Case 12–6 (continued)
Requirement 2
Merck (in the summary of critical accounting policies) describes its policy
regarding accounting for its investments:
Accounting for unrealized gains and losses (both temporary and OTT):
“Investments — Investments in marketable debt and equity securities
classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value. Fair values of
considered other-than-temporary, impairment losses are charged to
Other (income) expense, net. The Company considers available evidence
in evaluating potential impairments of its investments, including the
duration and extent to which fair value is less than cost and, for equity
securities, the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investments. For
debt securities, an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred if the
Accounting for realized gains and losses:
“Realized gains and losses for both debt and equity securities are
included in Other (income) expense, net.”