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CFA Level 2 Orientation Session Notes

Jul 24, 2024

Notes from CFA Level 2 Orientation Session

Welcome and Introduction

  • Host: Pete Olinto, lead instructor for CFA/CPA review program.
  • Audience: Future Chartered Financial Analysts, Level 2 candidates.
  • Fun banter: Light-hearted comments to create an engaging environment.

Overview of Intercorporate Investments

  • Significant influence: Determines investment classifications.
    • No significant influence: Treat as amortized cost, fair value through P&L, or fair value through OCI.
    • Significant influence: Requires using the equity method.
    • Control: Consolidate with full or partial goodwill methods.
  • Course Objectives: Become experts in intercorporate investment accounting.

Exam Preparation Tips

  • Work Smart, Not Just Hard: Importance of strategic studying.
  • Familiarity with Topics: Expect challenging material, especially in ethics and derivatives.
  • High-Risk Topics:
    • Ethics: High-stakes questions, easier concepts but tricky to apply.
    • Accounting: Derivatives and financial instruments take time to master.

Accounting for Debt Securities

  • Held to Maturity Classification:
    • Investment: Report at amortized cost on the balance sheet without marking to market.
    • Income Statement: Report interest income; no unrealized gains/losses.
  • Investment Example:
    • Invested in Swiss Landing Company: Paid $150,000 for securities with a face value of $160,000.
    • Realized and unrealized definitions, specifics of reporting unrealized gains/losses.
  • Journal Entries: Understanding cash flow outcomes depending on purchase method.

Equity Method of Accounting

  • Criteria for Using Equity Method: Ownership of 20%-50% indicates significant influence.
  • Calculation of Equity Income:
    • Starting from initial investment, adjusting for net income, excess depreciation, and dividends.
    • Emphasis on tracing changes in equity value on income statements versus cash flows.

Goodwill Calculation

  • Acquisition Method: Needed for consolidation accounting.
    • Calculating goodwill: Purchase price, fair market value of identifiable equity, and recognizing assets and liabilities.
  • Full vs Partial Goodwill:
    • Important distinctions and methods under different accounting principles (US GAAP vs. IFRS).

Key Takeaways and Best Practices

  • Learning by Doing: Engaging in practice questions to solidify concepts.
  • Review Sessions: Importance of scheduled interactions and addressing challenging topics.
  • Holistic Understanding: Integrating knowledge from various topics (equity, derivatives, and financial statements).

Discount and Enrollment Offers

  • Discounted Rate: 25% off enrollment for attendees.
  • Reflection on the Course: Suggestions for providing testimonials on the course to aid in marketing.

Closing Remarks

  • Included Encouragement for Participation: Stay engaged, ask questions, and provide feedback.
  • Future Sessions: Importance of attending live group classes for real-time interaction and learning.

Final Thoughts

  • It's a detailed session aimed at preparing candidates for CFA Level 2 with an emphasis on real-world application of accounting principles within the context of the CFA curriculum.