On january 3, 2018, roberts company purchased 30% of the 100,000 shares of common stock of thomas corporation, paying $1,500,000. there was no goodwill or other cost allocation associated with the investment. roberts has significant influence over thomas. during 2018, thomas reported net income of $300,000 and paid dividends of $100,000. on january 4, 2019, roberts sold 15,000 shares for $800,000. what is the appropriate journal entry to record the sale of the 15,000 shares?

Cash       800,000 debit

     Investment        780,000 credit

     Gain on sale        20,000 credit

Explanation:

Value of the investment at sale date:

acquisition: 100,000 shares x 30% = 30,000 shares 1,500,000

proportional net income: 300,000 x 30% =                     90,000

proportional dividends: 100,000 x 30% =                        (30,000)

Value at January 4th, 2019:                                           1,560,000

Value per share: $ 1,560,000 / 30,000 shares =   52 dollars per share.

It sold 15,000 shares:

15,000 x 52 dollars = 780,000

cash proceeds:          800,000

As we receive more than what the shares are worth, we recognize a gain for 20,000.