Question

Mercedes Company paid $20,000,000 to purchase 100% of the outstanding common stock of Benz Incorporated on January 1, 2012. The book value of Benz's net assets on the date of acquisition was $17,000,000. Benz's buildings were undervalued by $1,500,000 as of January 1, 2012; the buildings had a ten-year remaining life as of the date of acquisition. All other assets and liabilities of Benz are being reported at market value. Mercedes retained earnings as of January 1, 2012 was $5,750,000, while Benz reported retained earnings of $3,175,000. Mercedes net income was $1,750,000 during 2012 and was $2,035,000 during 2013; the 2012 and 2013 net income amounts did not include any amounts pertaining to the Benz investment. Benz's retained earnings increased $1,050,000 from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013 even though Benz declared $225,000 of dividends during that two-year period.
Required:
Determine the December 31, 2013 consolidated retained earnings balance.

Answer

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