Microsoft, one of the most successful businesses in the history of commerce, has accumulated a large investment portfolio, which in a recent year consisted of the following (in millions):17
Cash and cash equivalents......................................... $15,982
Short-term investments-available-for-sale........................ 44,610
Corporate notes and bonds-held-to-maturity...................... 1,481
Long-term investments-equity securities........................ 10,729
Total investments................................................... $72,802
In addition, during the year Microsoft had net realized gains on investments of $1.640 million, $82 million of impairments, and unrealized losses of $293 million.
Divide into at least seven groups to discuss each of the four types of investments and the three types of gains or losses. Each group should discuss the nature of each gain or loss and the nature of the investment that gave rise to it. Discuss where each investment and gain or loss would appear in the financial statements. Be prepared to present your group's findings in class.