On January 1, 2018, an investor company acquired 30% of an investee company’s common stock for $600,000. As a result of this transaction, the investor can exert significant influence over the investee. During each year ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 the investee reported $120,000 of net income and $50,000 of dividends. On January 1, 2018, the book value of the investee’s net assets was $2,000,000 and all individual net assets had appraised fair values that equaled their reported book values. On December 31, 2019, what is the balance of the Equity Investment account on the Investor’s balance sheet?

$642,000

Explanation:

the journal entries required to record these transactions under the equity method are:

January 1, 2018, investment in ABC company

Dr Investment in ABC company 600,000

    Cr cash 600,000

December 31, 2018, dividends received from ABC company

Dr Cash 15,000

    Cr Investment in ABC company 15,000

December 31, 2018, ABC company reports net income

Dr Investment in ABC company 36,000

    Cr Investment revenue 36,000

December 31, 2019, dividends received from ABC company

Dr Cash 15,000

    Cr Investment in ABC company 15,000

December 31, 2019, ABC company reports net income

Dr Investment in ABC company 36,000

    Cr Investment revenue 36,000

The balance of the investment in ABC company account = $600,000 + $36,000 + $36,000 - $15,000 - $15,000 = $642,000