07 February 2023
I would like to get advice on the below mentioned point. Company A has an investment with Company B. Both Company A & Company B have accumulated loss for the past years. Current year Company B done a valuation of company and the valuation shows 7times higher. According to that valuation of Company B, is it possible to increase the investment amount in the books of accounts of Company A thru FVOCI. Please Advice - reply to nair_pandarathil68@yahoo.com
09 July 2024
Yes, it is possible for Company A to increase the investment amount in its books of accounts based on the fair valuation of Company B, provided certain conditions are met and appropriate accounting standards are followed.
Here’s how it can be approached:
1. **Fair Valuation and Recognition in Financial Statements:** - Company A should conduct or obtain a fair valuation of its investment in Company B. This valuation should preferably be done by a qualified independent valuer or using a reliable valuation methodology. - If the fair valuation of Company B shows a significant increase (such as 7 times higher than the original investment cost), this new fair value can be recognized in the financial statements of Company A.
2. **Accounting Treatment under FVOCI (Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income):** - Under accounting standards (like Ind AS or IFRS), investments can be classified and accounted for under various categories, one of which is Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income (FVOCI). - FVOCI is used for investments that are held with the objective of both collecting contractual cash flows and selling the financial assets, and where unrealized gains and losses are recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) until the investment is derecognized or impaired.
3. **Recognition and Disclosure:** - Once the fair valuation of Company B is determined and recognized in the financial statements of Company A, the unrealized gain (difference between the fair value and the previous carrying amount) would typically be recorded. - This unrealized gain would be recognized in OCI under the FVOCI category. - Disclosure requirements should be met in the financial statements of Company A to provide transparency about the nature, extent, and impact of this change in valuation.
4. **Considerations:** - Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards (Ind AS in India or IFRS internationally) regarding the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of financial instruments and investments. - The increase in valuation should be supported by appropriate documentation and valuation methods to withstand scrutiny from auditors and regulatory bodies. - Assess any tax implications that may arise from the revaluation of investments.
5. **Impact on Accumulated Losses:** - The increase in investment valuation does not directly impact the accumulated losses of Company B unless Company B recognizes it as part of its equity or reserves, which might indirectly affect future profitability or other financial metrics.
In summary, Company A can indeed increase the investment amount in its books through FVOCI based on the fair valuation of Company B. This approach allows for reflecting the current market value of the investment and is in accordance with recognized accounting principles. However, careful consideration of accounting standards, disclosure requirements, and potential implications is crucial to ensure accurate and compliant financial reporting.