Reference no: EM132693777

Hydro Corporation needs to build a new production facility. Because it already had a relatively high debt ratio, the company decided to establish a joint venture with Rich Corner Bank. This arrangement permitted the joint venture to borrow $30 million for 20 years on a fixed-interest-rate basis at a rate nearly 2 percent less than Hydro would have paid if it had borrowed the money. Rich Corner Bank purchased 100% of the joint venture's equity for $200,000, and Hydro provided a guarantee of the debt of the bondholders and a guarantee to Rich Corner Bank that it would earn a 20% annual return on its investment.

Problem 1: As a senior member of Hydro's accounting staff, you have been asked to investigate the financial reporting standards associated with accounting for variable interest entities and determine whether Hydro's reporting is appropriate.