Corporations issue different types of stock to raise capital and structure ownership. represents basic ownership, while offers special rights. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for financial reporting and analysis.
Accounting for stock issuance involves recording transactions based on factors like and issuance costs. Proper accounting ensures accurate financial statements and helps stakeholders assess a company's equity structure and potential dilutive effects.
Types of stock
In the context of Intermediate Financial Accounting, understanding the different types of stock a corporation can issue is crucial for proper financial reporting and analysis
The two main types of stock are common stock and preferred stock, each with distinct characteristics, rights, and accounting treatments
Common stock
Top images from around the web for Common stock
Common and Preferred Stock | Financial Accounting View original
Is this image relevant?
Rules and Rights of Common and Preferred Stock | Boundless Finance View original
Is this image relevant?
Rules and Rights of Common and Preferred Stock | Boundless Finance View original
Is this image relevant?
Common and Preferred Stock | Financial Accounting View original
Is this image relevant?
Rules and Rights of Common and Preferred Stock | Boundless Finance View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Common stock
Common and Preferred Stock | Financial Accounting View original
Is this image relevant?
Rules and Rights of Common and Preferred Stock | Boundless Finance View original
Is this image relevant?
Rules and Rights of Common and Preferred Stock | Boundless Finance View original
Is this image relevant?
Common and Preferred Stock | Financial Accounting View original
Is this image relevant?
Rules and Rights of Common and Preferred Stock | Boundless Finance View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Represents the residual ownership interest in a corporation after satisfying all other claims (such as liabilities and preferred stock)
Entitles holders to , allowing them to elect the board of directors and vote on major corporate decisions
Dividends on common stock are not guaranteed and are paid at the discretion of the board of directors
In the event of liquidation, common stockholders have the lowest priority in receiving assets and are entitled to the residual assets after all other claims have been satisfied
Preferred stock
A class of stock that provides certain preferences and rights over common stock
Typically entitles holders to a fixed dividend rate, which must be paid before any dividends are distributed to common stockholders
In the event of liquidation, preferred stockholders have a higher claim on assets than common stockholders but a lower claim than creditors
Preferred stock may be cumulative (dividends accumulate if not paid) or non-cumulative (dividends do not accumulate if not paid)
Preferred stock may also have other features, such as convertibility into common stock or callable provisions
Differences between common and preferred stock
Dividend priority: Preferred stockholders receive dividends before common stockholders
Dividend guarantee: Preferred stock dividends are typically fixed, while common stock dividends are not guaranteed
Voting rights: Common stockholders generally have voting rights, while preferred stockholders may have limited or no voting rights
Liquidation preference: In the event of liquidation, preferred stockholders have a higher claim on assets than common stockholders
Potential for capital appreciation: Common stock has a higher potential for capital appreciation as the company grows, while preferred stock appreciation is limited
Accounting for issuance of stock
When a corporation issues stock, it must properly account for the transaction in its financial statements
The accounting treatment depends on factors such as the type of stock issued, the presence of par value, and any issuance costs incurred
Par value vs no par value stock
Par value is a nominal value assigned to a share of stock, which is often a small amount (such as $0.01 per share)
Stock may be issued with or without par value, depending on state laws and corporate charter
When stock has a par value, the par value is recorded in the common stock account, and any excess over par is recorded in the (APIC) account
When stock has no par value, the entire proceeds from the issuance are recorded in the common stock account
Journal entries for issuing stock
When stock is issued, the company records a debit to the Cash account (or other assets received) and a credit to the Common Stock account (for par value) and the APIC account (for any excess over par)
Example: If a company issues 1,000 shares of 1parvaluecommonstockat10 per share, the journal entry would be:
Debit: Cash $10,000
Credit: Common Stock $1,000
Credit: APIC $9,000
Issuance costs of stock
Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of stock, such as underwriting fees, legal fees, and printing costs, are recorded as a reduction of the APIC account
These costs are not expensed on the income statement but rather reduce the net proceeds received from the stock issuance
Example: If the company incurs $500 in issuance costs for the stock issuance mentioned above, the journal entry would be:
Debit: APIC $500
Credit: Cash $500
Stock issuance above and below par
When stock is issued at a price above or below its par value, the difference is recorded in the APIC account
The accounting treatment for premiums (excess over par) and discounts (deficiency below par) ensures that the par value of the stock is maintained in the Common Stock account
Issuance of stock above par
When stock is issued at a price above par value, the excess is recorded as a credit to the APIC account
Example: If a company issues 1,000 shares of 1parvaluecommonstockat12 per share, the journal entry would be:
Debit: Cash $12,000
Credit: Common Stock $1,000
Credit: APIC $11,000
Issuance of stock below par
In some jurisdictions, companies are allowed to issue stock below par value
When stock is issued at a price below par value, the deficiency is recorded as a debit to the APIC account
Example: If a company issues 1,000 shares of 1parvaluecommonstockat0.80 per share, the journal entry would be:
Debit: Cash $800
Debit: APIC $200
Credit: Common Stock $1,000
Accounting treatment for premiums and discounts
Premiums and discounts on stock issuance are recorded in the APIC account to maintain the integrity of the Common Stock account at par value
The APIC account is a component of stockholders' equity and represents the total amount paid by investors in excess of the par value of the stock
Stock subscriptions
A stock subscription is a contract between a corporation and an investor, where the investor agrees to purchase a certain number of shares at a specified price
Stock subscriptions are often used when a company is raising capital and wants to ensure a minimum level of investment before issuing the stock
Stock subscription process
The stock subscription process typically involves the following steps:
The corporation offers stock subscriptions to potential investors
Investors agree to purchase a specific number of shares at a predetermined price
The corporation collects the subscription payments from investors
Once the subscription is complete, the corporation issues the stock to the investors
Accounting for stock subscriptions
When a stock subscription is received, the corporation records a debit to the Stock Subscriptions Receivable account and a credit to the Stock Subscriptions account
As the corporation collects the subscription payments, it debits the Cash account and credits the Stock Subscriptions Receivable account
Once the subscription is complete and the stock is issued, the corporation debits the Stock Subscriptions account and credits the Common Stock and APIC accounts (if applicable)
Journal entries for stock subscriptions
Example: If a company receives subscriptions for 1,000 shares of 1parvaluecommonstockat10 per share, the journal entries would be:
and warrants are contracts that give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to purchase a specified number of shares at a predetermined price (the exercise price) within a certain time period
These instruments are often used as a form of compensation for employees or as a sweetener for investors
Characteristics of stock options and warrants
Exercise price: The price at which the holder can purchase the underlying stock
Expiration date: The date by which the holder must exercise the option or warrant
Vesting period (for stock options): The period during which the employee must remain with the company before the options can be exercised
Warrants are typically issued to investors, while stock options are often granted to employees as part of their compensation package
Accounting for stock options and warrants
When stock options or warrants are granted, the company must determine their fair value using an option pricing model (such as the Black-Scholes model)
The fair value of the options or warrants is recorded as a compensation expense over the vesting period (for employee stock options) or as a reduction of the proceeds received from the issuance (for warrants)
When the options or warrants are exercised, the company records a debit to the Cash account and a credit to the Common Stock and APIC accounts (if applicable)
Dilutive effect of options and warrants
Stock options and warrants can have a dilutive effect on the company's if the exercise price is lower than the current market price of the stock
Diluted EPS takes into account the potential impact of options and warrants on the company's outstanding shares and net income
Companies must disclose the dilutive effect of options and warrants in their financial statements, as it provides investors with a more accurate picture of the company's potential future share count and EPS
Stock splits and stock dividends
Stock splits and stock dividends are corporate actions that increase the number of outstanding shares without changing the company's total stockholders' equity
These actions are often undertaken to make the stock more affordable and attractive to a broader range of investors
Stock splits vs stock dividends
Stock splits: A stock split is a corporate action that increases the number of outstanding shares by issuing additional shares to existing stockholders in a proportional manner (such as a 2-for-1 split)
In a stock split, the par value per share is reduced proportionately to maintain the total par value of the outstanding shares
Example: In a 2-for-1 stock split, a stockholder with 100 shares of 1parvaluestockwouldreceiveanadditional100shares,andtheparvaluewouldbereducedto0.50 per share
Stock dividends: A stock dividend is a corporate action that issues additional shares to existing stockholders in proportion to their current holdings (such as a 10% stock dividend)
Unlike a stock split, a stock dividend does not change the par value per share
Example: In a 10% stock dividend, a stockholder with 100 shares would receive an additional 10 shares, while the par value per share remains unchanged
Accounting for stock splits
Stock splits do not require a journal entry, as they do not change the total stockholders' equity
However, the company must update its records to reflect the new number of outstanding shares and the reduced par value per share
The company should also disclose the stock split in its financial statements and notes
Accounting for stock dividends
When a stock dividend is declared, the company records a debit to the Retained Earnings account and a credit to the Stock Dividends Distributable account
When the stock dividend is issued, the company records a debit to the Stock Dividends Distributable account and a credit to the Common Stock and APIC accounts (if applicable)
The amount transferred from Retained Earnings to the Stock Dividends Distributable account is based on the market value of the shares issued as a dividend
Example: If a company declares a 10% stock dividend when the market value of its stock is $20 per share and has 1,000 shares outstanding, the journal entries would be:
Companies must provide adequate disclosure of their stock issuance, stock options and warrants, and other stock-related transactions in their financial statements and notes
Proper disclosure ensures that investors and other stakeholders have a clear understanding of the company's equity structure and potential dilutive effects
Financial statement presentation of stock issuance
In the balance sheet, the company should present the par value of the outstanding stock in the Common Stock account and any excess over par in the APIC account
If the company has preferred stock, it should be presented separately from common stock in the stockholders' equity section
The company should also disclose the number of authorized, issued, and outstanding shares for each class of stock
Notes to financial statements for stock transactions
In the notes to the financial statements, the company should provide a detailed description of its stock issuance, including:
The number of shares issued
The par value and issue price per share
The total proceeds received from the issuance
Any issuance costs incurred
The company should also disclose information about stock splits, stock dividends, and other stock-related transactions, including the dates and terms of these actions
Disclosure of stock options and warrants
Companies must disclose information about their stock options and warrants, including:
The number of options or warrants outstanding
The exercise prices and expiration dates
The vesting periods (for stock options)
The fair value of the options or warrants and the method used to determine the fair value
The dilutive effect of the options or warrants on the company's EPS
These disclosures help investors assess the potential impact of stock options and warrants on the company's future share count and financial performance
Key Terms to Review (16)
Additional Paid-In Capital: Additional paid-in capital refers to the amount that shareholders have paid for shares of stock above the par value of the stock. It represents the extra funds that investors contribute to a company, reflecting their confidence and belief in its growth potential. This concept is integral to understanding owners' equity, how it is reported on a classified balance sheet, and how it arises during the issuance of stock.
Capital structure: Capital structure refers to the way a company finances its overall operations and growth by using different sources of funds, which typically include debt (loans, bonds) and equity (stocks). The mix of these financing methods plays a crucial role in determining the risk and return profile of the company, influencing its cost of capital, financial stability, and potential for growth. Understanding capital structure is essential for assessing a company's financial health and making informed investment decisions.
Common stock: Common stock represents a type of ownership in a corporation, giving shareholders the right to vote on major corporate decisions and to receive dividends. This form of equity financing is crucial for companies, as it provides them with capital to fund operations and growth while granting investors a stake in the company's success.
Convertible securities: Convertible securities are financial instruments, typically bonds or preferred shares, that can be converted into a company's common stock at a specified price within a certain timeframe. This feature allows investors to benefit from the potential appreciation of the company's stock while initially enjoying the fixed income of a bond or preferred stock. This connection to ownership gives investors the opportunity to participate in equity growth while reducing some risks associated with owning pure equity.
Dilution: Dilution refers to the reduction in the ownership percentage of existing shareholders as a result of the issuance of additional shares. This can occur during various corporate actions, such as raising capital through new stock issuances or distributing stock dividends, which impacts shareholders by decreasing their claim on earnings and voting power in the company.
Dividend yield: Dividend yield is a financial ratio that indicates how much a company pays in dividends each year relative to its stock price, expressed as a percentage. It helps investors assess the return on investment from dividends alone, without considering capital gains. A higher dividend yield can attract income-focused investors and may indicate a stable company with consistent cash flows.
Earnings Per Share (EPS): Earnings per share (EPS) is a financial metric that indicates the portion of a company's profit allocated to each outstanding share of common stock. It serves as a key indicator of a company’s profitability and is often used by investors to assess financial health and compare performance across companies. EPS can be affected by factors such as stock issuance, repurchase activities, and overall earnings, making it essential for understanding how shareholder equity is impacted by these corporate actions.
Initial Public Offering (IPO): An initial public offering (IPO) is the process through which a private company offers shares to the public for the first time, allowing it to raise capital from public investors. This significant event transforms the company from a private entity to a publicly traded one, enhancing its visibility and access to funding. An IPO not only helps the company secure financial resources for expansion and growth but also enables early investors to realize gains from their investments.
Par Value: Par value is the nominal or face value of a security stated by the issuer. It is crucial in the context of stock issuance, where it represents the minimum price at which shares can be sold. Additionally, in cases of stock dividends and splits, par value plays a role in determining how shares are adjusted and valued during these corporate actions.
Preemptive rights: Preemptive rights are provisions that give existing shareholders the first opportunity to purchase additional shares of stock before the company offers them to outside investors. This concept helps shareholders maintain their proportional ownership in the company, preventing dilution of their investment when new shares are issued.
Preferred Stock: Preferred stock is a type of equity security that has a higher claim on assets and earnings than common stock, often featuring fixed dividends that must be paid before dividends to common shareholders. It provides investors with certain advantages such as priority in dividend payments and liquidation, making it an attractive option for those seeking a more stable income stream. Preferred stock can be seen as a hybrid between debt and equity, appealing to investors looking for security with potential upside.
Private placement: Private placement is the process of selling securities to a select group of investors, rather than through a public offering. This method allows companies to raise capital quickly and efficiently, usually involving fewer regulatory requirements and costs than public offerings. Private placements often target accredited investors, such as institutional investors or high-net-worth individuals, providing companies with access to significant funding without the complexities of going public.
Registration statement: A registration statement is a formal document that a company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) before offering securities to the public. This document provides detailed information about the company's financial health, business operations, and the specifics of the security being offered, ensuring transparency for potential investors. The registration statement plays a crucial role in the issuance of stock by helping to protect investors and maintain market integrity.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is a U.S. government agency responsible for regulating the securities industry and enforcing federal securities laws. It aims to protect investors, maintain fair and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation. The SEC oversees the issuance of stock and other financial securities, ensuring that companies provide necessary information to the public, which is essential for informed investment decisions.
Stock options: Stock options are contracts that give an employee the right, but not the obligation, to purchase shares of the company’s stock at a predetermined price, known as the exercise or strike price, for a specified period. These options are often part of an employee's compensation package and serve as an incentive for employees to contribute to the company’s success, aligning their interests with those of the shareholders.
Voting rights: Voting rights refer to the legal entitlements that allow individuals to participate in the electoral process by casting their votes in elections. This concept is crucial in determining who has a say in corporate governance, especially when it comes to stock ownership and the issuance of stock. Voting rights can vary based on the class of stock owned, influencing shareholders' influence over company decisions such as electing board members or approving significant corporate actions.