Concept
in-substance common stock
Referenced in 7 subtopics across 1 area.
Assets7
- 323-10Overall323 Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures
ASC 323-10 governs the equity method of accounting for investments in common stock (and in-substance common stock) of corporate joint ventures and other investees over which the investor can exercise significant influence but does not control. An investment of 20% or more of the voting stock creates a rebuttable presumption of significant influence (323-10-15-8); under the method, the investment is initially recorded at cost (323-10-30-2) and then adjusted for the investor's share of investee earnings/losses, dividends, OCI, intra-entity profit eliminations, and basis-difference amortization, and reported as a single line on both the balance sheet and income statement (323-10-45-1). Losses are recognized only down to zero (plus other investments and committed support), and other-than-temporary declines in value must be recognized (323-10-35-32).
- 323-30Partnerships, Joint Ventures, and Limited Liability Entities323 Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures
ASC 323-30 extends equity method concepts to investments in unincorporated entities—partnerships, unincorporated joint ventures (undivided interests in ventures), and limited liability companies—that are outside the literal scope of Subtopic 323-10 (which addresses common stock of corporations). Investors generally apply the equity method by analogy when they can exercise significant influence over the investee (323-30-25-1), including the intra-entity profit elimination rules of 323-10-35-7. An LLC that maintains a specific ownership account for each investor is treated like a limited partnership interest in deciding between Topic 321 and the equity method (323-30-35-3).
- 323-740Income Taxes—Proportional Amortization Method323 Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures
ASC 323-740 provides standalone guidance on the proportional amortization method for equity investments in flow-through limited liability entities made primarily to receive income tax credits and other income tax benefits (e.g., LIHTC and other tax credit programs). If the conditions in 323-740-25-1 are met and the method is elected on a tax-credit-program-by-tax-credit-program basis (323-740-25-4), the investor amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the income tax credits and other income tax benefits allocated to it, and reports that amortization within income tax expense (benefit) (323-740-35-2; 323-740-45-2).
- 323-932Extractive Activities—Oil and Gas323 Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures
This Subtopic applies equity method and joint venture accounting to the oil and gas industry. Its core point is that joint interest (joint venture) operations, in which working interest owners retain an undivided interest in a jointly operated property run by a designated operator, are usually reflected by including the investor's proportional share of the revenues, expenses, and assets directly in its financial statements rather than by a one-line equity method presentation.
- 323-946Financial Services—Investment Companies323 Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures
This subtopic tells investment companies how (and whether) to apply the equity method of Topic 323. The general rule is that an investment company does not use the equity method for its noncontrolling ownership interests; instead it measures those investments at fair value under Subtopic 946-320. The one exception is an investment in an operating entity that provides services to the investment company (e.g., an investment adviser or transfer agent), which is accounted for under the equity method if it otherwise qualifies.
- 323-970Real Estate—General323 Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures
ASC 323-970 (also cited as 970-323) governs how an investor accounts for interests in real estate ventures—corporate joint ventures, general partnerships, limited partnerships, and undivided interests. The general rule is one-line equity method presentation for noncontrolling investors (pro rata consolidation is prohibited except under 810-10-45-14), consolidation principles if the investor controls the venture, and Topic 321 if the interest is so minor that the investor has virtually no influence. It also prescribes initial measurement of contributed cash or real estate (via Subtopic 610-20 / 360-10-40-3A through 40-3C), elimination of intra-entity profit, and rules for recognizing losses in excess of the investment.
- 323-974Real Estate—Real Estate Investment Trusts323 Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures
This Subtopic tells a REIT how to account for its investment in a "service corporation" — an affiliated entity, typically holding non-qualifying REIT activities, whose voting stock is largely held by others. Even without a voting majority, listed factors (activities performed primarily for the REIT, economic benefits flowing to the REIT, common board members/officers, nominal outside equity, management influence, access to financial information) indicate the REIT has at least significant influence, requiring the equity method or consolidation based on facts and circumstances (323-974-25-1). Service corporations that are variable interest entities are excluded and are instead evaluated under the VIE Subsections of Section 810-10.