ASC 320 and 321: Investments

Made an investment? The accounting depends on what you invested in. Our ASC 320 and ASC 321 CPE courses explain the different accounting models that apply to investments in debt securities and investments in equity securities under U.S. GAAP.

This collection includes two self-study courses eligible for 2.5 CPE credits. One course focuses on debt securities under ASC 320, Investments - Debt Securities, including classification, measurement, and impairment considerations. The other focuses on equity securities under ASC 321, Investments - Equity Securities, including the applicable measurement models and related accounting considerations.

Topics covered include:

• Classification of debt securities under ASC 320
• Initial and subsequent measurement of debt securities
• Impairment of debt securities
• Accounting for equity securities under ASC 321
• Fair value measurement of equity securities
• Measurement alternatives available for certain equity investments

Further details

The first course focuses on investments in debt securities under ASC 320, Investments - Debt Securities. Learners work through classification and the resulting initial and subsequent measurement, then consider how impairment affects debt securities when credit or market conditions deteriorate. Because classification drives where changes in value are reported, the course connects the accounting model to the economics and intended use of the investment.

The second course turns to equity securities under ASC 321, Investments - Equity Securities. It explains the general fair value model and the measurement alternatives available for certain equity investments when readily determinable fair values are not available. The contrast between ASC 320 and ASC 321 is intentional: debt and equity investments may look similar on an investment schedule, but U.S. GAAP applies different classification, measurement, and impairment concepts.

By placing the two models side by side, the collection helps learners start with the nature of the security and then identify the accounting guidance that follows.

Who will benefit

These courses are designed for accountants, treasury and investment-accounting professionals, controllers, and auditors who work with portfolios of debt or equity securities. They are particularly useful for professionals who need to distinguish the ASC 320 and ASC 321 models, evaluate impairment or measurement alternatives, and explain why economically similar investments can produce different financial statement results.

Value proposition

Purchase both courses for $209 instead of $300 if purchased separately—a savings of $91.

Interested in group discounts? Contact us today to learn more.