In applying the equity method, the accounting objective is to report the investor's investment and investment income reflecting the close relationship between the companies. After recording the cost of the acquisition, two equity method entries periodically record the investment's impact:
1. The investor's investment account increases as the investee earns and reports income. Also, the investor recognizes investment income using the accrual method that is, in the same time period as the investee earns it. If an investee reports income of $100,000, a 30 percent owner should immediately increase its own income by $30,000.This earnings accrual reflects the essence of the equity method by emphasizing the connection between the two companies; as the owners' equity of the investee increases through the earnings process, the investment account also increases. Although the investor initially records the acquisition at cost, upward adjustments in the asset balance are recorded as soon as the investee makes a profit. A reduction is necessary if a loss is reported.