Investments in Associates
An associate is an entity in which we have significant influence. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee, but has no control nor joint control over those policies. The existence of significant influence is presumed to exist when we hold 20% or more, but less than 50% of the voting power of another entity. Significant influence is also exemplified when we have one or more of the following: (a) a representation on the board of directors or the equivalent governing body of the investee; (b) participation in policy-making processes, including participation in decisions about dividends or other distributions; (c) material transactions with the investee; (d) interchange of managerial personnel with the investee; or (e) provision of essential technical information.
Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and are initially recognized at cost. The cost of the investments includes directly attributable transaction costs. The details of our investments in associates are disclosed in Note 10 – Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures – Investments in Associates.
Under the equity method, an investment in an associate is carried at cost plus post acquisition changes in our share of net assets of the associate. Goodwill relating to an associate is included in the carrying amount of the investment and is not amortized nor individually tested for impairment. Our consolidated income statement reflects our share in the financial performance of our associates. Where there has been a change recognized directly in the equity of the associate, we recognize our share in such change and disclose this, when applicable, in our consolidated statement of comprehensive income and consolidated statement of changes in equity. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from our transactions with and among our associates are eliminated to the extent of our interests in those associates.
Our share in the profits or losses of our associates is included under “Other income (expenses)” in our consolidated income statement. This is the profit or loss attributable to equity holders of the associate and therefore is profit or loss after tax and net of noncontrolling interest in the subsidiaries of the associate.
When our share of losses exceeds our interest in an associate, the carrying amount of the investment, including any long-term interests that form part thereof, is reduced to zero, and the recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that we have an obligation or have made payments on behalf of the investee.
Our reporting dates and that of our associates are identical and our associates’ accounting policies conform to those used by us for like transactions and events in similar circumstances. When necessary, adjustments are made to bring such accounting policies in line with our policies.
After application of the equity method, we determine whether it is necessary to recognize an additional impairment loss on our investments in associates. We determine at the end of each reporting period whether there is any objective evidence that our investment in associate is impaired. If this is the case, we calculate the amount of impairment as the difference between the recoverable amount of our investment in the associate and its carrying value and recognize the amount in our consolidated income statement.
Upon loss of significant influence over the associate, we measure and recognize any retained investment at its fair value. Any difference between the carrying amounts of our investment in the associate upon loss of significant influence and the fair value of the remaining investment and proceeds from disposal is recognized in our consolidated financial statements.