What is Negative Equity?
To understand Negative equity, First, let’s understand the basic terms.
Equity in the stock market, or shareholder’s equity, basically means how much a company is worth after taking away its debts from its assets. This value determines the company’s ability to repay those who have invested in it.
Now, if a company’s liabilities exceed its assets, we have a negative equity situation. This means that if the company sells all its assets, it may still not have enough money to repay its investors.
1. The decline in the Value of Intangible Assets
Copyrights, trademarks, patents, and other forms of intellectual property are often considered intangible assets.
When these assets lose their value, it can be a major reason why a company’s equity turns negative.
This can happen when these assets become outdated or are replaced by newer intellectual property, causing them to become obsolete. In such cases, the intangible assets lose their value, leading to a decline in a company’s net worth.
2. Borrowed Money
Defaulting on a loan or being unable to repay borrowed money has become a common occurrence these days, not just for individuals but also for companies. When a company borrows money from a bank or any other lender and is unable to repay it due to a lack of profits or unexpected financial difficulties, it is considered to have negative equity.
It’s worth noting that the inability of companies to repay their debts could also be an indication of fraud in the stock market. Failure to meet financial obligations can raise questions about a company’s financial stability and the accuracy of their financial reporting, leading to suspicions of fraudulent practices.
You also read: What are Equity Shares?
3. Large Dividend Payment
When investors purchase securities, they are entitled to receive dividends from the company as a form of interest on their investment. The company pays these dividends when investors sell their securities back to the company. However, if these dividend payments exceed the company’s assets, it can result in an increase in liabilities.
Therefore, it’s crucial for publicly listed corporations on the Indian Stock Market to maintain a balance between their dividend payments and projected profits. This ensures that the company is not paying out more than it can afford and avoids a situation where liabilities exceed assets.
4. How does negative equity affect investors?
Negative equity can cause traders to lose money on their investments. If a company liquidates all of its assets, investors may not receive any dividends. Negative equity can also impact traders who trade for short-term trades, such as intraday trading and swing trading.
To prevent losses on their trades, it’s recommended that investors carefully analyse a company’s balance sheets over several quarters before investing in its securities.
This can help them assess the company’s financial health and determine whether it’s a worthwhile investment opportunity. By doing so, traders can minimize their risks and make informed decisions about their investments.
While negative equity can be a result of unsound business decisions, it’s important to note that it’s not always an indicator of poor financial management.
In some cases, a company may borrow funds or use a significant portion of their assets to improve their infrastructure, which can lead to profits in the future. This is particularly true for start-ups that need to invest in their operations to generate revenue.
Therefore, investors should not always view negative equity as a negative sign but rather, take a more comprehensive approach when evaluating a company’s financial position. In some cases, negative equity may be a necessary step for a company to achieve its long-term objectives and can result in a positive outcome for both the company and its investors.
You also like: What is Short Selling? – The Beginner’s Guide
Conclusion
We hope that this article has emphasized the importance of conducting thorough research before investing in the stock market. It’s crucial for traders to understand the various terms and concepts discussed in this article to make informed decisions about their investments. If you’re interested in learning more about the Indian stock market and related topics in greater detail, you can refer to the Trading Fuel blog for additional resources and information.
