Reporting and Analyzing Investments
FOR INSTRUCTOR USE ONLY
Note: TF = True-False C = Completion
MC = Multiple Choice Ex = Exercise
Ma = Matching
CHAPTER LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Explain how to account for debt investments. Corporations invest for three common
reasons: (a) they have excess cash. (b) They view investment income as a significant
revenue source, and (c) They have strategic goals such as gaining control of a competitor or
supplier or moving into a new line of business.
Entries for investments in debt securities are required when companies purchase bonds,
receive or accrue interest, and sell bonds.
2. Explain how to account for stock investments. Entries for investments in common stock
are required when companies purchase stock, receive dividends, and sell stock. When
ownership is less than 20%, the cost method is used–the investment is recorded at cost.
When ownership is between 20% and 50%, the equity method should be used–the investor
records its share of the net income of the investee in the year it is earned. When ownership
is more than 50%, consolidated financial statements should be prepared.
When a company owns more than 50% of the common stock of another company,
consolidated financial statements are usually prepared. These statements are especially
useful to the stockholders, board of directors, and management of the parent company.
3. Discuss how debt and stock investments are reported in the financial statements.
Investments in debt and stock securities are classified as trading, available-for-sale, or held-
to-maturity for valuation and reporting purposes. Trading securities are reported as current
assets at fair value, with changes from cost reported in net income. Available-for-sale
securities are also reported at fair value, with the changes from cost reported as items of
other comprehensive income. Available-for-sale securities are classified as short-term or
long-term depending on their expected realization.