Expand
ASC 810 provides a framework for the initial consolidation or deconsolidation of a variable interest entity. In general, unless the VIE is under common control with the reporting entity, an initial consolidation of a VIE should be accounted for at fair value. The deconsolidation of a VIE also requires the determination of the fair value of any retained interest in the formerly consolidated entity. The overall accounting requirements are summarized in Figure 10-13.
Figure 10-13
Accounting for a variable interest entity
Type
Guidance
Outcome
Consolidation of a VIE under common control
• Initial recognition based on historical cost.
• No gain or loss is recognized
Consolidation of a VIE that is a business
• Evaluate based on definition of a business in the ASC Master Glossary and as described in ASC 805-10-55-4 through 55-9.
• Account for consolidation as a business combination following guidance in ASC 805.
• Goodwill may be recognized
• Gain may be recognized in a bargain purchase
Consolidation of a VIE that is not a business
• Recognize and measure the assets (except for goodwill) and liabilities of the VIE in accordance with ASC 805-20-25 and 20-30.
• Assets or liabilities transferred to the VIE from the primary beneficiary are generally recorded at historical cost per ASC 810-10-30-3 and 30-4.
• No goodwill is recognized; gain or loss may result
Deconsolidation of a VIE
• Account for deconsolidation in accordance with ASC 810.
• Gain or loss is recognized
• Retained interest is measured at fair value
• See the response to Question 10-13
See CG 2 for further information. In addition, see discussion of specific considerations for the accounting for the deconsolidation of a single power plant entity below.

10.5.1 Deconsolidation

ASC 810 requires deconsolidation of an entity when the consolidator loses its controlling financial interest:

Excerpt from ASC 810-10-40-4

A parent shall deconsolidate a subsidiary or derecognize a group of assets specified in the preceding paragraph as of the date the parent ceases to have a controlling financial interest in that subsidiary or group of assets.

As discussed in UP 10.4, a reporting entity should assess the primary beneficiary of a VIE on an ongoing basis. Due to the nature of the contractual and other arrangements associated with a typical single power plant entity, the primary beneficiary may change over time. As a result, a reporting entity may determine that it is no longer the primary beneficiary of a consolidated VIE, even in cases where it does not sell or otherwise dispose of its interest.
In accordance with ASC 810-10-40-5, deconsolidation of a VIE generally results in recognition of a gain or loss in the income statement. In addition, any retained equity interest or investment in the former subsidiary is measured at fair value as of the date of deconsolidation. If the reporting entity does not hold any equity interests in the VIE, there should be no gain or loss upon deconsolidation. For example, if a reporting entity initially consolidates a VIE as a result of a power purchase agreement and subsequently deconsolidates the VIE when the power purchase agreement expires, no gain or loss should be recognized. See BCG 5.5 for further information on deconsolidation of a VIE.
Question 10-13
Not used.
Note about recent standard setting
As of the date of this publication, ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, has been issued and is effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early application permitted. ASC 606 introduces a new topic, ASC 610, Other Income, that provides considerations to determine whether there has been a transfer of control of an asset. Upon adoption, the guidance in ASC 610 should be utilized to determining the appropriate accounting for the derecognition of a non-financial asset, including in-substance real-estate.
Question 10-14
Not used.
Expand Expand
Resize
Tools
Rcl

Welcome to Viewpoint, the new platform that replaces Inform. Once you have viewed this piece of content, to ensure you can access the content most relevant to you, please confirm your territory.

signin option menu option suggested option contentmouse option displaycontent option contentpage option relatedlink option prevandafter option trending option searchicon option search option feedback option end slide