Description: Various methods of accounting for a block of in-force business acquired at the time of purchase have been proposed and used. This paper describes nine such methods, analyzing each by the use of a very simple model office. Followed by submitted discussions of the article

Description: This paper considers two principles which at present are given little weight in accounting for investments: 1. the reported earnings of a business entity should not change solely because an investment is sold at a capital gain or loss and the proceeds are reinvested, and 2. the accounting treatment of common stock investments should not vary according to the portion of the issuer's outstanding common stock which the investment represents. The implications of these principles are explored in accounting for bonds, stocks and business combinations. A discussion of this paper is included.