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What is Minority Interest?
Minority interest, also known as non-controlling interest, represents the portion of a subsidiary company’s equity that is owned by shareholders other than the parent company. It reflects the share of net assets and earnings attributable to minority shareholders.
Definition
Minority interest is the ownership stake (less than 50%) that minority shareholders hold in a subsidiary that is majority-owned by a parent company.
Key Takeaways
- Represents ownership held by external shareholders in a subsidiary.
- Appears in the consolidated financial statements of the parent company.
- Affects valuation, financial ratios, and earnings allocation.
Understanding Minority Interest
When a parent company owns more than 50% but less than 100% of a subsidiary, it consolidates the subsidiary’s financial statements. Minority interest captures the share of equity and net income that does not belong to the parent.
For example, if the parent owns 80% of a subsidiary, the remaining 20% is minority interest—and this portion of equity and profit is attributed to non-controlling shareholders.
Minority interest is reported separately in the equity section of the balance sheet and as a portion of net income in the income statement.
Formula (If Applicable)
If a parent company owns X% of a subsidiary, minority interest is:
Minority Interest (%) = 100% − Parent Ownership (%)
Value of minority interest:
Minority Interest = Subsidiary Equity × Minority Interest (%)
Real-World Example
If a parent company owns 75% of a subsidiary with P40 million in equity:
- Minority interest = 25%
- Minority interest value = 0.25 × 40M = P10 million
Importance in Business or Economics
Minority interest influences consolidation accounting, valuation of companies, and investor analysis. It impacts goodwill calculations, earnings per share (EPS), and enterprise value (EV).
Types or Variations
- Non-Controlling Interest in Consolidation
- Redeemable Minority Interest
- Minority Protective Rights
Related Terms
- Consolidated Financial Statements
- Parent–Subsidiary Relationship
- Equity Method
Sources and Further Reading
- IFRS – Consolidation Standards (IFRS 10)
- Investopedia – Minority Interest
- CFA Institute – Consolidation Accounting Guide
Quick Reference
- Ownership stake not held by parent company.
- Reported in consolidated financial statements.
- Affects equity valuation and earnings distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is minority interest equity or liability?
It is treated as equity under IFRS and U.S. GAAP.
Does minority interest affect EPS?
Yes, net income attributable to minority shareholders is excluded from EPS calculations.
Can minority interest hold voting power?
Yes, minority shareholders may still influence key decisions depending on share structure.
