Note: I have got different answers for this so I am very confused. Request you to kindly let me know what is correct and please provide an explanation for part (a)

E9-36. Analyzing and Interpreting Disclosures on Equity Method Investments Cummins Inc. reports investments in affiliated companies, consisting mainly of investments in nine manufacturing joint ventures. Cummins reports those investments on its balance sheet at $958 million and provides the following financial information on its investee companies in a footnote to its 10-K report. As of and for the years ended December 31 Equity Investee Financial Summary $ millions 2015 2014 2013 ... $5,946 1,265 521 273 42 $ 315 $7,426 1,539 630 $ 330 Net sales................... Gross margin .... Net income...................... Cummins' share of net income ... Royalty and interest income. Total equity, royalty and interest from Current assets ........ Noncurrent assets ..................... Current liabilities. ...... Noncurrent liabilities. Net assets........ $7,799 1,719 690 $ 325 36 $361 _40 $ 370 .. .. .. .. .. $2,458 1,539 (1,796) (284) $1,917 $ 958 $2,476 1,667 (1,875) (420) $1,848 Cummins' share of net assets $ 956 a. What assets and liabilities of unconsolidated affiliates are omitted from Cummins' balance sheet as a result of the equity method of accounting for those investments? b. Do the liabilities of the unconsolidated affiliates affect Cummins directly? Explain