On January 1, 2011, Mets Inc. purchased 30 percent of the outstanding common stock of Pirates Corporation for $516,000 cash. Mets is accounting for this investment using the equity method. On the date of acquisition, the fair value of Pirates' net assets was $1,240,000. Mets has determined that the excess of the cost of the investment over its share of Pirates' net assets is attributable to goodwill. Pirates' net income for the year ended December 31, 2011, was $360,000. During 2011, Pirates declared and paid cash dividends of $40,000. There were no other transactions between the two companies. On December 31, 2011, the investment in Pirates should be recorded as

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The initial investment was $516,000. Under the equity method, Mets Inc. would recognize 30% of Pirates' net income, which is $108,000 (30% of $360,000). Mets would also reduce the investment by 30% of the dividends paid, which is $12,000 (30% of $40,000). Therefore, the investment balance on December 31, 2011, would be $516,000 + $108,000 - $12,000 = $612,000.