Consolidated financial statement(equity accouting)

P company acquires 25000 of the 100000 $1 ordinary shares in A co for 60000$ in 1Jan 2008. In the year to 31 Dec 2008 A co earn profits after tax of 24000$ from which it pays a dividend of 6000$. that is the question.
Investment in associate is calculated as follows

Cost of investment in associate 60000$(agree)
Share of A’s profit for the year 6000$(not agree)
Less dividend received 1500$(agree)
Investment in associate 64500$

my question is about why the shares of A profit is added to the amount of investment?if it is the profit, i think we have to deduct it as a dividend received.
thank you for attention