Non-Controlling Interest (NCI)
Definition
The equity in a subsidiary not attributable to the parent company, representing the ownership stake held by minority shareholders. Under IFRS 3 and ASC 805, non-controlling interests in a business combination are measured either at fair value (which results in full goodwill) or at the NCI's proportionate share of the acquiree's identifiable net assets (which results in partial goodwill). NCI is presented separately within equity on the consolidated balance sheet and is allocated its share of comprehensive income.
Complementary Terms
Concepts that frequently appear alongside Non-Controlling Interest (NCI) in practice.
An approach to measuring goodwill in a business combination where the acquirer recognises goodwill only in proportion to its ownership interest, rather than attributing goodwill to the non-controlling interest. Under IFRS 3, acquirers have a choice on a transaction-by-transaction basis to measure non-controlling interests either at fair value (full goodwill) or at the NCI's proportionate share of identifiable net assets (partial goodwill).
A reduction applied to the pro rata value of a business to reflect the disadvantages of owning a non-controlling interest, including inability to direct business strategy, set compensation, force distributions, or compel liquidation. The minority interest discount is the mathematical complement of the control premium and is typically applied when valuing interests of less than 50% in private companies.
The share of investment profits that a fund manager (general partner) receives as performance-based compensation, typically 20% of profits above a hurdle rate. Carry is the primary financial incentive for venture capital and private equity fund managers.
The ratio of earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) to interest expense, measuring a company's ability to meet its interest obligations from operating profits. A higher ratio indicates greater financial headroom and lower default risk.
The legal process by which a creditor's security interest in collateral becomes enforceable against third parties, typically through registration (UCC filing, PPSA registration, or Companies House filing), possession of the collateral, or control over financial assets. Perfection establishes the creditor's priority ranking relative to other secured parties.
An approach to measuring goodwill in a business combination where goodwill is recognised for both the acquirer's share and the non-controlling interest's share, resulting in a higher total goodwill figure. Under ASC 805, the full goodwill method is mandatory for all business combinations.
The required accounting method for business combinations under IFRS 3 and ASC 805, which involves identifying the acquirer, determining the acquisition date, recognising and measuring the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value, and recognising goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase. The acquisition method replaced the previously permitted pooling of interests method and ensures that all identifiable intangible assets are separately recognised at fair value on the acquirer's balance sheet.
A business combination achieved in stages, where the acquirer held a previously existing equity interest in the acquiree before obtaining control. Under IFRS 3 and ASC 805, the acquirer must remeasure its previously held equity interest at fair value at the acquisition date and recognise any resulting gain or loss in profit or loss.
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