The Company has four investments in privately-held entities, each of which is a precious metals retailer and customer of the Company. Depending on the entity, the Company may have one or more of the following in place: (i) an exclusive supplier agreement, subject to certain limitations; (ii) a product fulfillment services and storage agreement; and (iii) the right to appoint a director to the entity's board of directors. The Company has determined that it is appropriate to account for each of these investments under the equity method of accounting.

The following table shows the carrying value and ownership percentage of the Company's investment in each entity:

The Company considers these equity method investees to be related parties.  See Note 13 for a summary of the Company's aggregate balances and activity with these related party entities.