CPA Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) : Fair Value Method

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for CPA Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Fair Value Method

Which of the following is correct regarding the fair value method?

Possible Answers:

The investment account is adjusted for investee earnings

The investment account is reduce for impairment at the balance sheet date

The investment account is adjusted to fair value at the balance sheet date

The investment account will always be reported at historical cost

Correct answer:

The investment account is adjusted to fair value at the balance sheet date

Explanation:

When using the fair value method, an investment is originally accounted for at cost, then adjusted to fair value each year and the balance sheet date.

Example Question #2 : Fair Value Method

Blue Corp purchased marketable securities in Purple Corp during Year 1. At the end of Year 1, the fair value of Purple Corp had dropped below cost. Blue Corp considered the decline in value to be temporary and the security is classified as available-for-sale. What should be the effect on Blue's financial statements in Year 1?

Possible Answers:

Decrease in available-for-sale securities and decrease in net income

Decrease in available-for-sale securities and decrease in other comprehensive income

Decrease in available-for-sale securities and no effect on net income

No effect on available-for-sale securities and decrease in net income

Correct answer:

Decrease in available-for-sale securities and decrease in other comprehensive income

Explanation:

Unrealized holding gains/losses on securities classified as available-for-sale are recognized as part of other comprehensive income. Therefore, in this scenario, the investment account is decreased and a loss is recognized in OCI.

Example Question #3 : Fair Value Method

A marketable debt security is moved from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity securities. At the transfer date, the security’s market value has fallen below its cost. What amount is used at the transfer date to record the security in the held-to-maturity portfolio?

Possible Answers:

Market value, only if the decline in market value below cost is considered permanent

Cost, regardless of whether the decline in market value below cost is considered permanent or temporary

Market value, regardless of whether the decline in market value below cost is considered permanent or temporary

Cost, if the decline in market value below cost is temporary

Correct answer:

Market value, regardless of whether the decline in market value below cost is considered permanent or temporary

Explanation:

The security will be recorded at market value regardless of whether the decline in value is permanent or temporary.

Example Question #4 : Fair Value Method

ABC Company acquired 40% of the outstanding non voting preferred stock of DEF Co. Which method of recording an investment should ABC use?

Possible Answers:

Equity method if no other investor has more than a 40% interest

The equity method because of ABC's significant influence can be assumed

Equity method if it can acquire an additional 11% by year end

Fair value method

Correct answer:

Fair value method

Explanation:

Significant influence cannot be exercised by holding non voting stock. Fair value must be used.

Example Question #5 : Fair Value Method

ABC Company received a cash dividend from a common stock investment. Should ABC report an increase in the investment account if it uses the fair value method or the equity method of accounting?

Possible Answers:

Equity method

Both

Fair value method

Neither

Correct answer:

Neither

Explanation:

Under fair value, receipt of a dividend does not affect the investment account whereas under equity method it is a decrease in the investment account.

Example Question #1 : Fair Value Method

When a dividend is paid from a majority owned subsidiary to its parent company, what effect is demonstrated?

Possible Answers:

No effect on NCI

No effect on retained earnings

Effect on retained earnings

None of the answer choices are correct

Correct answer:

No effect on retained earnings

Explanation:

In this circumstance, the dividend is treated as a return of capital from one company to its parent. Retained earnings remains stagnant and the NCI is decreased as it has its capital returned to it.

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