Equity investments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Equity investments

Equity investments

Equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values are carried on the cost or equity method, as applicable. The Company maintains equity method investments in nonconsolidated investees in both its Kidney Care and DMG lines of business, as well as minor cost method investments in private securities of certain other healthcare businesses. The Company classifies its non-marketable cost- or equity-method investments as equity investments on its balance sheet.

Equity investments in nonconsolidated businesses were $521,848 and $502,389 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The increase in equity investments was primarily due to an increase in the number of nonconsolidated entities. During the first quarters of 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized equity investment income of $3,935 and $1,387, respectively, relating to equity investments in nonconsolidated businesses under the equity method of accounting.