In contrast, under the equity method, Big recognizes income as it is earned by Little. As shown in Exhibit 1.1, Big recognizes $180,000 in income over the three years, and the carrying amount of the investment is adjusted upward to $310,000. Dividends from Little are not an appropriate measure of income because of the assumed significant influence. Big’s ability to influence Little's decisions applies to the timing of dividend distributions. Therefore, dividend from Little do not objectively measure Big's income from its investment in Little. As little earns income, however, under the equity method Big recognizes its share (20 percent) of the income and increases the investment account. Thus the equity method reflects the accrual model: The investor recognizes income as it is earned by the investee, not when the investee declares a cash dividend.