they will be classified as debt and equity
trading securities. However, although it will affect net income, the change in status will not impact the reported value of the
assets. According to SFAS 115, securities transferred from availableforsale to trading securities are transferred at fair market
value and unrealized gains or losses would be included in income.
What is the impact of this change in status on the income and the stockholders' equity of Company X?
✗ A) Income and stockholder's equity will rise by $200,000.

✗ B) Stockholders' equity will rise by $200,000, but income will not change.
✓ C) Income will rise by $200,000, but stockholders' equity will not change.
Explanation
The stocks were classified as debt and equity securities available for sale, but now they will be classified as debt and equity
trading securities. The gain would have been reported in the securities valuation account in the equity section and not on the
income statement, but now will be reported as income.
Acme Corporation purchases a 3% interest in Bandy Company to become the single largest shareholder of Bandy. Acme will hold a seat
on the Board of Directors of Bandy. Acme will account for its investment in Bandy using the:
✗ A) acquisition method.
✓ B) equity method.
✗ C) lower of cost or market method.
Explanation
Even though Acme's interest is low at only 3%, they have significant influence by having a seat on Bandy's Board of Directors. As such,
they must use the equity method.
Company X owns 15% of company S and exerts significant influence over the operations of the company. The book value of the
investment on December 31, 2001, is $48,000. In 2002, company S earned $100,000 and paid dividends of $20,000. The value of the
investment account on December 31, 2002, is:
✗ A) $63,000.
✗ B) $48,000.
✓ C) $60,000.
Explanation
Because company X exerts significant influence over company S, the investment will be treated using the equity method, even though
the ownership is less than the 20% guideline. The value of the investment account is equal to the beginning balance plus the
proportionate income of company S minus the dividends received from company S, which equals 48,000 + (0.15 x 100,000) − (0.15 x
20,000) = 60,000.
Accounting standards for passive intercorporate investments include a category of securities that is carried on the company
balance sheet at cost. This category of securities is called debt:
✗ A) and equity securities availableforsale.
✓ B) securities heldtomaturity.
✗ C) and equity trading securities.
Explanation
When debt securities are purchased with both the intent and ability to hold them until they mature, they are recorded on the
balance sheet at cost.
The factors that determine the required accounting methods for intercorporate investments under both U.S. GAAP and IFRS
rules are:
✗ A) degree of influence and whether the acquiring firm has the intent and ability to
hold the securities to maturity.
✗ B) purchase cost compared with book value of the interest purchased.
✓ C) percentage of ownership and/or degree of influence.
Explanation
The factors that determine the required accounting method for intercorporate investments are percentage of ownership and/or
degree of influence over the investee firm. The principal accounting methods are cost, equity, and consolidation under both
U.S. GAAP and IFRS rules.
Rocky Mountain Air Cargo is a privately held commercial aviation company serving the western United States. It publishes
financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and uses a fiscal year that matches the calendar year.
Rocky Mountain was in good financial shape heading into 2003, with assets of $50 million at the beginning of the fiscal year.
That year, it earned $3 million in net income and was easily able to maintain its traditional 50% dividend payout ratio. However,
Rocky Mountain had a very difficult year in 2004, reporting a loss of $800,000. It managed to pay $1 million in dividends, but
the decision to pay dividends in such a weak financial year further undermined the company's fiscal stability.
Flitenight Air Lines, a publiclytraded aviation firm serving the central and Midwestern United States, wanted to expand its
range of service by coordinating its flight schedule with airlines serving different geographic regions of North America. One of
these airlines was Rocky Mountain Air Cargo.
To cement the relationship, Flitenight's CEO, John "Bulldog" Basten, decided to make a significant investment in Rocky
Mountain Air Cargo. He was easily able to convince both boards of the wisdom of the deal, and, in his usual brash style,
personally negotiated the terms with his counterpart at Rocky Mountain, Buck Matthews. Flitenight Air Lines acquired a 20%
stake in Rocky Mountain Air Cargo (with an option to purchase 40% more) for $10 million cash. The deal closed on January 1,
2003 and Flitenight accounted for the investment using the equity method.
Basten was not happy to find that he had invested right at the peak of Rocky Mountain's profitability and wound up with a
moneylosing airline. He had a difficult conversation with Matthews in early 2005, complaining about the impact of the Rocky
Mountain investment on Flitenight's financials. Basten pointed out that he had a loss on his books: the original $10 million
investment in Rocky Mountain was carried at only $9,940,000 on Flitenight's December 31, 2004 balance sheet. Matthews
countered that this was just an accounting entry: on a cash basis, Flitenight had a gain of 5% on its investment over the two
years.
Matthews' insistence that the investment had earned money for Flitenight did not sit well with Basten. Basten decided that
Rocky Mountain was clearly being mismanaged and concluded it was time to gain control of the company.
Basten assured Neil Glenn, the Chairman of Flitenight's board, that he could turn Rocky Mountain around. He promised Glenn
that, in 2005, Rocky Mountain would once again achieve $3 million in earnings and a 50% payout ratio. "With those results,"
Basten promised Glenn, "our asset accounts will value the Rocky Mountain investment at $10,240,000 on our December 31,
2005 balance sheet so we'll show a gain on our original investment." Glenn was skeptical of anyone's ability to turn the airline
around so quickly. Even so, Glenn assured Basten, "If it takes you longer to turn it around, at least we'll have the dividend
income on our 2005 cash flow statements."
Basten notified Matthews and Rocky Mountain's board that Flitenight intended to exercise its option. At the direction of Basten
and Glenn, Flitenight purchased the additional shares for cash and gained control of Rocky Mountain on December 31, 2004.
In 2003, Flitenight would reflect its investment in Rocky Mountain on its income statement by recording:
✗ A) $300,000.
✓ B) $600,000.
✗ C) −$200,000.
Explanation
Under the equity method, Flitenight would record $600,000 (= $3 million × 0.2) on its 2003 income statement as its share of
Rocky Mountain's earnings. The dividends received by Flitenight are already included as part of its share of Rocky Mountain's
net income in the equity method. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.b)
If Flitenight were to account for its Rocky Mountain investment as an investment in financial assets instead of the equity
method, Flitenight's 2004 income statement would reflect its investment in Rocky Mountain by including which of the following?
✗ A) Only a loss of $160,000.
✗ B) Nothing, since the cost of the acquisition is not adjusted until the asset is sold.
✓ C) Only income of $200,000.
Explanation
If Flitenight accounted for its Rocky Mountain investment as an investment in financial assets, in 2004 it would record on its
income statement $200,000 (= $1 million × 0.2) in dividends. That method would not be a permissible choice for Flitenight,
however, since it controls more than 20% of Rocky Mountain. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.b)
Under the acquisition method, minority interest is considered:
✓ A) equity under IFRS and US GAAP.
✗ B) a liability under IFRS and US GAAP.

✗ C) equity under IFRS and a liability under US GAAP.
Explanation
Under the acquisition method, minority interest is now considered equity under IFRS and US GAAP. Prior to SFAS 160
minority interest was considered either a liability or a mezzanine(hybrid) item under US GAAP. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.c)
Regarding Basten's and Matthews' statements about the gain/loss that Flitenight had at the end of 2004 on its investment in
Rocky Mountain, which is most accurate?
✓ A) Basten's statement is correct and Matthews' statement is correct.
✗ B) Basten's statement is incorrect and Matthews' statement is correct.
✗ C) Basten's statement is correct and Matthews' statement is incorrect.
Explanation
If Flitenight accounted for its Rocky Mountain investment using the equity method, the value of the investment as of December
31, 2004, would be:
Flitenight's original $10 million investment + (Flitenight's share of Rocky Mountain's 2003 earnings less dividends Flitenight
received in 2003) + (Flitenight's share of Rocky Mountain's 2004 earnings less dividends Flitenight received in 2004).
Since we know that Flitenight owns 20% of Rocky Mountain and consequently receives 20% of the dividends that Rocky
Mountain pays, we can calculate:
Value of Rocky Mountain on Flitenight's books at the end of 2004 =

$10 million + (0.20 × $3 million in 2003 earnings − 0.20 × $1.5 million in 2003 dividends) + (0.20 × −$800,000
in 2004 earnings − 0.20 × $1 million in 2004 dividends) =
$10 million + ($600,000 − $300,000) + (−$160,000 − $200,000) =
$10,000,000 + $300,000 − $360,000 = $9,940,000
Basten's statement is correct.
On a cash basis, Flitenight spent $10 million to acquire its stake in Rocky Mountain, and received $500,000 (= $300,000 in
2003 dividends + $200,000 in 2004 dividends) in dividends over the two years. $500,000 in cash return on a $10,000,000
cash investment equals 5% over the two years. Matthews' statement is also correct. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.b)
Regarding Basten's and Glenn's statements about the impact of Rocky Mountain on Flitenight's 2005 balance sheet and cash
flow statement, which is most accurate?
✗ A) Basten's statement is incorrect and Glen's statement is correct.

✓ B) Basten's statement is incorrect and Glen's statement is incorrect.
✗ C) Basten's statement is correct and Glen's statement is correct.
Explanation
The equity method of accounting is used when the parent has significant influence over the investee but does not exercise
control. The acquistion method is required when the parent controls, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the voting stock.
Once Flitenight exercised its option to purchase the additional 40% of Rocky Mountain's stock (for total ownership of 60%) on
December 31, 2004, it could no longer use the equity method and had to switch to the acquistion method. In the acquistion
method, Flitenight's investment in Rocky Mountain is no longer listed as a separate asset on the balance sheet (all of Rocky
Mountain's assets and liabilities are combined with Flitenight's, with the minority interest shown as equity), so Basten's
statement is incorrect. In the acquistion method, parent company cash flows exclude those between parent and investee, so
Glenn's statement is also incorrect. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.b)
Firm A recently leased equipment used in its manufacturing plant. If the leased asset is worth less than $100,000 at the end of
the lease, Firm A will pay the lessor the difference.
Firm B provided debt financing to an unrelated entity. The debt has a provision whereby Firm B cannot be repaid until all other
senior debt is satisfied.
Do Firm A and Firm B have a variable interest?
✓ A) Both have a variable interest.
✗ B) Only one has a variable interest.

✗ C) Neither have a variable interest.
Explanation
A lease residual guarantee and subordinated debt are both examples of variable interests. Firm A will experience a loss if the
leased asset is worth less than $100,000 at the end of the lease. Firm B will experience a loss if the senior debt is not paid in
full.
Maverick Incorporated formed a special purpose entity (SPE) to purchase and lease a 50,000 acre ranch. The SPE financed
95% of the purchase price with debt. The remaining 5% was financed with equity capital received from two separate
independent investors. The lender would not make the loan without Maverick's guarantee. How should Maverick treat the SPE
in its financial statements if Maverick is the lessee?
✗ A) Each equity investor must proportionately consolidate the SPE.

✗ B) No firm must consolidate the SPE.
✓ C) Maverick must consolidate the SPE.
Explanation
The 5% atrisk equity investment is not sufficient to support the activities of the SPE without Maverick's guarantee. Thus, the
SPE is considered a variable interest entity (VIE). Since Maverick is responsible for the guarantee, Maverick is the primary
beneficiary and must consolidate the SPE.
Which of the following statements regarding securities classified as held to maturity is most accurate?
✗ A) Equity securities can be classified as "held to maturity" if the firm's

management has decided to hold the security for more than five years.
✗ B) Equity securities can be classified as "held to maturity" if the security pays a large and
consistent dividend and management has decided to hold the security for more than
five years.
✓ C) Only debt securities can be classified as "held to maturity" securities.

Explanation
Only debt securities, which the firm has the positive intent and ability to hold until final maturity, may be classified as held to
maturity.
Accounting standards for passive intercorporate investments establish different categories of securities with distinct ways of
treating them on the financial statements of the company. Which of the following categories requires realized and unrealized
gains and losses to be reported as income? Debt:
✓ A) and equity trading securities.
✗ B) and equity securities availableforsale.

✗ C) securities heldtocall.
Explanation
Accounting standards for passive intercorporate investments include, debt and equity trading securities, is for securities that,
when acquired, are intended to be resold within a near term time horizon. They are classified as current assets on the balance
sheet, with any realized or unrealized gains and losses reported as income.
Accounting standards for intercorporate investments establish different categories of securities with distinct ways of treating
them on the financial statements of the company. One category requires the securities to be carried at fair value on the
balance sheet with unrealized gains and losses excluded from the income statement. This category of security classification is
called debt:
✗ A) and equity trading securities.
✓ B) and equity securities availableforsale.

✗ C) securities heldtomaturity.
Explanation
If securities are designated as debt and equity securities availableforsale they can be sold to meet the liquidity and other
needs of the company. As such, the securities are to be carried at fair value on the balance sheet with unrealized gains and
losses excluded from the income statement.
Milburne Company purchased 1,000 shares of Marino Co. for $20 per share on January 1. By December 31, shares of Marino
were trading at $15 per share in the open market. Marino Co. has 100,000 shares outstanding with a dividend yield of 2% at
year end. Milburne plans to hold the shares of Marino for nearterm trading purposes. The impact of the Marino holding on the
Milburne income statement is:
✗ A) −$5,300.
✗ B) −$5,000.
✓ C) −$4,700.
Explanation
Since these securities are to be classified as trading securities, both the dividend received and the unrealized loss are posted
to the income statement. The dividend is computed as 0.02 × $15 × 1,000 = $300 whereas the unrealized loss is $5,000 =
($15 $20) × 1,000. The net income statement impact is $300 $5,000 = $4,700.
The Anderson Company acquired 100,000 shares of the Birschbach Company on January 1, 2012, at $25 per share. The market price of a
share of Birschbach stock on December 31, 2012, was $35 per share. During 2012, Birschbach paid dividends of $1.50 per share and had
earnings of $2.50 per share.
The Anderson Company did not buy or sell any additional shares in 2013. The market price of Birschbach stock on December
31, 2013 was $42.50 per share. During 2013 Birschbach paid dividends of $1.75 per share and had earnings of $2.25 per
share.
If the Anderson Company accounts for the Birschbach shares as trading securities, the carrying amount of these shares on Anderson's
balance sheet at the end of 2012 is:
✓ B) $3.5 million.
Explanation
Trading securities are measured at fair market value.
(100,000)($35) = $3,500,000
(LOS 19.a)
If Anderson Company accounts for the Birschbach Company shares as securities availableforsale, the carrying amount of these shares
on Anderson's balance sheet at the end of 2012 is:
✓ A) $3.5 million.
Explanation
Availableforsale securities are measured at fair market value.
(100,000)($35) = $3,500,000
(LOS 19.a)
If Anderson Company accounts for the Birschbach Company shares using the equity method, the carrying amount of these
shares on Anderson's balance sheet at the end of 2012 is closest to:
✓ C) $2.6 million.
Explanation
Under the equity method, market value is ignored. The carrying value of the shares is: the original investment + proportional
share of earnings − dividend received.
[(100,000)($25)] + [(100,000)($2.50 − 1.50)] = $2,600,000
(LOS 19.a)
For the year 2012, the investment income that Anderson Company reports on its investment in Birschbach Company shares, if
Anderson accounts for the shares as an availableforsale investment, is :
✓ A) $150,000.
✗ B) $250,000.
✗ C) $100,000.
Explanation
Under the availableforsale accounting method, unrealized gains and losses are not recognized on the income statement, so
the only impact on the income statement is the dividend received:
(100,000 shares)($1.50 per share) = $150,000
(LOS 19.a)
If the investment in Birschbach Company is treated as heldfortrading securities, transactions that impact the income
statement include:
✓ A) an unrealized gain of $1,000,000 and dividend income of $150,000.
✗ B) earnings of $250,000 and dividend income of $150,000.
✗ C) an unrealized gain of $1,000,000 and earnings of $250,000.
Explanation
Held for trading securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in income. The income
statement also includes dividends from equity securities that are classified as held for trading. Unrealized gains and losses and
dividends received are both recognized in the income statement, however earnings are not.
(LOS 19.a)
If Anderson Company accounts for the Birschbach Company shares using the equity method, the change in carrying value
from 2012 to 2013 is closest to:
✗ A) +$2,650,000.
✓ B) +$50,000.
✗ C) +$225,000.
Explanation
For the equity method, the ending carrying value on the balance sheet is the beginning carrying value plus a proportion of
earnings minus a proportion of dividends. For the Anderson Company, the change in the carrying value is the difference
between the earnings per share and the dividends per share. Dividends per share in 2013 were $1.75 per share and the
earnings per share were $2.25 per share. 100,000 shares × ($2.25 $1.75) = +$50,000. The actual carrying value on the
balance sheet is $2,600,00 + $225,000 $175,000 = $2,650,000.
(LOS 19.a)
Mustang Corporation formed a special purpose entity (SPE) for purposes of providing research and development. An
unrelated firm absorbs the expected losses of the SPE and the independent shareholders of the SPE receive the expected
residual returns. Is the SPE considered a variable interest entity (VIE) according to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) and is
consolidation required by Mustang, respectively?
✗ A) No; No.
✓ B) Yes; No.
✗ C) Yes; Yes.
Explanation
Since the shareholders do not absorb the expected losses, the SPE is considered a VIE. The unrelated firm (not Mustang) that
absorbs the losses is the primary beneficiary and must consolidate the VIE.
Under which of the following is a minority interest account most likely to appear on the consolidated balance sheet?
I. The acquisition method.
II. Equity method.
✗ A) II only.
✓ B) I only.
✗ C) Both I and II.
Explanation
Minority interest is included in the parent's company's equity under consolidation method only.
Carter Schmitz, Inc. (Schmitz) purchased 200 shares of Intelismart at $21 a share in June 2006 and intends to actively trade
80 shares in the near future and hold the remaining 120 shares as available for sale securities. Intelismart's closing price was
$26 on December 31, 2006, and Schmitz did not sell any of its shares.
What amount should Schmitz report on this investment under the income statement?
✓ A) $400.
✗ B) $600.
✗ C) $1,000.
Explanation
The unrealized gain on the 120 shares available for sale is $600 (26 21 = 5 × 120 shares). There is also an unrealized gain
of $400 (5 × 80) related to the 80 shares that are trading securities which would be reported on the income statement. For
trading securities, realized and unrealized gains and losses are reported on the income statement. For available for sale
securities, only realized gains and losses are reported on the income statement.
Equity method is:
✗ A) recommended under U.S GAAP for jointly controlled entities, but is not
normally permitted under IFRS.
✓ B) required under IFRS and under U.S. GAAP for jointly controlled entities.
✗ C) recommended under IFRS and U.S. GAAP for jointly controlled entities.
Explanation
Equity method is required under both U.S. GAAP and IFRS for jointly controlled entities.
Which of the following methods of accounting for investments will reflect the highest assets and liabilities on a company's
balance sheet?
✗ A) Both methods result in reporting the same balances for assets and liabilities.
✓ C) Acquisition method.
Explanation
The consolidation method will reflect the highest assets and liabilities. The equity method would reflect the lowest.
Global Life Insurance (GLI) holds a wide range of assets in a range of different portfolios across its various divisions. Some of
these assets are held long term to meet future liabilities, whereas others are held short term to make profits and meet shorter
term liquidity needs.
GLI set up a small portfolio of U.S. equities in one of its smaller divisions last year. GLI's chief investment officer has recently
contacted the accounting department to discuss the correct treatment of the portfolio in the group accounts.
Details of the portfolio's transactions and results for the previous period are shown below in exhibit one.
Exhibit 1 Equity Portfolio Results
2013 Q1 2013 Q2 2013 Q3 2013 Q4
Shares purchased (sold) 1,000 (200) 700 0
Total shares quarter

1,000 800 1,500 1,500
end
Purchase price 50.00 45.00
Sale price 45.00
Quarterend market
52.00 43.00 52.00 60.00
price
Total dividends 500 400 750 750

The chief investment officer's also provides the following extract from the portfolio's investment policy statement:
IPS Extract
1. The portfolio should consist solely of U.S. midcap equities.

2. The number of transactions in the portfolio should be kept to a minimum. Shares should not be purchased on a
speculative basis for short term profits.
3. The anticipated average holding period for securities in the portfolio is 3.5 − 4 years.
4. Securities should only be sold to meet urgent liquidity needs.
Another reporting issue the accounting department is looking at concerns a fixed income portfolio. An overview of the portfolio
is given in exhibit 2:
Exhibit 2 Fixed Income Portfolio
Par Value $25,000,000
Coupon rate 5%
Current Market Value $27,000,000

The portfolio consists of $1000 par value, 5 year bonds issued by RTF Inc. They were purchased on the date of issue 1st
January 2012 for $25,893,577. For the year ending 31st December the bonds were classed as held to maturity.
The chief investment officer believes a more appropriate classification would be available for sale, as he is not convinced the
bonds will be held for the remaining 3 years.
What is the income from the equity portfolio if the securities are classified as trading or availableforsale?
Availablefor
Trading
sale
✗ A) $6,600 $1,400
✓ B) $19,900 $1,400
✗ C) $19,900 $19,900
Explanation
Trading income is calculated as dividends plus all gains and losses (realized and unrealized). Total dividends are 2,400. GLI
realized a loss on the sale of 200 shares at 45.00 per share for a total realized loss of 1,000. GLI has an unrealized gain of
8,000 (800× (6050)) on the shares purchased in Q1 and 10,500 (700× (6045)) the shares purchased in Q3, or total
unrealized gains of 18,500. Therefore, total income under the trading classification is 19,900 (2,400 1,000 + 18,500).
Under the availableforsale classifications income is calculated as dividends plus realized gains and losses. Therefore, total
income is 1,400 (2,400 + (1,000)).
What is the balance sheet carrying value of the securities under each of the classifications at yearend?
Availablefor
Trading
sale
✗ A) $71,500 $71,500
✗ B) $90,000 $71,500
✓ C) $90,000 $90,000
Explanation
Under the trading and availableforsale classifications the balance sheet carrying values are the market values of the shares
or 90,000 = (1,500 × 60).
What is the rate of return (income/yearend carrying value) under each of the three methods?
Availablefor
Trading
sale
✗ A) 23.22% 23.22%
✓ B) 22.11% 1.56%
✗ C) 2.67% 2.67%
Explanation
Trading = 22.11% (19,900/90,000)
Availableforsale = 1.56% (1,400/90,000)
Given the information regarding the equity portfolio in the IPS extract, which of the following treatments for the securities in the
portfolio detailed in exhibit 1 is most likely correct?
✓ A) Available for sale
✗ B) Held to maturity
✗ C) Trading
Explanation
The securities in the portfolio are equities and hence cannot be classed as held to maturity. As the IPS suggests that the
shares are not purchased for resale at a profit, and will be held for several periods and only sold to meet liquidity needs,
available for sale is the most likely classification. (LOS 19.b)
If the fixed income portfolio outlined in exhibit 2 is remains classified as held to maturity, which of the following is closest to the
interest income reported in the income statement for the year ending 31st December 2013?
✗ A) $1,088,000
✓ B) $1,079,000
✗ C) $1,086,000
Explanation
If the bonds are classified as held to maturity they will be accounted for using the amortized cost method. Interest will be
calculated using the yield at the date of purchase.
Yield at date of purchase can be calculated as follows:
10 N, −25,893,577 PV, 625,000 PMT, 25,000,000 FV
CPT I/Y = 2.1%. This is semiannual. The annual yield is 4.2%.
Asset Interest (2.1%) Coupon

6m 25,893,577 543,765 625,000
1yr 25,812,342 542,059 625,000
18m 25,729,401 540,317 625,000
2yr 25,644,718 538,539 625,000
Total interest in 2013 (i.e., year 2) is $540,317 + $538,539 = $1,078,856.
(LOS 19.b)

If the bonds are reclassified as suggested by the chief investment officer, which of the following statements is most likely
correct?
✓ A) The difference between the amortized cost and fair value will be shown in other
comprehensive income
✗ B) The difference between the amortized cost and fair value will be shown in net income
✗ C) The difference between the purchase price and fair value will be shown in other
comprehensive income
Explanation
Under US GAAP, bonds held for maturity will be shown at amortized cost. When reclassified to available for sale, the bond will
be restated at fair value and the difference taken to other comprehensive income. (LOS 19.b)
Which of the following statements about special purpose entities (SPE) are correct or incorrect?
Statement #1: The sponsor usually maintains the decisionmaking power and voting
control over the SPE.
Statement #2: The equity owners of an SPE usually receive a rate of return that is tied to
the performance of the SPE.
✗ A) Both are correct.
✗ B) Only one is correct.

✓ C) Both are incorrect.
Explanation
Both statements are incorrect. The sponsor does not usually have voting control over the SPE; the activities of an SPE are
specifically detailed in governing documents created at the origination of the SPE. The structure of the SPE transfers the risks
and rewards from the equity owners to the variable interest owners. In return, the equity owners usually receive a fixed rate of
return.
The consolidation method results in:
✓ A) same net income as the equity method but different shareholders' equity.
✗ B) same net income and shareholders' equity as the equity method.
✗ C) same equity as the cost method.
Explanation
Consolidation results in the SAME net income and higher equity as compared to the equity method.
Which of the following securities will most likely be characterized as an availableforsale security?
✗ A) Debt securities that a company has a positive intent and ability to hold to
maturity.
✓ B) Debt or equity securities that are carried on the balance sheet at fair market value and
may be sold for liquidity purposes.
✗ C) Equity securities representing 30% ownership in another firm.
Explanation
Debt or equity securities that are carried on the balance sheet at fair market value and may be sold for liquidity purposes are
likely to be considered as availableforsale.
Cosmo Inc. (Cosmo) invests in two portfolios Portfolio 1 and Portfolio 2. Portfolio 1 contains securities with an overall intent to
profit within a month or two. Portfolio 2 contains equity securities with a moderate amount of acquisition and disposition
activity. Which of the following treatments of Cosmo's reporting of the investments in Portfolios 1 and 2, respectively, is most
accurate?
Portfolio 1 Portfolio 2
✗ A) Unrealized amounts reported

Assets reported at cost.
on income statement.
✗ B) Unrealized amounts reported

Assets reported at fair value.
on balance sheet.
✓ C) Unrealized amounts reported

Assets reported at fair value.
on income statement.
Explanation
Portfolio 1 contains heldfortrading securities because it is clear that the securities are acquired with the intent to profit over
the near term. Therefore, the unrealized gains and losses would be reported immediately in the income statement.
Portfolio 2 contains availableforsale securities. There are no debt securities and therefore, it cannot contain heldtomaturity
securities. As well, there is no indication that the securities are acquired with the intent to profit over the near term. By default,
the correct classification would be availableforsale. Therefore, the securities (assets) would be reported at fair value.
Birch Corporation is a large conglomerate based in the U.S. that has grown primarily through acquisition. On the first day of
this reporting year, January 1, 2012, Birch acquired 1,500,000 shares of the common stock of TRQ Inc. TRQ Inc. produces
high quality fabrics for use in the fashion industry. Exhibit 1 shows key numbers from TRQ Inc.'s accounts.
Exhibit 1 TRQ Financial Statement Extracts
TRQ Inc
Income year ending 31 Dec 12 $700,000
Dividend paid $210,000
Number of common shares in issue 6,000,000
Number preferred shares in issue 3,000,000
Total number of shares in issue 9,000,000
Both Birch and TRQ prepare their accounts using US GAAP.
Dan Fitzroy is the CFO of Birch, and is currently preparing with a meeting with the auditors to discuss the correct treatment of
the TRQ investment in Birch's group accounts. Fitzroy is of the opinion that the equity method of accounting should be used
for the following reasons:
1. The proportion of TRQ's common shares owned by Birch suggests that Birch has significant influence over TRQ's
operations
2. The lack of ownership of preferred shares suggests that Birch has no significant influence over TRQ's operations
3. The proportion of TRQ's total shares owned by Birch suggests that Birch has significant influence over TRQ's operations
Fitzroy has to present to the board on the implications of the decision once he has spoken to the auditors. He intends to
discuss the following impacts on the financial statements:
Impact One
If the auditors rule that the TRQ investment should be accounted for as a subsidiary rather than an associate, the group's
liquidity ratios will be unaffected
Impact Two
If the auditors rule that the TRQ investment should be accounted for as a subsidiary rather than an associate, the group's net
profit margin will be lower
Fitzroy also intends to ask the auditors about another potential acquisition that Birch may potentially make this year. The
company under consideration is Tyrobin Inc., a small U.S. based company in the pharmaceutical industry.
Fitzroy has observed the note shown in exhibit two in the company's footnotes for last year. He is unsure how it would be
accounted for in the event of a 100% acquisition of Tyrobin's share capital by Birch.
Exhibit Two Tyrobin Footnote
Note 45 Contingent Liabilities
Tyrobin is involved in various legal proceedings considered typical to its business, including actual or threatened litigation
and/or actual or potential government investigations relating to product liability, infringement of IP rights, the validity of certain
patents and competition laws. All of the claims involve highly complex issues.
Often these issues are subject to substantial uncertainties and, therefore, the probability of a loss, if any, being sustained and
an estimate of the amount of any loss is difficult to ascertain. Consequently, for a majority of these claims, it is not possible to
make a reasonable estimate of the expected financial effect, if any, that will result from ultimate resolution of the proceedings.
Assuming the equity method of accounting is used, what will be the reported investment income for Birch?
✗ A) $60,000.
✓ B) $175,000.
✗ C) $115,000.
Explanation
Under the equity method, dividends are not included as income to the acquirer. ($700,000 × 0.25) = $175,000 will be the
reported investment income for Birch. (LOS 19.a)
Assuming the equity method of accounting is used, what will be the cash flow received by Birch, due to their investment in
TRQ?
✗ A) $227,500.
✗ B) $65,400.
✓ C) $52,500.
Explanation
The cash flow to Birch will be the dividend received ($700,000)(0.30)(0.25) = $52,500. (LOS 19.a)
If the consolidation method is used, how much of TRQ's net income will Birch recognize in the group income statement?
✗ A) $122,500
✓ B) $175,000
✗ C) $700,000
Explanation
Birch would recognize 25% of the net income = $700,000 × 0.25 = $175,000. This would be recognized line by line to include
the full $700,000, then 75% would be removed as belonging to the non controlling interest. (LOS 19.a)
Which of Fitzroy's reasons would most likely support the equity accounting method being appropriate for TRQ?
✗ A) Reason 2
✓ B) Reason 1
✗ C) Reason 3
Explanation
Birch owns 1,500/6,000 = 25% of the common shares of TRQ. This suggests significant influence which would make equity
accounting appropriate. The percentage of preferred shares owned is not relevant. (LOS 19.a)
Which of the impacts Fitzroy intends to present to the board is most likely correct?
✗ A) Neither impact is correct

✓ B) Impact two only
✗ C) Impact one only
Explanation
If TRQ is a subsidiary it will be consolidated on a line by line basis. This will affect liquidity ratios. Revenue will be increased but
net income unaffected by the treatment as in both cases (associate and subsidiary) Birch's share of TRQ's net income will be
included in the income statement. (LOS 19.a)
If Birch were to acquire 100% of the share capital of Tyrobin, how would the issues detailed in exhibit 2 be treated when
accounting for the business acquisition?
✓ A) The contingent liabilities would not be recognized in the balance sheet or

income statement on acquisition
✗ B) The contingent liabilities would be charged immediately as an expense to the group

income statement
✗ C) The contingent liabilities would be measured at their fair value and shown as a liability
in the group accounts
Explanation
As the financial effect of the contingent liabilities cannot be reasonably estimated, under U.S. GAAP they should not be
included. (LOS 19.b)
On December 31, 2008 Company P invests $5,000 in Company S in exchange for 25% of the company. During 2009,
Company S earns $2,000 and pays a dividend of $500. If Company P uses the equity method of accounting, what values will
be reported on the balance sheet and income statement? How much cash will be recognized from the investment?
Balance Sheet Income Statement Cash
✓ A) $5,375 $500 $125
✗ B) $5,500 $0 $0
✗ C) $5,375 $125 $125
Explanation
The carrying value on the balance sheet is $5,375, the income statement will show $500 of income, and the cash recognized
is equal to the dividend of $125.
Using the equity method, for 2008, Company P will:
Recognize $500 ($2000 × 0.25) on its income statement as equity in the net income of Company S.
Increase the investment in the Company S account on the balance sheet to $5,500, reflecting its share of the net assets of
Company S.
Receive $125 in cash dividends from Company S and reduce its investment in Company S by that amount to reflect the
decline in the net assets of Company S due to the dividend payment.
At the end of 2008, the carrying value of Company S on Company P's balance sheet will be ($5,000 original investment + $500
proportional share of Company S earnings $125 dividend received = $5,375).
Which of the following statements about the various classifications of securities held by a firm is least accurate?
✓ A) A firm which invests in the debt securities of another firm cannot classify these
securities as "held to maturity" if they have the positive intent and ability to hold the
securities until final maturity.
✗ B) Trading securities are, by definition, current assets because the firm intends to trade these
securities in the near term.
✗ C) Equity securities of other companies cannot be classified as "held to maturity" under SFAS
115.
Explanation
Under SFAS 115, only debt securities, which the firm has the positive intent and ability to hold until final maturity, may be classified as
held to maturity.
Which of the following statements regarding asset securitizations and special purpose entities (SPEs) is most accurate?
✗ A) When receivables are securitized, the sponsor reports the cash inflow as an
investing activity in the cash flow statement.
✓ B) The SPE usually issues debt to purchase receivables from the sponsor.
✗ C) If the sponsor has no recourse, then the transaction is nothing more than a
collateralized borrowing.
Explanation
SPEs are often created to securitize assets, usually receivables of the sponsor. Typically, the SPE issues debt to purchase the
receivables from the sponsor and the debt is repaid as the receivables are collected.
When the receivables are securitized, the sponsor removes the receivables from the balance sheet and reports the cash
inflow as an operating activity in the cash flow statement. If the sponsor still has recourse, the transaction is nothing more than
a collateralized borrowing.
Which of the following securities would most likely be characterized as a heldtomaturity security?
✓ A) Debt securities.
✗ B) Debt or equity securities.
✗ C) Equity securities.
Explanation
Only debt securities, that a company has a positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, can be characterized as a heldto
maturity security.
When comparing companies that hold equity investments in other corporations, which of the following statements is most
accurate? All else being equal, leverage measures for a firm using consolidation will appear:
✗ A) more favorable than those for a comparable firm using the equity method.
✓ B) more or less favorable depending on the leverage of the investee company.
✗ C) less favorable than those for a comparable firm using the equity method.
Explanation
Under consolidation, the debt of the subsidiary is included in the parent company balance sheet. Parent company's equity is
also increased due to minority interest. The impact on leverage will depend on the leverage employed by the subsidiary.
Fiduciary Investors held two portfolios of marketable equity securities:
$50 million in Portfolio A was accounted for as availableforsale.
$50 million in Portfolio B was accounted for as trading securities.
Assume that Fiduciary reclassified securities ($10 million carrying value, $8 million market value) from Portfolio B into Portfolio
A under U.S. GAAP. If no previous write downs were made, Fiduciary must:
✗ A) charge $2 million to the equity section of its balance sheet.

✗ B) do nothing to its income statement or equity section of its balance sheet.
✓ C) charge $2 million to its income statement.
Explanation
U.S. GAAP allows investment managers some latitude in reclassifying investment assets from "trading" to "availableforsale."
Unrealized gains and losses are recognized on the income statement. IFRS severely restricts reclassification out of the held
fortrading category.
When comparing companies that hold equity investments in other corporations, which of the following statements is most
accurate? All else being equal, return on asset measures for a firm using consolidation will appear:
✓ A) less favorable than those for a comparable firm using the equity method.
✗ B) more favorable than those for a comparable firm using the equity method.
✗ C) same as for a comparable firm using the equity method.
Explanation
All else being equal, return on asset measures for a firm using consolidation will appear less favorable than those for a
comparable firm using the equity method. This is because the choice of accounting method will affect the book value of assets,
while the level of net income remains the same.
Prior to 2007, Company X (reporting under U.S. GAAP) had never made any acquisitions of other companies. However, on
January 2, 2007, it went on a buying spree, purchasing 10% of Company A for $10,000; 30% of Company B for $20,000; 40%
of Company C for $80,000; and 70% of Company D for $168,000.
Below are the balance sheets for the five companies (in thousands) just prior to the purchase.
Company X A B C D
Cash 400 10 20 30 40
Other
1,600 90 180 270 360
assets
Total
2,000 100 200 300 400
assets
Liabilities 300 40 80 120 160
Equity 1,700 60 120 180 240
Total 2,000 100 200 300 400
During 2007, the companies generated the following sales, income, and dividends:
Company X A B C D
Revenue 2,000 100 200 300 400
Net income 200 10 20 30 40
Dividends 4 8 12 16
The company accounts for the acquisitions based on typical ownership proportion guidelines.
After the acquisitions, the other assets reported by Company X will be:
✓ A) $2,070,000.
✗ B) $1,878,000.
✗ C) $1,962,000.
Explanation
Company X will treat the acquisition of Company A as an investment in financial assets, the acquisitions of Companies B and C
using the equity method, and the acquisition of Company D using the acquisition method. The investments in Companies A, B,
and C, will be reported, while Company D's financial statements will be consolidated with Company X. The other asset balance
will be the starting balance plus the investments in Companies A, B, and C, plus the other asset amount for Company D, which
equals 1,600,000 + 10,000 + 20,000 + 80,000 + 360,000 = 2,070,000. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.a)
After the acquisitions, the liabilities reported by company X will be:
✗ A) $480,000.
✓ B) $460,000.
✗ C) $300,000.
Explanation
Liabilities will be equal to the starting balance plus the liability balance for Company D, which equals 300,000 + 160,000 =
460,000. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.a)
After the acquisitions, minority interest reported by Company X will be:
✓ A) $72,000.
✗ B) $168,000.
✗ C) $0.
Explanation
Minority interest will be equal to the proportion not owned of Company D multiplied by the equity of Company D, which is (1 −
0.7) × 240,000 = 72,000. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.a)
Company X will report revenue for 2007 of:
✗ A) $2,000,000.
✗ B) $2,280,000.
✓ C) $2,400,000.
Explanation
Revenues will equal the revenue of Company X and D, which is 2,000,000 + 400,000. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.a)
Company X will report income for 2007 of:
✓ A) $246,400.
✗ B) $247,000.
✗ C) $258,400.
Explanation
Income will equal the income of X, plus 10% of the dividends for A, plus 30% of the income of B, plus 40% of the income of C,
plus the income of D less the minority interest, which is 200,000 + (0.1 × 4,000) + (0.3 × 20,000) + (0.4 × 30,000) + (40,000) −
(0.3 × 40,000) = 246,400. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.a)
The change in the investment account (the account that reflects all nonconsolidated investments in other companies)
between January 3 and December 31 is:
✓ A) $10,800.
✗ B) $27,600.
✗ C) $11,400.
Explanation
The investment account will not change for company A, and there is no investment account for Company D. The investment
account will increase from the proportionate income of Companies B and C, and will decrease from the dividends received
from Companies B and C. The changes will be (0.3 × 20,000) + (0.4 × 30,000) − (0.3 × 8,000) − (0.4 × 12,000) = 10,800.
(Study Session 6, LOS 19.a)
Luna Life Insurance is a publicly traded corporation with total assets in excess of $500 million. Joy Manning, CFA, has served
as Luna's chief investment officer for the past decade. Recent poor performance of Luna investment portfolio has led to the
formation of a special task force to review Luna's investment holdings as well as its operating policies. The task force is
composed of two current Luna board members (who are not employees of Luna) and three independent investment
professionals. Their assignment is to thoroughly review Luna's financial statements for evidence of impropriety or mishandling
of corporate assets. The task force is expected to complete their review within one month and report back to Luna's board of
directors shortly thereafter.
Luna's most recent financial statements reflect approximately $200 million in various equity holdings and $100 million in debt
instruments. A broad classification of the portfolio (in millions of $) as of December 31, 2006 is as follows:
HeldtoMaturity AvailableforSale Trading
Equity $0 $125 $75
Debt $50 $25 $25

In the footnotes, there is a reference to $10 million of availableforsale securities that were transferred to the heldtomaturity
portfolio last year. The securities were transferred at fair market value, and an unrealized loss of $1 million was included in
that period's income. Several members of the task force believe the transaction deserves further analysis to determine if the
securities' transfer between portfolios was executed in accordance with SFAS 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in
Debt and Equity Securities" as Manning has represented.
Also, in 2006, Luna transferred $5 million of shares in ABC Corp from the availableforsale portfolio to the trading portfolio. In
association with this transaction, $1 million in unrealized gains were included in the year's income. The task force observes
that after the transfer, there are $2.5 million of ABC Corp remaining in the availableforsale portfolio. Manning has stated that
the firm's desire to reduce exposure to the equity market was the reason for selling only a portion of the position in ABC Corp.
In addition, the group is performing its own analysis on the impact of last year's acquisition of a 20% stake in Instate, a
regional provider of commercial insurance. Instate reported $15 million in earnings for the year ending December 31, 2006,
and paid approximately $1 million in dividends. Manning directed Luna's accountants to record the purchase using the equity
method, and thus has included a proportional share of Instate's net income for the year. The acquisition was effective as of
January 1st of 2006, and operating results for the investment stake in Instate are incorporated into Luna's 2006 financial
statements. The group will perform basic analysis both with and without the operating results of Instate in order to better
evaluate what financial impact the inclusion of Luna's results had on Instate's overall performance.
With regard to the $50 million of debt securities currently classified as heldtomaturity on Luna's financial statements:
✗ A) the cost method of accounting should be used on the income statement while
the market method should be used on the balance sheet.
✗ B) unrealized gains and losses are excluded from income but reported as a separate
component of shareholders' equity.
✓ C) they are carried at their amortized cost and cannot be sold prior to maturity except
under unusual circumstances.
Explanation
When debt securities are classified as heldtomaturity, the company has both the intent and ability to hold them until they
reach their respective maturities. Only under unusual, isolated circumstances can a company liquidate prior to maturity. Note
that only debt securities can be classified as heldtomaturity; equity securities cannot. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.a)
Although the appropriate classification of investments is determined at the purchase date, management can reevaluate the
classifications at the end of each financial period and adjust accordingly. When transferring debt securities from the available
forsale portfolio to heldtomaturity, which of the following rules is most likely in accordance with SFAS 115? Availableforsale
securities transferred to heldtomaturity are transferred at:
✓ A) fair market value, and any unrealized gains or losses remain in equity but are
subsequently amortized over the remaining life of the security.
✗ B) fair market value, and any unrealized gains or losses are included in income in the
period of transfer.
✗ C) their amortized cost, and any unrealized gains or losses remain in equity but are
subsequently amortized over the remaining life of the security.
Explanation
When transferring debt securities between portfolios, availableforsale securities transferred to heldtomaturity are
transferred at fair market value, and any unrealized gains or losses remain in equity but are subsequently amortized over the
remaining life of the security. Note that this only applies to debt securities because equity securities cannot be classified as
heldtomaturity. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.a)
Analysts should be wary of which of the following equity transactions a company may use to manipulate its reported earnings
to reflect a higher net income? A company can move shares that have appreciated in value from:
✓ A) availableforsale to the trading portfolio.
✗ B) heldtomaturity to the trading portfolio.
✗ C) trading to the availableforsale portfolio.
Explanation
Because shares of the same company can be classified as separate investments, a company could move those securities with
unrealized gains to the trading portfolio, and thus recognize the gains, while leaving those securities with unrealized losses in
the availableforsale portfolio. Equity shares cannot be classified as heldtomaturity. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.a)
Which of the following investments would most likely be reported under the equity method?
✗ A) An investment in 80% of the equity of an entity that gives the owner control
over that entity
✓ B) An investment in 5% of the equity of an entity that gives the owner significant influence
over that entity
✗ C) An investment in 40% of the equity of an entity that gives the owner control over that
entity
Explanation
The parentcompany must have significant influence over the management of the affiliate. Control would require the
consolidation method. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.a)
Luna has recorded its investment in Instate utilizing the equity method of accounting for intercorporate investments. According
to FASB, which of the following statements most accurately reflects the impact on an investor's financial statements by using
the equity method?
✗ A) Market values can be compared with the carrying amount for analysis
purposes, but only market values may be used in the financial statements.
✓ B) The investing firm can include a proportionate share of the investee's income in its
earnings, regardless of whether or not there are actual cash flows (i.e. dividends).
✗ C) The investing firm will not make any adjustments to its financial statements to reflect
its proportionate share of the investee's net assets, but will reference the investment
in the footnotes.
Explanation
The proportionate share of the investee's income is included in the parent's income statement. Changes in the market value of
the investee are not reflected in the investing firm's income statement so long as the decline in value is not considered to be
permanent. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.b)
Suppose Luna had accounted for the Instate acquisition using the passive method for investments in financial assets rather
than the equity method of accounting for intercorporate investments. Explain how the different methods would most likely
impact Luna's financial statements? Under the equity method, Luna will report:
✗ A) improved debt coverage than under the passive method for investments in
financial assets.
✓ B) higher interest coverage ratios and return on investment than under the passive
method for investments in financial assets.
✗ C) lower net income than under the passive method for investments in financial assets.
Explanation
In this scenario where the investee reported positive earnings and paid out less than 100% of its earnings as dividends, the
parent will report higher income, thus resulting in higher interest coverage ratios and return on investment. (Study Session 6,
LOS 19.c)
Company X owns 15% of company S and exerts significant influence over the operations of the company. The book value of the
investment on December 31, 2008, is $48,000. In 2009, company S earned $100,000 and paid dividends of $20,000. The impact of the
investment on the income statement of company X is:
✗ A) $12,000.
✗ B) $3,000.
✓ C) $15,000.
Explanation
Because company X exerts significant influence over company S, the investment will be treated using the equity method, even though
the ownership is less than the 20% guideline. The impact on the income statement is the proportionate income of company S, which is
0.15 × 100,000 = 15,000.
Which of the following statements regarding qualifying special purpose entities (QSPE) is most accurate?
✗ A) A QSPE can hold only certain financial and nonfinancial assets.
✓ B) The QSPE has total control of the assets transferred from the sponsor.
✗ C) Under IFRS, the sponsor can avoid consolidating asset securitizations by creating a
QSPE.
Explanation
A QSPE can only hold financial assets (and the assets are usually receivables). As a legally separate, independent entity, the
QSPE has total control of the assets transferred from the sponsor. Previously, under U.S. GAAP, the sponsor could avoid
consolidating asset securitizations by creating a QSPE. QSPEs are no longer permitted under U.S. GAAP or IFRS.
Assume that on the balance sheet date shown below TME Corporation acquires 70% of Abcor, Inc. common stock for $25,000 in cash.
Preacquisition Balance Sheets
December 31, 2001
TME Corp. Abcor, Inc.
Current assets $80,000 $38,000
Other assets 28,000 15,000
Total assets $108,000 $53,000
Current liabilities $60,000 $32,000
Common stock 15,000 14,000
Retained earnings 33,000 7,000
Total liabilities and equity $108,000 $53,000
What will be the postacquisition current ratio, using both the acquistion method and the equity method, respectively, for TME? The
choices below represent Acquisition and Equity, respectively.
✓ A) 1.01, 0.92.
✗ B) 1.04, 1.11.
✗ C) 1.21, 1.02.
Explanation
With the acquisition method: The current assets are ($80,000 + $38,000 $25,000) = $93,000. The current liabilities are ($60,000 +
$32,000) = $92,000. The current ratio is $93,000/$92,000 = 1.01. With the equity method: The current assets are ($80,000 $25,000) =
$55,000. The current liabilities are $60,000. The current ratio is $55,000/$60,000 = 0.92.
Using the acquistion method to account for the acquisition, what will be the postacquisition current assets of TME?
✓ A) $93,000.
✗ B) $118,000.
✗ C) $105,000.
Explanation
Using the acquisition basis of accounting, the postacquisition level of the current assets is the amount of the current assets prior to
acquisition minus the amount of cash used for the acquisition. ($80,000 + 38,000 25,000) = $93,000.
Using the acquistion method to account for the acquisition, which of the following is closest to the postacquisition amount that
will be recorded as the minority interest under US GAAP?
✗ A) $6,300.
✗ B) $21,000.
✓ C) $10,700.
Explanation
Since only 70% of Abcor was purchased by TME there is a minority interest that must be accounted for, equal to the
percentage of Abcor not owned by TME times Abcor's fair value.
Abcor's fair value = 25,000/0.7 = 35,714.29
Under US GAAP, only full goodwill.
Minority interest = 35,714.29 (0.3) = 10, 714.29
Which of the following statements regarding special purpose entities (SPEs) is least accurate?
✓ A) According to U.S. GAAP, a special purpose entity is classified as a variable

interest entity (VIE) if it has atrisk equity that is sufficient to finance its own
activities without additional financial support.
✗ B) Under IFRS, a special purpose entity must be consolidated by the entity which
exercises control over that entity.
✗ C) According to U.S. GAAP, if a SPE is considered a VIE, it must be only consolidated by

the primary beneficiary.
Explanation
Under U.S. GAAP rules, a VIE could include a SPE that has atrisk equity that is insufficient to finance the entity's activities
without additional financial support.
Joseph Haggs, CFA, is an analyst working for Garvess Jones, a large publicly traded investmentbaking firm. Haggs covers
the Internet sector. Recently, one of the more successful companies Haggs covers, Simpson Corporation, made an
aggressive move to acquire another Internet company, Bailey Corporation (BC). BC is a company specializing in graphics and
animation on the World Wide Web and has 1,000,000 shares outstanding. Simpson also holds minimal investments in other
technology companies both public and private. In 1999 Simpson saw an opportunity to substantially increase its share in BC.
Simpson feels that their sophisticated animation can greatly improve Simpson's market share and sees an acquisition as an
opportunity to expand their business. The relevant financial data are in the following tables.
Bailey Corporation
Selected Financial Data, Years Ended December 31
(in Thousands)
Item 1998 1999 2000
Sales $50,000 $60,000 $70,000
Less: cost of goods sold (COGS) 37,000 43,700 47,250
Earnings before interest & taxes (EBIT) 13,000 16,300 22,750
Less: Interest 10,000 13,000 19,000
EBT 3,000 3,300 3,750
Less: Taxes 1,000 1,100 1,250
Net Income $2,000 $2,200 $2,500
Dividends Paid $1,000 $1,200 $1,500
Total Shares Outstanding 1,000,000
Simpson's Purchase Transactions in BC's Stock
Date January 1, 1998 January 1, 1999 January 1, 2000
Number of Shares 10,000 290,000 700,000
Price per Share 10 11 15
Because this is the largest acquisition in Simpson's history, Mr. Haggs' supervisor has asked him to prepare a report for
Garvess Jones' clients detailing the affects of the acquisition on Simpson's financial statements.
Haggs wonders which accounting method Simpson uses to calculate the book value of the BC investment for the year ending December
31, 1999. Which is the correct method?
✗ A) Investment in Financial Assets method.
✓ C) Equity method.
Explanation
When a company owns an influential but noncontrolling interest in another company, commonly 2050%, it must account for it under the
equity method.
✗ A) Acquisition method.
✓ B) Investment in Financial Assets method.
✗ C) Equity method.
Explanation
When a company owns a noninfluential and noncontrolling interest in another company the investment must be carried at cost. Simpson
must carry its BC investment at cost for 1998.
✗ A) Proportional consolidation method.
✓ C) Acquisition method.
Explanation
When a company's interest in another exceeds 50% it is considered to have controlling interest and must consolidate the financial
statements.
Haggs wants to make sure that he assumes the proper accounting method when he does his analysis. The acquisition of BC stock will
lead to Simpson's total net cash flow equaling which of the following for the year ending December 31, 1999?
✗ A) $−3,190,000.
✗ B) $360,000.
✓ C) $−2,830,000.
Explanation
Simpson paid a total of $−3,190,000 (290,000 shares × $11) however, they also received a dividend from BC of $360,000. For 1999 Bailey
Corporation is paying $1.20 in dividends per share (1,200,000 / 1,000,000). As of December 1999, Simpson has purchased 300,000
shares of BC (= 290,000 + 10,000). So dividends received is 300,000 × $1.20 = $360,000. This will make the total cash flow for the year $
−2,830,000.
Trading securities are defined as:

✓ A) debt and equity securities acquired with the intent of selling them in the near
future.
✗ B) equity securities representing 20% to 50% ownership in a public firm.
✗ C) debt and equity securities that are very liquid and easy to sell.
Explanation
Debt and equity securities acquired with the intent of selling them in the near future are likely to be considered trading
securities.
Omricon Capital Associates specializes in making investments in the small cap market sector. In some cases the firm operates
as a supplier of private equity for restructurings. In this instance, the firm views itself as having a value investment focus. In
others, it acts as a venture capital firm. Here, the investment focus is usually growth. Finally, in some cases it simply takes
passive investment positions in publiclytraded firms. The positions in marketable securities are sometimes considered trading
positions, and other times the view is to hold for a longer period until valuation parameters are met or exceeded.
Omricon's chief compliance officer, Raymond "Buzz" Richards has recently become concerned that the firm may not be
correctly following the relevant accounting standards for these investments. To ensure that the rules are being effectively
adhered to, he is seeking advice from the accounting firm of MerzBrokaw and Associates on the matter. Sally Lee is the
MerzBrokaw partner heading up the consulting team assigned to review the situation.
The size of the investments ranges from a few percent of the firm's outstanding equity, to positions of greater than 50%.
Richards says that it has always been his understanding that the percentage of the equity held is the major determinant with
respect to which accounting method applies. Lee reminds him that the firm's intent for its investments also plays a role in
determining how they are accounted for.
Some of the firm's investments have not worked out as planned. Richards has conferred with the firm's portfolio managers
regarding securities being held by the firm that are worth less than when they were acquired, and has presented a list of these
investments to Lee. His concern is what this implies for the accounting for these investments. Lee tells him that the issue here
is whether or not the security can be considered impaired, and that designating a security as impaired implies that the decline
in value is permanent.
Top managers at Omricon have asked Lee to help them evaluate the impact of the choice of accounting method on the firm's
profitability. Some members of the management team are of the belief that the accounting method does not affect financial
measures because these are driven by underlying economic factors. Others believe that these measures can be affected by
the accounting method chosen.
Assuming no significant influence exists, which of the following statements concerning percentage ownership and accounting
method is most accurate?
✗ A) When the ownership is less than 20%, US GAAP requires the investment in
financial assets method, IFRS the equity method.
✗ B) When the ownership is less than 20%, both US GAAP and IFRS require the equity
method.
✓ C) When the ownership is less than 20%, both US GAAP and IFRS require the
investment in financial assets method.
Explanation
When the percentage ownership is less than 20% (with no significant influence over the investee firm), both US GAAP and
IFRS require the investment in financial assets method. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.a)
For instances in which Omricon holds exactly 50% of the outstanding equity of the investee firm's equity (i.e., the investee firm
is a joint venture), which of the following statements is most accurate?
✗ A) IFRS requires that the equity method be used; US GAAP permits a choice
between the equity method and proportional consolidation.
✗ B) IFRS and US GAAP both permit a choice between the equity method and proportional
consolidation.
✓ C) Both US GAAP and IFRS require that the equity method be used.
Explanation
Equity method is required accounting method under both IFRS and U.S. GAAP for joint ventures (Study Session 6, LOS 19.b)
The three classifications for passive investments in securities that trade in secondary markets are:
✗ A) trading securities, marketable securities, heldtomaturity securities.

✓ B) trading securities, availableforsale securities, heldtomaturity securities.
✗ C) marketable securities, availableforsale securities, heldtomaturity securities.
Explanation
The three classifications for passive investments in securities that trade in secondary markets (i.e., marketable securities) are
trading securities, availableforsale securities, and heldtomaturity securities. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.a)
When a passive investment in marketable equity securities is classified as availableforsale:
✗ A) IFRS requires that unrealized gains and losses are reported in comprehensive
income on the balance sheet, while under US GAAP the firm can elect to report
on either the income statement or in comprehensive income on the balance
sheet.
✓ B) US GAAP and IFRS require that unrealized gains and losses are reported as equity in
other comprehensive income on the balance sheet.
✗ C) US GAAP requires that unrealized gains and losses are reported on the income
statement, while under IFRS the firm can elect to report on either the income
statement or in comprehensive income on the balance sheet.
Explanation
When a passive investment in marketable equity securities is classified as availableforsale, US GAAP and IFRS require that
unrealized gains and losses are reported as equity in other comprehensive income on the balance sheet. (Study Session 6,
LOS 19.b)
With respect to Lee's statement concerning securities that are currently worth less than when they were acquired, a security
should be considered impaired when the:
✗ A) decline in value is other than temporary, its value should be written down to
the new fair value, and a loss reported in comprehensive income in equity on
the balance sheet.
✗ B) decline in value is permanent, its value should be written down to the new fair value,
and a loss reported on the income statement.
✓ C) decline in value is other than temporary, its value should be written down to the new
fair value, and a loss reported on the income statement.
Explanation
A security should be considered impaired when the decline in value is "other than temporary". That is to say that it is obviously
not due to a temporary decline in the market. No one knows for sure if any decline in value is permanent, but in most cases it
is obvious that it is not simply a market phenomenon. When this is the case, the asset's value should be written down to the
new fair value, and a loss reported on the income statement. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.a)
Relative to consolidation, using the equity method of accounting for investments results in:
✗ A) ROA being higher and leverage being higher than under consolidation.
✓ B) ROA being higher than under consolidation.

✗ C) ROA being lower and leverage being higher than under consolidation.
Explanation
Since consolidation results in inclusion of investee's assets in the investor's balance sheet, the total assets would be higher
under consolidation as compared to equity method. Net income is same under either methods. ROA would be higher under
equity method as compared to under consolidation. Leverage effects will depend on the debt of the investee company. Under
consolidation, all of investee's debt would be included in investors balance sheet. However, total equity in the consolidated
balance sheet will also be higher due to inclusion of minority interest. (Study Session 6, LOS 19.c)
Sawbuck Corporation recently acquired a 60% stake in Rawboard Inc. for $70 million in newly issued common stock. Given
this information, which of the following methods should be used to account for the acquisition of Rawboard?
✓ A) Acquisition.
✗ B) Proportionate consolidation.
✗ C) The pooling of interest method.

Explanation
When the parent company has at least a 50% ownership stake and control over the subsidiary, the acquisition method is used.
Evergreen Brothers is a large producer of bedding plants and shrubs that are sold to various retail nurseries and home
improvement stores located across the western coast of the United States with approximately $85 million in annual sales.
Evergreen grows its products at two facilities, one in Northern California and the other in the Southern part of the state. Each
production facility currently distributes its products within an approximate 150 mile radius of its location. All aspects of the
shipping and delivery of products have historically been provided by an independent, thirdparty distribution company.
Because of impressive growth in the company's sales over the past several years, management has decided to pursue plans
to bring "inhouse" the distribution of the company's products. They believe that the projected decreased freight costs as well
as the increased efficiencies in more actively managing the distribution of their production should immediately yield increased
profit margins. As an initial step, Evergreen has negotiated the price for ten delivery trucks, which could provide all distribution
capacity needed for the company's Northern production facility for the upcoming season. Current plans are to continue the use
of the independent distribution company for the needs of the firm's Southern facility for at least the next several years.
Under advice from the company's CFO, Evergreen has created a new special purpose entity (SPE), QuickTime, Inc., which will
serve as the entity that will purchase the trucks from the dealer. The purchase will be financed through a combination of debt
and equity, with the dealer lending 75% of the total cost. The loan is collateralized by both the trucks and Evergreen's
guarantee of the debt, as required by the dealer.
Evergreen has arranged for an outside investor to provide the remaining 25% of the upfront costs of the equipment in
exchange for 100% of QuickTime's nonvoting stock. In addition, the outside investor is guaranteed an 8% annual return for the
life of the financing term. At the end of seven years, QuickTime will be liquidated and Evergreen will have the option of
purchasing the equipment for its fair value at that time. The proceeds of the liquidation will be used to repurchase the outside
investor's stock at par value. In the event that the liquidation value is insufficient to buy back the outside investor's stock,
Evergreen has committed to fund the shortfall.
Management has given its tentative approval of the project and the proposed structure. Questions remain, however, as to the
effect of the creation of QuickTime on Evergreen's financial statements. With the relatively recent issuance of FASB
Interpretation No. 46(R), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" (FIN 46(R)), the management of Evergreen has not had
prior experience with the new consolidation requirements for SPEs.
Which of the following statements regarding special purpose entities (SPEs) is least accurate?
✗ A) In general, the equity investors in an SPE can expect to receive a limited rate of
return on their investment in exchange for limited risk exposure.
✓ B) An SPE can be established as one of several legal forms, such as corporations,
partnerships, or trusts, but must establish separate management from that of the
sponsor.
✗ C) An SPE can be formed to isolate specific assets from the sponsor, thus lowering the
cost of capital by protecting the assets of the SPE in the event the sponsor
experiences financial distress.
Explanation
An SPE can take on one of many legal forms, but does not necessarily have to have separate management or employees
from that of the sponsor.
In exchange for providing lowercost financing to an SPE, lenders typically require additional financial support from a sponsor,
which may be in the form of additional collateral or guarantees. In return, the sponsor will typically receive which of the
following risk and return profiles?
✗ A) Prorata share of the actual returns on the project and a predetermined fixed
level of risk on the project.
✓ B) Prorata share of the actual risks and returns on the project.

✗ C) Prorata share of the actual risk and a predetermined fixed rate of return on the
project.
Explanation
By transferring the variability in the risk of a project to a sponsor, a lender can provide a lower cost of financing to the company
that creates the SPE. In return, the sponsor will receive prorata profits or other residual interests in the project.
According to FIN 46(R), if an SPE is to be considered a variable interest entity (VIE), it must meet which of the following
conditions?
✗ A) The SPE must be consolidated by the primary beneficiary, whose status as

primary beneficiary is defined by the level of the firm's percentage of voting
control.
✓ B) The total atrisk equity of the SPE is not sufficient to finance the entity's activities
without additional subordinated financial support.
✗ C) The equity investors in the VIE must bear all of the SPE's risk up to a predetermined
level as outlined in the governing documents.
Explanation
To qualify as a VIE under FIN 46(R), any one of four conditions must be met, one of which is the presence of an insufficient at
risk equity investment.
In order to be considered a VIE under FIN 46(R), an entity must meet certain conditions. Which of the following statements
about QuickTime is most accurate? Under FIN 46(R), QuickTime is:
✗ A) considered a VIE because outside investors share the residual gains and
losses at liquidation with Evergreen.
✓ B) considered a VIE because the outside investor's capital contribution is not sufficient to
finance QuickTime's operations.
✗ C) not considered a VIE because the outside investor does not have any decision making
rights.
Explanation
The outside investor contributed 25% of the necessary capital, but this was not sufficient because the dealer additionally
required Evergreen's guarantee in order to close the deal. This condition satisfies the requirements established by FIN 46(R)
in order to be classified as a VIE.
As outlined in FIN 46(R), the primary beneficiary of a VIE is that entity which meets which of the following conditions?
✗ A) Holds the majority voting control of the VIE and has separate management from
the VIE.
✗ B) Holds the majority voting control of the VIE and shares management with the VIE.
✓ C) Has exposure to the majority of the loss risks or receives the majority of the residual
benefits of the VIE.
Explanation
Unlike past accounting treatments of VIEs where consolidation was based upon voting control, FIN 46(R) recognizes the
primary beneficiary of a VIE as that entity that absorbs the majority of the risks and enjoys the majority of the benefits of the
VIE. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the VIE on their financial statements.
Assuming that QuickTime is considered a VIE in accordance with FIN 46(R), which of the following statements regarding the
consolidation of QuickTime on Evergreen's financial statements is most accurate?
✓ A) Evergreen is exposed to the majority of QuickTime's risks and rewards, so

Evergreen must consolidate QuickTime on its financial statements.
✗ B) Because the outside investor holds only nonvoting stock, Evergreen holds the majority
controlling financial interest in QuickTime and must consolidate QuickTime on its
financial statements.
✗ C) The truck dealer is supplying the financing for the majority (75%) of QuickTime's debt,
so Evergreen may not consolidate QuickTime on its financial statements.
Explanation
Before the issuance of FIN 46(R), consolidation was based upon possession of voting control of an entity. FIN 46(R) uses a
risk/reward approach when determining which firm must consolidate the VIE on its financial statements. Since Evergreen is the
sole entity exposed to variability in QuickTime's net income, as well asset value, QuickTime should be consolidated on their
financial statements.
Under IFRS rules, which of the following accounting treatments is most preferred for joint ventures where there is shared
control?
✗ A) Proportionate consolidation method.

✓ C) Equity method.
Explanation
Only equity method is now permitted under both IFRS and U.S. GAAP.
On January 9, 2006, Company X, reporting under U.S. GAAP, purchased $1,000,000 of government bonds and 100,000
shares of stock in Company S for $2,000,000. The company intends on holding the stock for the foreseeable future and
holding the bonds to maturity. As of December 31, the bonds were valued at $900,000, and the stocks were valued at
$2,200,000. The bonds paid $50,000 of interest and the stocks paid $20,000 of dividends. In 2006, Company S had earnings
per share of $0.90. Company X reports under U.S. GAAP.
The marketable securities balance amount shown on the balance sheet is:
✗ A) $3,100,000.
✗ B) $3,000,000.
✓ C) $3,200,000.
Explanation
The bonds are classified as debt securities heldtomaturity and are valued at cost. The stocks are classified as debt and
equity securities available for sale and are valued at market value.
(LOS 19.a)
The impact of the marketable securities on net income is:
✗ A) $140,000.
✓ B) $70,000.
✗ C) $270,000.
Explanation
The bonds are classified as debt securities heldtomaturity, and the income generated from them is $50,000. The stocks are
classified as debt and equity securities available for sale, and although the increased value is reported as an asset, the gain is
reported in the securities valuation account in the equity section and not on the income statement. The effect of the stocks on
income is the $20,000 of dividends.
(LOS 19.a)
In late 2006, Company X decided to reclassify the investments as trading securities. What is the impact of this change in status
on the value of the assets of Company X?
✗ A) $200,000.
✗ B) $70,000.
✓ C) $0.
Explanation
The stocks were classified as available for sale, but now they will be classified as trading securities. However, although it will
affect net income, the change in status will not impact the reported value of the assets. According to SFAS 115, securities
transferred from availableforsale to trading securities are transferred at fair market value and unrealized gains or losses
would be included in income.
(LOS 19.b)
Assuming that the company would report under IFRS 9, the appropriate classification for the investment in government bonds
would be:
✗ A) Amortized cost or Available for Sale only.

✓ B) Amortized cost or Fair value through profit or loss only.
✗ C) Amortized cost or Fair value through OCI only.
Explanation
Under IFRS 9 (new standards), debt securities can be classified at amortized cost (if they meet business model and cash flow
characteristic test) or as fair value through profit or loss.
(LOS 19.a)
Assuming that the company would report under IFRS 9 and that the investments were initially classified as fair value through
profit or loss. The company can reclassify:
✓ A) Debt security only if the business model has changed.

✗ B) Both debt and equity securities into fair value through OCI.
✗ C) Equity security but only into fair value through OCI.
Explanation
Reclassification of equity securities under the new standards is not permitted as the initial designation (FVPL or FVOCI) is
irrevocable. Reclassification of debt securities from amortized cost to FVPL (or vice versa) is permitted only if the business
model has changed.
(LOS 19.a)
In 2010 the company recorded an impairment loss on their investment in government bonds. Two years later, the bonds
recovered. Under U.S. GAAP a reversal of impairment loss:
✓ A) Is not allowed.
✗ B) Is only allowed if the reversal is other than temporary.
✗ C) Not exceeding the original loss is allowed.
Explanation
U.S. GAAP does not allow for reversal of impairment losses on financial assets.
(LOS 19.a)
Under U.S. GAAP rules, where an investor owns a significant number (39%) of the voting shares of an investee but has no
involvement in policy making and no Board of Directors' representation, which of the following investment classifications is
most appropriate to characterize the situation?
✓ A) Investment in financial assets.
✗ B) Investment in associates.
✗ C) Significant influence.
Explanation
Investment in financial assets is the correct classification here because there is no significant influence (i.e. no involvement in
policy marking, no Board of Directors' representation). Although the ownership interest level is significant at 39% (it is between
20% and 50%), the lack of control classifies the investment as an investment in financial assets.
Significant influence is not in investment classification per se. It is a measure of relative degree of influence.
Milburne Company purchased 1,000 shares of Marino Co. for $20 per share on January 1. By December 31, shares of Marino were trading
at $15 per share in the open market. Marino Co. has 100,000 shares outstanding with a dividend yield of 2% at year end. Milburne plans
to hold the shares of Marino for longerterm investment and liquidity purposes. The impact of the Marino holding on the Milburne income
statement is:
✗ A) $4,700.
✓ B) $300.
✗ C) $5,000.
Explanation
These securities are to be classified as available for sale and hence, all unrealized gains and losses are posted to a securities valuation
reserve on the balance sheet. Hence, the only income statement impact is the $300 dividend = 0.02 × $15 × 1,000.
Mashburn Company acquired 25% of the 100,000 outstanding shares of Humm Co. on January 1 for $250,000 in cash. Humm Co. earned
$1 per share and had a dividend payout ratio of 40%. As of December 31, Humm Co. shares were trading in the open market at $12 per
share. Calculate the income statement treatment of the Humm Co. investment as of December 31.
✗ A) $75,000.
✓ B) $25,000.
✗ C) $10,000.
Explanation
Under the equity method, the investor recognizes its prorata share of the affiliate's income on the income statement. Since Mashburn
owns 25,000 shares of Humm and Humm earned $1, the income statement impact of the investment is $25,000.

03 Intercorporate Investments

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Intercorporate Investments Test ID: 7440409

Question #1 of 117 Question ID: 462119

Current assets $400,000 $60,000

Fixed assets 600,000 100,000

Total $1,000,000 $160,000

Current liabilities $50,000 $ 30,000

Common stock 350,000 60,000

Retained earnings 600,000 70,000

Total $1,000,000 $160,000

✗ A) $1,060,000 and $1,000,000.

✗ B) $1,060,000 and $1,060,000.

✓ C) $1,000,000 and $1,060,000.

Questions #2­7 of 117

Exhibit 1 ­ Security Information

As the shares are to be held permanently they should be valued at cost

Dividends should be taken to the income statement

Question #2 of 117 Question ID: 462157

Question #3 of 117 Question ID: 462158

How many of Gatuso's recommendations are most likely accurate?

✗ B) Recommendation one only

Question #4 of 117 Question ID: 462159

Question #5 of 117 Question ID: 462160

Question #6 of 117 Question ID: 462161

✓ A) $12,500,000 and record an unrealized loss of $1,500,000.

✗ C) $14,000,000 and record no gains or losses.

The original portfolio cost was: $8,000,000 + $2,000,000 + $4,000,000 = $14,000,000

In 2005: $7,500,000 + $3,000,000 + $2,000,000 = $12,500,000

Question #7 of 117 Question ID: 462162

The original portfolio cost was: $8,000,000 + $2,000,000 + $4,000,000 = $14,000,000

Question #8 of 117 Question ID: 462217

Question #9 of 117 Question ID: 462214

✓ A) Both methods report the same net income.

Both methods will report the same net income.

Question #10 of 117 Question ID: 462206

✗ C) Proportionate consolidation method.

Question #11 of 117 Question ID: 462150

Statement #2 The organizational form of a VIE must be either a partnership or a joint

✓ A) Only one is correct.

✗ B) Both are correct.

Questions #12­17 of 117

Question #13 of 117 Question ID: 462233

Trading securities are carried at fair market value:

Question #14 of 117 Question ID: 462234

✗ A) Reclassifying the security would have no effect on the income statement

✓ B) Net income would decline.

Question #15 of 117 Question ID: 462235

Question #16 of 117 Question ID: 462236

Question #17 of 117 Question ID: 462237

✓ A) Welch's statement is incorrect; Dupree's statement is incorrect.

✗ C) Welch's statement is correct; Dupree's statement is correct.

Question #18 of 117 Question ID: 462141

✗ A) investment in financial assets method.

Question #19 of 117 Question ID: 462149

✗ B) Debt held­to­maturity is reported in the balance sheet at amortized cost.

Question #20 of 117 Question ID: 462144

✗ A) Held to maturity debt securities method.

Questions #21­22 of 117

Question #21 of 117 Question ID: 462239

Question #22 of 117 Question ID: 462240

✗ A) Income and stockholder's equity will rise by $200,000.

Questions #27 of 117

Exhibit 1 Security Information

Questions #1217 of 117

✗ B) Debt heldtomaturity is reported in the balance sheet at amortized cost.

Questions #2122 of 117

✗ A) and equity securities availableforsale.

Questions #2731 of 117

✗ B) and equity securities availableforsale.

✓ B) and equity securities availableforsale.

Questions #3843 of 117

Availableforsale securities are measured at fair market value.

Questions #4954 of 117

Exhibit 1 Equity Portfolio Results

Total shares quarter

1. The portfolio should consist solely of U.S. midcap equities.

Exhibit 2 Fixed Income Portfolio