The equity method is a method of accounting whereby the investment is initially recognized at cost and adjusted thereafter for the post-acquisition change in the investor's share of net assets of the investee. The profit or loss of the investor includes the investor's share of the profit or loss of the investee.
Significant Influence
If an investor holds, directly or indirectly (e.g., through subsidiaries), 20% or more of the voting power of the investee, it is presumed that the investor has significant influence, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that this is not the case. Conversely, if the investor holds, directly or indirectly (e.g., through subsidiaries), less than 20% of the voting power of the investee, it is presumed that the investor does not have significant influence, unless such influence can be clearly demonstrated. A substantial or majority ownership by another investor does not necessarily preclude an investor from having significant influence.
The existence of significant influence by an investor is usually evidenced in one or more of the following ways:
1. Representation on the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the investee
2. Participation in policy-making processes, including participation in decisions about dividends or other distributions
3. Material transactions between the investor and the investee
4. Interchange of managerial personnel
5. Provision of essential technical information
Equity Method
Under the equity method, the investment in an associate is initially recognized at cost and the carrying amount is increased or decreased to recognize the investor's share of the profit or loss of the investee after the date of acquisition. The investor's share of the profit or loss of the investee is recognized in the investor's profit or loss. Distributions received from an investee reduce the carrying amount of the investment. Adjustments to the carrying amount may also be necessary for changes in the investor's proportionate interest in the investee arising from changes in the investee's other comprehensive income. Such changes include those arising from the revaluation of property, plant and equipment and from foreign exchange translation differences. The investor's share of those changes is recognized in other comprehensive income of the investor .
Shares of equity
The investor's share of the profit or loss of the investee is recognised in the investor's profit or loss.
When potential voting rights exist, the investor's share of profit or loss of the investee and of changes in the investee's equity is determined on the basis of present ownership interests and does not reflect the possible exercise or conversion of potential voting rights.
An investor shall discontinue the use of the equity method from the date when it ceases to have significant influence over an associate and shall account for the investment in accordance with IAS 39 from that date, provided the associate does not become a subsidiary or a joint venture as defined in IAS 31. On the loss of significant influence, the investor shall measure at fair value any investment the investor retains in the former associate. The investor shall recognize in profit or loss any difference between:
1. The fair value of any retained investment and any proceeds from disposing of the part interest in the associate
2. The carrying amount of the investment at the date when significant influence is lost
When an investment ceases to be an associate and is accounted for in accordance with IAS 39, the fair value of the investment at the date when it ceases to be an associate shall be regarded as its fair value on initial recognition as a financial asset in accordance with IAS 39.