Milani, Inc., acquired 10 percent of Seida Corporation on January 1, 2017, for $197,000 and appropriately accounted for the investment using the fair-value method. On January 1, 2018, Milani purchased an additional 30 percent of Seida for $600,000 which resulted in significant influence over Seida. On that date, the fair value of Seida's common stock was $2,000,000 in total. Seida's January 1, 2018 book value equaled $1,850,000, although land was undervalued by $120,000. Any additional excess fair value over Seida's book value was attributable to a trademark with an 8-year remaining life. During 2018, Seida reported income of $300,000 and declared and paid dividends of $110,000. Prepare the 2018 journal entries for Milani related to its investment in Seida.

Milani, Inc.

January 1, 2018:

Debit Investment in Seida $600,000

Credit Cash Account $600,000

To record the purchase of an additional 30% of Seida.

December 31, 2018:

Debit Investment in Seida $120,000

Credit Net Income $120,000

To record the share in the net income of Seida.

Debit Cash Account $44,000

Credit Cash Dividend Received $44,000

To record the company's share in the dividend paid by Seida.

Debit Cash Dividend Received $44,000

Credit Investment in Seida $44,000

To record the dividend received from Seida.

Explanation:

The cash dividend received from Seida will reduce Milani, Inc.'s investment value in Seida, just as the 40% share in the net income increased the investment value.

These journal entries have been used to debit and credit accounts as transactions occur.  A journal plays an important role in recording transactions in the accounting system as it is usually the initial record of any transaction.  It also shows the accounts debited or credited with a short narration that explains each transaction.