Accounting for Investments - Equity Method, Including Consolidations  

This course discusses and compares the general methods of accounting for investments in equity securities: the fair value method or the cost method if fair value is not readily determinable, the equity method, and consolidation. Emphasis is on the equity method. The fair value/cost methods, and, to a lesser extent, consolidation are discussed to differentiate them from the equity method and to establish a basis for understanding the different methods. This course also discusses changing from the fair value method (or in limited situations where appropriate, the cost method) to the equity method and changing from the equity method to the fair value or cost method. In addition, it discusses income tax considerations for the equity method, step-by-step acquisitions, and consolidation. This course is most beneficial to professionals new to accounting for investments who may be at the staff or entry level in an organization but also for an experienced professional with limited exposure to accounting for investments.