Question

Catron Corporation is having liquidity problems, and as a result, it sells all of its outstanding stock to Lambert, Inc., for cash. Because of Catron’s problems, Lambert is able to acquire this stock at less than the fair value of the company’s net assets. How is this reduction in price accounted for within the consolidation process?

Answer 1

Answer:

The assets and liabilities acquired in a consolidation process are recorded at their fair market value. If the price paid during the consolidation process is lower than the fair market value of the assets - liabilities, then an ordinary gain on bargain purchase is recognized for the difference.