SPE/VIE/QSPE Nomenclature Question control, company, because, question, benefit

dandman

OK, I get why spe's etc would be consolidated, but I am confused about the usage of the terms. I always miss the questions because I cant get it right.
Hopefully I can phrase this question understandably.


If you don't consolidate is it a VIE, SPE? In other words, is VIE or SPE a term for a standalone, and if it has to be consolidated it is not considered a VIE or SPE? Same with QSPE

If it doesn't benefit the sponsor company, the equity holders do have control, etc...is it considered an SPE/VIE/QSPE, but otherwide its not?


Do they have to qualify or is the simple act of creating a separate entity deem it a VIE or SPE and they are called that regardless of whether they are consolidated or not?


Does one term represent something the others don't?: I'm pretty sure QSPE is totally separate. Is a VIE the same as an SPE except VIE is GAAP and SPE is IFRS?