f. Investments in associated companies
An associate is an entity over which the Group (as investor) has significant influence. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee, but does not include control or joint control over those operating policies. The considerations made in determining significant influence are similar to those necessary to determine control over subsidiaries.
The Group’s investments in its associates are accounted for using the equity method.
Under the equity method, the investment in an associate is initially recognized at cost. The carrying amount of the investment is adjusted to recognize changes in the investor’s share of the net assets of the associate since the acquisition date. On acquisition of the investment, any difference between the cost of the investment and the entity’s share of the net fair value of the investee’s identifiable assets and liabilities is accounted for as follows:
a. Goodwill relating to an associate or a joint venture is included in the carrying amount of the investment and is neither amortized nor individually tested for impairment.
b. Any excess of the entity’s share of the net fair value of the investee’s identifiable assets and liabilities over the cost of the investment is included as income in the determination of the entity’s share of the associate or joint venture’s profit or loss in the period in which the investment is acquired.
The consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income reflect the Group’s share of the results of operations of the associate. Any change in the other comprehensive income of the associate is presented as part of other comprehensive income. In addition, when there has been a change recognized directly in the equity of the associate, the Group recognizes its share of the change in the consolidated statements of changes in equity. Unrealized gain and losses resulting from transactions between the Group and the associate are eliminated to the extent of the interest in the associate.
The Group determines at each reporting date whether there is any objective evidence that the investments in associated companies are impaired. If there is, the Group calculates and recognizes the amount of impairment as the difference between the recoverable amount of the investments in the associated companies and their carrying value.
These assets are included in “Long-term Investments” in the consolidated statements of financial position.