Investment of Stocks in Other Corporations (2024)

When a corporation purchases the stock of another corporation, the method of accounting for the stock investment depends on the corporation’s motivation for making the investment and the relative size of the investment. A corporation’s motivation for purchasing the stock of another company may be as: (1) a short-term investment of excess cash; (2) a long-term investment in a substantial percentage of another company’s stock to ensure a supply of a required raw material (for example, when large oil companies invest heavily in, or purchase outright, wildcat oil drilling companies); or (3) a long-term investment for expansion (when a company purchases another profitable company rather than starting a new business operation). On the balance sheet, the first type of investment is a current asset, and the last two types are long-term (noncurrent) investments. As explained in the chapter, the purchaser’s level of ownership of the investee company determines whether the investment is accounted for by the cost method or the equity method. The video explains the different classifications for accounting based on the company’s intent with the investment.

Cost and equity methods

Investors in common stock can use two methods to account for their investments the cost method or the equity method. Under both methods, they initially record the investment at cost (price paid at acquisition). Under the cost method, the investor company does not adjust the investment account balance subsequently for its share of the investee’s reported income, losses, and dividends. Instead, the investor company receives dividends and credits them to a Dividends Revenue account. Under the equity method, the investor company adjusts the investment account for its share of the investee’s reported income, losses, and dividends.

The Accounting Principles Board (the predecessor of the Financial Accounting Standards Board) has identified the circ*mstances under which each method must be used. This chapter illustrates each of those circ*mstances.

Investment of Stocks in Other Corporations (2024)

FAQs

Investment of Stocks in Other Corporations? ›

A corporation's motivation for purchasing the stock of another company may be as: (1) a short-term investment of excess cash; (2) a long-term investment in a substantial percentage of another company's stock to ensure a supply of a required raw material (for example, when large oil companies invest heavily in, or ...

What are companies that invest in other companies called? ›

What is a Portfolio Company? A portfolio company is a company (public or private) that a venture capital firm, buyout firm, or holding company owns equity. In other words, companies that private equity firms hold an interest in are considered portfolio companies.

How do you account for an investment in another company? ›

Equity Method of Accounting

The original investment is recorded on the balance sheet at cost (fair value). Subsequent earnings by the investee are added to the investing firm's balance sheet ownership stake (proportionate to ownership), with any dividends paid out by the investee reducing that amount.

Can corporations own stock in other companies? ›

Corporations, as entities separate from their stockholders, are empowered by the statute to hold and maintain all sorts of assets, including holding stock of other corporations (making the holding company possible).

How do you record the purchase of shares in another company? ›

We can make the journal entry for investment in shares of another company by debiting the stock investment and crediting the cash account. In this journal entry, the stock investment account is an asset account on the balance sheet, in which its normal balance is on the debit side.

What does it mean when a company invests in another company? ›

It could be through the purchase of shares of a publicly traded company on a public exchange or a privately negotiated deal for a share of a company that is not publicly traded. The investment may also involve buying the debt of another company, publicly traded or otherwise.

What is it called when a company buys another company's stock? ›

An acquisition is a business combination that occurs when one company buys most or all of another company's shares. A firm effectively gains control of that company if it buys more than 50% of a target company's shares. An acquisition is often friendly, but a takeover can be hostile.

Why would companies invest in other companies? ›

A corporation's motivation for purchasing the stock of another company may be as: (1) a short-term investment of excess cash; (2) a long-term investment in a substantial percentage of another company's stock to ensure a supply of a required raw material (for example, when large oil companies invest heavily in, or ...

Can you invest with different companies? ›

There are times when investing in multiple brokerages might be the best strategy for an investor. If you're looking to gain exposure to certain types of investments or asset classes that your current brokerage firm doesn't offer, Westlin argues that you might want to open another account with a firm that does.

Is investment in other companies an asset or liability? ›

Non-Operating Assets: These are assets a company holds for purposes other than its core business operations. These assets may not directly contribute to revenue generation. Examples of non-operating assets include investments in different companies, unused land or buildings, or surplus cash.

Can an LLC buy stock in another company? ›

Yes, LLCs can invest in individual stocks and mutual funds. Although individual stocks offer higher returns at higher risks, mutual funds offer lower returns, lower risks, and more diversification.

Can you invest in stocks through a corporation? ›

Individuals who want to actively participate in the stock market have several options. They can trade as individuals or sole proprietors, qualify for trader status, or trade through a business entity. For the active trader, forming a legal trading business will often provide the best tax treatment and asset protection.

Can a company buy another company with stock? ›

A stock-for-stock merger occurs when shares of one company are traded for another during an acquisition. When, and if, the transaction is approved, shareholders can trade the shares of the target company for shares in the acquiring firm's company.

How to account for an investment in another company? ›

The investor records their initial investment in the second company's stock as an asset at historical cost. Under the equity method, the investment's value is periodically adjusted to reflect the changes in value due to the investor's share in the company's income or losses.

When a company owns shares in another company? ›

A shareholder is any individual person or corporate body (e.g., another company) that holds shares in a private or public company limited by shares. Shareholders are also referred to as members, but they are only referred to as subscribers if they join a company during its incorporation.

Can one company purchase shares of another company? ›

Companies can purchase stock in another company to own part or all of that company. This can be through a purchase on the open market or by the two companies agreeing to a purchase of stock and issuance of stock.

What are companies called that buy other companies? ›

Holding companies (also known as shell companies) exist primarily for the sole purpose of owning other companies.

What is investment in other companies? ›

A corporation's motivation for purchasing the stock of another company may be as: (1) a short-term investment of excess cash; (2) a long-term investment in a substantial percentage of another company's stock to ensure a supply of a required raw material (for example, when large oil companies invest heavily in, or ...

What is it called when you buy another company by one company? ›

An acquisition is a business transaction that occurs when one company purchases and gains control over another company. These transactions are a core part of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), a career path in corporate law or finance that focuses on the buying, selling, and consolidation of companies.

What is it called when companies own other companies? ›

A holding company is a parent company—usually a corporation or LLC — whose purpose is to buy and control the ownership interests of other companies. The companies that are owned or controlled by a corporation holding company or an LLC holding company are called its subsidiaries.

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