As a long-term investment at the beginning of the 2024 fiscal year, Florists International purchased 30% of Nursery Supplies Inc.’s 8 million shares of capital stock for $56 million. The fair value and book value of the shares were the same at that time. The company realizes that this investment typically would be accounted for under the equity method, but instead chooses to measure the investment at fair value. During the year, Nursery Supplies reported net income of $40 million and distributed cash dividends of $1.25 per share. At the end of the year, the fair value of the shares is $52 million.

Required:
1. Would this investment be classified on Florists’ balance sheet as held-to-maturity securities, trading securities, available-for-sale securities, significant influence investments, or other? Explain.
2. Prepare all appropriate journal entries related to the investment during 2024, under the fair value option, and in a manner similar to what Florists would use for investments in equity securities for which it does not have significant influence.
3. Indicate the effect of this investment on 2024 income before taxes.