12

INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS

Learning Objectives
After studying this chapter, you will be able to:
♦ Understand the meaning of the term ‘investments’.
♦ Learn the classification of investments.
♦ Compute the acquisition cost and carrying amounts of investments.
♦ Calculate the profit/loss on disposal of investments.

1. Introduction
Investments are assets held by an enterprise for earning income by way of dividends, interest
and rentals, for capital appreciation, or for other benefits to the investing enterprise.
Investment Accounting is done as per AS-13 which deals with all kind of investments except:
(i) interest, dividends and rentals earned on investments
(ii) operating or financial leases
(iii) investment of retirement benefit plans and life insurance enterprises
(iv) mutual funds
(v) assets held as Stock-in-trade are not ‘Investments’.
2. Classification of Investments
The investments are classified into two categories as per AS 13, viz., Current Investments and
Long-term Investments.
2.1 Current Investments
• A current Investment is an investment that is by its nature readily realizable and
is intended to be held for not more than one year from the date on which such
investment is made.
• The carrying amount for current investments is the lower of cost and fair value.
• Fair Value is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged between a

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knowledgeable, willing buyer and a knowledgeable, willing seller in an arm’s

length transaction. Under appropriate circumstances, market value or net
realisable value provides an evidence of fair value.
• Market Value is the amount obtainable from the sale of an investment in an open
market, net of expenses necessarily to be incurred on or before disposal.
• Any reduction to fair value and any reversals of such reductions are included in
the profit and loss statement.
2.2 Long Term Investments
• A long-term investment is an investment other than a current investment.
• Long term investments are usually carried at cost.
• If there is a permanent decline in the value of a long term investment; the
carrying amount is reduced to recognize the decline.
• The reduction in carrying amount is charged to the profit and loss statement.
• The reduction in carrying amount is reversed when there is a rise in the value of
the investment, or if the reasons for the reduction no longer exist.
3. Investment Acquisitions
1. The cost of an investment includes acquisition charges such as brokerage, fees and duties.
2. If an investment is acquired, or partly acquired, by the issue of shares or other securities,
the acquisition cost is the fair value of the securities or asset issued.
The fair value may not necessarily be equal to the nominal or par value of the securities
issued.
If an investment is acquired in exchange, or part exchange, for another asset, the acquisition
cost of the investment is determined by reference to the fair value of the asset given up. It
may be appropriate to consider the fair value of the investment acquired if it is more clearly
evident.
3. A separate Investment Account should be made for each scrip purchased. The scrips
purchased may be broadly divided into two categories
i) Fixed income bearing scrips
ii) Variable income bearing scrips.
The entries in Investment Account for these two broad categories of scrips will be made as
under:
(i) Fixed income Bearing Securities: The investment in Government securities or
debentures comes under this category. In this type of scrip, the interest accrued from
the date of last payment to the date of transaction can be easily calculated.

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In case the transaction is on ‘Ex-interest’ basis i.e., the amount of interest accrued to
the date of transaction has to be paid in addition to the price of security.
The following entries are made in the books of Purchaser:
Debit: the amount of price settled as on ex-interest basis is entered in the Capital Column.
Debit: the interest accrued to the date of transaction in the Income Column.
In case the transaction is on cum-interest basis, a part of purchase price is related to
the interest accrued from the date of the last interest paid to the date of transaction.
And hence in this case the cost of investment has to be calculated by subtracting the amount
of accrued interest from the Purchase Price.
The following entries are made in the books of Purchaser:
Debit: the interest accruing from the date of last payment to the date of purchase is entered in
the Income Column.
Debit: balance i.e., Purchase Price - Interest Accrued, in the Capital Column.
When the interest amount is actually received, it is entered in the Income Column credit side.
The net effect of these entries will be that the amount credited to the income will be only the
interest arising between the date of purchase and the one on which it next falls due.
Note:
(a) Interest amount is always calculated with respect to nominal value.
(b) In case the quotation is not qualified, the same will be treated as ex-interest quotation.
(ii) Variable Income Bearing Securities: The investment in equity shares comes
under this category. The following points should be noted with respect to investment
in equity shares:
(a) dividends from investments in shares are not recognised in the statement of
profit and loss until a right to receive payment is established;
(b) the amount of dividend accruing between the date of last dividend payment
and the date of purchase cannot be immediately ascertained;
(c) the dividend received for a particular period of time is assumed to be evenly
distributed over the period.
In the following way the information is incorporated in the books of investor at the time of
purchase:
Debit: The Capital column of the Investment Account by the entire purchase price.
The adjustment with respect to dividend is made when the dividend is actually received as
under:
Credit: The Capital column of the Investment Account by the amount of dividend for the period
for which the investor did not hold the share.

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Credit: The amount after subtracting the above amount from the total dividends in Income
column of Investment Account.
• The important point with respect to investment in equity shares is that the amount of
dividends for the period, for which the shares were not held by the investor, should not
be treated as revenue receipt but they should be treated as capital receipt.
• When dividends on equity shares are declared from pre-acquisition profits, similar
treatment is done i.e., the amount of such dividend received by the investor is entered
on the credit side in the capital column, so as to reduce the acquisition cost.
• If it is difficult to make an allocation between pre and post acquisition periods except on
an arbitrary basis, the cost of investment is normally reduced by dividends receivable, if
they clearly represent recovery of part of cost.
4. When right shares offered are subscribed for, the cost of the right shares is added to
the carrying amount of the original holding.
If rights are not subscribed for but are sold in the market, the sale proceeds are taken to the
profit and loss statement.
Where the investments are acquired on cum-right basis and the market value of investments
immediately after their becoming ex-right is lower than the cost for which they were acquired,
it may be appropriate to apply the sale proceeds of rights to reduce the carrying amount of
such investments to the market value.
For e.g., Mr. X acquires 200 shares of a company on cum-right basis for ` 50,000. He
subsequently receives an offer of right to acquire fresh shares in the company in the
proportion of 1:1 at ` 110 each. X subscribes for the right issue. Thus, the total cost of X’s
holding of 400 shares would amount to ` 72,000.
Suppose, he does not subscribe but sells the rights for ` 15,000. The ex-right market value of
200 shares bought by X immediately after the rights falls to ` 40,000. In this case out of sale
proceeds of ` 15,000, ` 10,000 may be applied to reduce the carrying amount to the market
value ` 40,000 and ` 5,000 would be credited to the profit and loss account.
5. Where an investment is acquired by way of issue of bonus shares, no amount is entered
in the capital column of investment account since the investor has not to pay anything.
4. Disposal of Investments
• On disposal of an investment, the difference between the carrying amount and the
disposal proceeds, net of expenses is recognised in the profit and loss statement.
• When a part of the holding of an individual investment is disposed, the carrying amount
is required to be allocated to that part on the basis of the average carrying amount of
the total holding of the investment.
• In respect of shares, debentures and other securities held as stock-in-trade, the cost of
stocks disposed of may be determined by applying an appropriate cost formula (e.g.

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first-in, first-out, average cost, etc.). These cost formulae are the same as those
specified in AS 2, ‘Valuation of Inventories’.
(i) Fixed Income Bearing Securities: The amount of accrued interest from the date of last
payment to the date of sale is credited in the income column and only the sale proceeds, net
of accrued interest, is credited in the capital column of investment account.
In case the transaction is on ‘Ex-interest’ basis, entire sale proceeds is credited in the capital
column and the amount of accrued interest from the date of last payment to the date of sale,
separately received from the buyer will be taken to the credit side of the income column of
investment account.
(ii) Variable Income Bearing Securities: In case of these securities, the entire amount of
sale proceeds should be credited in the capital column of investment account, unless the
amount of accrued dividend can be specifically established.
The entries in the books at the time of sale of investments will be just the reverse of the
entries passed for their acquisition.
Illustration 1
On 1.4.2010, Sundar had 25,000 equity shares of ‘X’ Ltd. at a book value of ` 15 per share
(Face value ` 10). On 20.6.2010, he purchased another 5,000 shares of the company at ` 16
per share. The directors of ‘X’ Ltd. announced a bonus and rights issue. No dividend was
payable on these issues. The terms of the issue are as follows:
Bonus basis 1:6 (Date 16.8.2010).
Rights basis 3:7 (Date 31.8.2010) Price ` 15 per share.
Due date for payment 30.9.2010.
Shareholders can transfer their rights in full or in part. Accordingly Sundar sold 33.33% of his
entitlement to Sekhar for a consideration of ` 2 per share.
Dividends: Dividends for the year ended 31.3.2010 at the rate of 20% were declared by X Ltd.
and received by Sundar on 31.10.2010. Dividends for shares acquired by him on 20.6.2010
are to be adjusted against the cost of purchase.
On 15.11.2010, Sundar sold 25,000 equity shares at a premium of ` 5 per share.
You are required to prepare in the books of Sundar.
(1) Investment Account
(2) Profit & Loss Account.
For your exercise, assume that the books are closed on 31.12.2010 and shares are valued at
average cost.

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Solution
Books of Sundar
Investment Account
Equity Shares in X Ltd.
No. Amount No. Amount
` `
1.4.2010 To Bal 25,000 3,75,000 30.9.2010 By Bank 10,000
b/d (Sale of
Rights)
20.6.2010 To Bank 5,000 80,000 31.10.2010 By Bank 10,000
(dividend
16.8.2010 To 5,000 — on shares
Bonus acquired on
20/6/2010)
30.9.2010 To Bank 10,000 15.11.2010 By Bank 25,000 3,75,000
(Rights 1,50,000 (Sale of
Shares) shares)
15.11.2010 To Profit 50,000 31.12.2010 By Bal. c/d 20,000 2,60,000
45,000 6,55,000 45,000 6,55,000
Profit & Loss A/c
To Balance c/d 1,00,000 By Profit transferred 50,000
By Dividend 50,000
1,00,000 1,00,000
Working Notes:

(1) Bonus Shares =

(25,000 + 5,000)
5,000 shares
6
25,000 + 5,000 + 5,000
(2) Right Shares = × 3 = 15,000 shares
7
(3) Rights shares renounced = 15,000×1/3 = 5,000 shares
(4) Dividend received = 25,000×10×20% = ` 50,000
Dividend on shares purchased on 20.6.2010 = 5,000×10×20% = ` 10,000 is adjusted to
Investment A/c
(5) Cost of shares on 31.12.2010
( 3,75,000 + 80,000 + 1,50,000 − 10,000 − 10,000 ) × 20,000 = ` 2,60,000
45,000
Illustration 2
On 1.4.2010, Mr. Krishna Murty purchased 1,000 equity shares of ` 100 each in TELCO Ltd.

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@ ` 120 each from a Broker, who charged 2% brokerage. He incurred 50 paise per ` 100
as cost of shares transfer stamps. On 31.1.2011 Bonus was declared in the ratio of 1 : 2.
Before and after the record date of bonus shares, the shares were quoted at ` 175 per share
and ` 90 per share respectively. On 31.3.2011 Mr. Krishna Murty sold bonus shares to a
Broker, who charged 2% brokerage.
Show the Investment Account in the books of Mr. Krishna Murty, who held the shares as
Current assets and closing value of investments shall be made at Cost or Market value
whichever is lower.
Solution
In the books of Mr. Krishna Investment Account
for the year ended 31st March, 2011
(Scrip: Equity Shares of TELCO Ltd.)
Dr. Cr.
Date Particulars Nominal Cost Date Particulars Nominal Cost
Value (` (` ) Value (` ) (` )
)
1.4.2010 To Bank A/c 1,00,000 1,23,000 31.3.2011 By Bank A/c 50,000 44,100

31.1.2011 To Bonus 50,000 − 31.3.2011 By Balance 1,00,000 82,000

shares c/d
31.3.2011 To Profit &
loss A/c − 3,100
1,50,000 1,26,100 1,50,000 1,26,10
0
Working Notes:
(i) Cost of equity shares purchased on 1.4.2010 = 1,000 × ` 120 + 2% of ` 1,20,000 +
½% of ` 1,20,000 = ` 1,23,000
(ii) Sale proceeds of equity shares sold on 31st March, 2011 = 500 × ` 90 – 2% of `
45,000 = ` 44,100.
(iii) Profit on sale of bonus shares on 31st March, 2011
= Sales proceeds – Average cost
Sales proceeds = ` 44,100
Average cost = ` (1,23,000 × 50,000)/1,50,000 = ` 41,000
Profit = ` 44,100 – ` 41,000 = ` 3,100.
(iv) Valuation of equity shares on 31st March, 2011
Cost = (` 1,23,000 × 1,00,000)/1,50,000 = ` 82,000)
Market Value = 1,000 shares × ` 90 = ` 90,000
Closing balance has been valued at ` 82,000 being lower than the market value.

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Illustration 3
Mr. X purchased 500 equity shares of ` 100 each in Omega Co. Ltd. for ` 62,500 inclusive of
brokerage and stamp duty. Some years later the company resolved to capitalize its profits and
to issue to the holders of equity shares, one equity bonus share for every share held by them.
Prior to capitalisation, the shares of Omega Co. Ltd. were quoted at ` 175 per share. After the
capitalisation, the shares were quoted at ` 92.50 per share. Mr. X. sold the bonus shares and
received at ` 90 per share.
Prepare the Investment Account in X’s books on average cost basis.
Investment Account in the books of A
[Equity shares in Omega Co. Ltd.]
Nominal Value Cost Nominal Value Cost
` ` ` `
To Cash 50,000 62,500 By Cash Sale 50,000 45,000
To Bonus shares 50,000 By Balance c/d 50,000 31,250
To P & L A/c 13,750
1,00,000 76,250 1,00,000 76,250
To Balance b/d 50,000 31,250
Note : The total cost of 1,000 share including bonus is ` 62,500
500
Therefore, cost of 500 shares (carried forward) is × 62,500 = ` 31,250
1,000
Cost being lower than the market price, shares are carried forward at cost.
Illustration 4
On 1st January 2010, Singh had 20,000 equity shares in X Ltd. Face value of the shares was
` 10 each but their book value was ` 16 per share. On 1st June 2010, Singh purchased
5,000 more equity shares in the company at a premium of ` 4 per share.
On 30th June, 2010, the directors of X Ltd. announced a bonus and rights issue. Bonus was
declared at the rate of one equity share for every five shares held and these shares were
received on 2nd August, 2010.
The terms of the rights issue were:
(a) Rights shares to be issued to the existing holders on 10th August, 2010.
(b) Rights issue would entitle the holders to subscribe to additional equity shares in the
Company at the rate of one share per every three held at ` 15 per share-the whole sum
being payable by 30th September, 2010.
(c) Existing shareholders may, to the extent of their entitlement, either wholly in part, transfer
their rights to outsiders.
(d) Singh exercised his option under the issue for 50% of his entitlements and the balance of
rights he sold to Ananth for a consideration of ` 1.50 per share.

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(e) Dividends for the year ended 31st March, 2010, at the rate of 15% were declared by the
Company and received by Singh on 20th October, 2010.
(f) On 1st November, 2010, Singh sold 20,000 equity shares at a premium of ` 3 per share.
The market price of share on 31-12-2010 was ` 13. Show the Investment Account as it would
appear in Singh’s books on 31-12-2010 and the value of shares held on that date.
Solution
Investment Account-Equity Shares in X Ltd.
Date No. of Income Amount Date No. of Income Amount
shares shares
` ` ` `
2010 2010
Jan. To 20,000 - 3,20,000 Sep. By Bank 7,500
1 Balance 30 (Sale of
b/d rights)
5,000 @
` 1.5
June To Bank 5,000 - 70,000 Oct. 20 By Bank 30,000 7,500
1 (dividend)
Aug. To Bonus 5,000 — Nov. 1 By Bank 20,000 2,60,000
2 Issue
Sep. To Bank 5,000 - 75,000 Dec. By 15,000 1,92,857
30 (Right) 31 Balance
c/d
Nov. To Profit - - 2,857
1 & Loss
A/c (Profit
on sale)
Nov. To Profit 30,000
1 & Loss
A/c
(Dividend
income)
35,000 30,000 4,67,857 35,000 30,000 4,67,857
Jan. To 15,000 1,92,857
1 Balance
b/d
Working Notes:
1. Cost of shares sold — Amount paid for 35,000 shares
`
(` 3,20,000 + ` 70,000 + ` 75,000) 4,65,000
Less: Dividend on shares purchased on June 1 & sale of rights(7,500 + 7,500) 15,000
Cost of 35,000 shares 4,50,000

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Cost of 20,000 shares (Average cost basis) 2,57,143

Sale proceeds 2,60,000

Profit 2,857
2. Value of investment at the end of the year
Assuming investment as current investment, closing balance will be valued based on
lower of cost or net realizable value.
Here, Net realizable value is ` 13 per share i.e. 15,000 shares x ` 13= ` 1,95,000 and
4,50,000
cost = × 15,000 = ` 1,92,857. Therefore, value of investment at the end of the
35,000
year will be ` 1,92,857.

5. Valuation in case of Reclassification of Investment

When Investments are classified from Current Investment to Permanent Investment,
Permanent Investment is valued at Cost Price or Fair Value, whichever is less.
When Investments are classified from Permanent Investment to Current Investment, Current
Investment is valued at Cost Price or Carrying Amount, whichever is less.

Summary
• Investment Accounting is done as per Accounting Standard-13.
• Two type of Investments :
9 Long Term Investments
9 Current Investments
• Valuation of Current investment – Lower of Cost or Fair Value/net Realizable Value
• Valuation of Long Term investment – At cost
• Reclassification :
9 From Current to Permanent → Valuation at Cost or Fair value, whichever is lower
9 From Permanent to Current → Valuation at Cost or Carrying Amount, whichever is
lower
• Disposal of Investment:
9 Difference between carrying amount and disposal proceeds is transferred to Profit &
Loss A/c.
In case of partial sale, weighted average method to be used.

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