What is a long-term investment: types, sources, analysis, and accounting

Investing your own funds in any objects with the aim of making a profit is quite common today. This is called investing.

Many capital owners resort to it in order to increase their own assets and increase the volume of production of the enterprise. Individuals spend their income on large purchases, and some use investment as their main income.

Investments can be of a different nature. It depends on the time during which the investor plans to receive the invested funds and profit.

There are investments:

1. Short term. Funds are invested for a period of several hours to one year. For example, you can conduct a couple of successful transactions in the foreign exchange market and earn high income in 5 hours. These are rare cases, but they do have a place to be. This also includes a popular bank deposit . It usually opens for a year;
2. Medium-term. Lasts from one year to three years. In this way, you can earn interest on a bank deposit, stock market or by buying a share in a mutual fund ;
3. Long term. The implementation period is from three years. Most often, it does not exceed 5 years, but can drag on for several dozens. The latter option is characteristic of global investment , which is inherent in the state in the domestic and foreign markets. This is the construction of large international facilities, such as the airport.

In the article, we will consider long-term investments. to transfer money one bank to another bank easiest method TD Bank Routing Number This area is finding more and more adherents, because unlike short-term investments, it can bring stable high income.

Such investments are often made by large enterprises or private investors with large savings. Small amounts do not appear here, since the risk of a quick loss of funds at the initial stage can lead to a complete loss of investments. With large amounts in this regard, it is easier if a part is lost, then much more can be returned.

What are the pros and cons

Considering long-term investments as an investment, many rely on their advantages.

Pros:

• They can bring high income in a few years, which will be permanent (today you invest, you will wait for a payback for several years, and then you can get a net profit without investing your own money);
• Perhaps your savings will pay off more than once (that is, during the project you will be able to get extra-large returns several times);
• Money is constantly in circulation, which means that with successful development of events you will not be left without income;
• They are not affected by short-term market jumps (you can lose some today and get more tomorrow. This option will not work with short-term investments, which are highly dependent on market volatility).

Despite the impressive advantages, these types of investments do not attract all investors, because there are also disadvantages.

Minuses:

• There is no way to get fast money (you have invested now, and you will receive your first income in a few years);
• You can lose all means. This happens in the case of illiterate startup management . Investments are being made in a promising project, but there is no specialist for its promotion;
• Lack of liquidity (it is impossible to wrap up funds during the investment period). You cannot take part of the money from the project for your own needs. Otherwise, the idea of ​​long-term investment will have to say goodbye.

We divide investments by type

There are several forms of long-term investment.

They can be classified by objects:

• Financial (investing in any securities: stocks, bonds, futures, options, etc.);
• Real (injection of assets into construction, development of production, staff training, etc.).

According to the stages at which the development of the project is, investments are distinguished:

Completed (means that the project has been completed or the investment goal has been achieved). For example, you bought an apartment in a house at the construction stage. When the building is put into operation, you can already dispose of your property, that is, the construction object is completed;

Incomplete (you have not yet implemented the main goal of investments). Here, the initial investment process can be considered, when you have just contributed assets and a stage close to completion.

Methods of long-term investments depending on payments:

With a one-time income (that is, you bought an apartment at the construction stage, and after putting the house into operation, you sold the property at a higher price);

With distributed profit (in this case, after the completion of construction, you decide to rent the apartment out . The income will come with the regularity described in the rental agreement between you and the resident).

Attachments are also:

• State;
• Enterprises;
• Physical person.

Classification of infusion of funds by purpose:

Strategic (your goal is to absorb a company. You buy up shares of the company until your package of securities gives you a casting vote in the management of this company);

Aimed at generating income (you only want to increase your capital and do not expect to participate in the management of a joint-stock company).

Sources for attachments

In order to invest, you must first think about where to get the funds for these purposes.

There are two forms of financing long-term investments:

• At the expense of own funds;
• Due to attracted assets.

When there is money for investment purposes, this allows you to increase the initial capital . But it should be understood that you should have exactly free funds, the absence of which will not worsen your financial situation. Otherwise, if the result of the transaction is unsuccessful, you may lose your own funds that you needed for other purposes.

If personal savings are not available, then you can use the involved.

They consist of:

• Loans (most often from bank resources);
• Help from the budget;
• Attracting third-party investors .

For long-term investments, you can take a bank loan or borrow from friends. An enterprise may take advantage of a loan from another company at a small percentage. For individuals, this may turn out to be unprofitable, since rates on bank loans do not cause a desire to get involved in a dubious adventure.

If you already have your own small company, you can count on funds from the budget. Allocates their state to significant goals within the region and country. For example, you are going to develop your private kindergarten . This will require documenting your business plan and its further consideration by the local administration.

Attracting investors is beneficial if you want to finance your own business . For example, you have already invested your own money in your business . You have an interesting idea, which in the future can turn into a large influx of funds.

If at the moment you do not have the finances for its implementation, then you can attract investors by competently presenting your own thoughts to them. For these purposes, a business plan is created that contains all the technical aspects and calculations for the project.

Financial and real investments

The main essence of long-term investments is their separation by investment objects. Most often, the components of real investment become the subject of prolonged injections of funds.

The composition of long-term investments may include investments in:

• Fixed assets of the enterprise ;
• Land purchase ;
• Building;
• Purchase of equipment;
• Repair of existing equipment;
• Licenses
• Staff development ;
• Patents;
• Trademarks;
• The latest developments;
• Research work.

Most often, this form of investment is characteristic of enterprises or the state apparatus. A private investor, in the presence of large sums, can afford to buy real estate, cars or sponsor a company on favorable terms.

Transactions with such facilities take place exclusively on a long-term basis. Income from this kind of investment can be obtained at least a couple of years.

Another thing is financial investments on a long-term basis: they can be placed for a period of one year and do not require cumbersome investments from their owner. This type of income is common among individuals. The latter mainly transfer the savings to a qualified intermediary who, for a fee, provides the services of a financial consultant.

Financial investments are characteristic of the foreign exchange and stock markets . You can use the platforms of brokerage companies for these purposes, as well as place funds in units of mutual funds. By buying stocks, bonds, forwards or currencies, you thereby become a member of the investment.

We buy up securities

The most common examples of long-term investments are securities in the stock market. Today you buy, for example, shares at one price, and after a year you sell at another and make a profit. It is on this principle that financial investment is built.

The most important rule is not to succumb to the volatile flow of the exchange. This is a process that involves changing the value of a security during the day or a larger period.

If volatility is temporary, do not be afraid for your own money. With a regular fall in prices, it is necessary to get rid of an unprofitable asset in time, so as not to lose the entire funds. Better to replace it with another.

When making transactions with securities, it is recommended to buy at a time when the price of an asset has fallen to a minimum level. In this case, you can get the maximum income in the future.

Strategic investment

Let’s understand what is meant by an investment strategy. Long-term investments are often strategic. This means that the company can set a specific goal at the time of the infusion of funds into a large object.

Most often, this goal does not imply earning income at the initial stage, but has a strategy for controlling future actions in relation to the investee.

For example, a large company can set a goal – to make another company its subsidiary. For these purposes, she is gradually buying up shares in the stock market of this company. This process takes several years. Throughout it, a large company does not plan to abandon its goal and pours all newly appeared available funds into the purchase of shares.

As soon as the package of securities becomes impressive and gives the right of control vote at the meeting of shareholders, a large company proceeds to the most important stage. She announces the decision to join the investment object. In the future, she makes a profit from the activities of the new branch.

We invest in construction and real estate

Buying real estate in order to generate income is widespread not only among large enterprises, but also among private investors. Buying an apartment in a house that is still only on paper, you can incur minimal costs. Once the building is built, there will be two options for profit. This is called shared construction .

Firstly, you can sell such a property much more expensive than the purchase price. And you can rent it out. Secondly, investments will pay off after a long period, but can bring much more than just selling an apartment. Subsequently, you can find a buyer for rental housing.

The main disadvantages of long-term real estate investments:

• The ability to lose funds if the project is not implemented through the fault of the developer;
• Over time, real estate loses its value, and therefore you need to know when it is better to sell it;
• The building is constantly in need of repair, and this is additional funds (especially if it is rented out);
• If the room is empty due to the lack of customers, the owner can only receive losses.

How to invest in transport, equipment and other equipment

Common today is leasing . It means the delivery of equipment for a long rental with subsequent redemption. This is a fairly convenient process that allows you to invest.

We develop production

Investing in your own company is a prerequisite for a successful business. If you allocate funds for the purchase of new equipment, repair existing equipment, and constantly conduct staff development, you can make a big business out of a small enterprise.

At first, this process will be very costly, but in the future it will pay off handsomely. Own business always requires investments and often in monetary terms. In order for a company to develop and increase turnover, it is necessary to increase productivity. This will bring good profit and will allow you to occupy a certain niche in the market.

Income from gold

For the most part, the passive form of income is the purchase of gold bullion . You get a few grams of gold and expect it to go up in value.

There are two significant drawbacks:

You won’t be able to buy the bullion at the nominal price, since the seller’s bank does its mark-up. Consequently, the profit will be less;

Gold is subject to a special storage system, which also costs money. You will not be able to keep the bullion at home, as even any print on it will reduce its value.

To prevent the investor from having contact with the precious metal, banks came up with a system of anonymous accounts . They suggest that you buy gold, but as such you do not buy bullion on hand. Gold is written on paper only. You only deal with money from the difference in the purchase and sale price.

Where to get the currency

The well-known Forex market does not stand aside. You can buy currency on it and then sell it at a higher price. There are not so many fans of this process, since the investment process is more like roulette.

The winning percentage is quite small. This is due to the high volatility, which in seconds can “eat” your capital.

The essence of the foreign exchange market is the purchase of a currency pair and tracking price changes. Most often, only professionals and only those who have decent amounts are involved in such activities. An ordinary investor has nothing to do here, since with small investments you can instantly lose money.

How to become an investor

Long-term investments require careful preparation and informed decisions. Any careless move may deprive you of your initial capital. Here it is required to be attentive to each step and evaluate all possible risks.

If you want to become an investor in a long-term project, follow the recommendations:

Decide on the object of attachments. Choose what matters to you, what income you want to receive. Better look for the area in which you are well versed. Your income and your further investment mood will depend on this step. Equally important is the amount of investment: if it is impressive, then you have a large number of tools for earning;

Once an object is selected, learn as much information as possible about it. Browse websites, reviews, TV shows, listen to news. Do not neglect reading special literature. More often it contains more practical points than on the Internet. You can attend various seminars, courses on education and training. The most valuable information can be obtained from the mouth of an experienced investor. Therefore, try to find such a person;

Make a forecast for a possible turn of events. Here, consider all the nuances of the selected direction. Calculate the possible minimum and maximum profit. Think over the most adverse events and their impact on the investee. Relate the possible risks and your desire to part with blood accumulations. You must calculate absolutely everything in order to know how to react to a particular situation in the future;

Now you can start the process of investing: start buying investment instruments (securities, currency, machinery, equipment or training courses for staff);

We monitor the market situation and the condition of your assets. If you notice a tendency to a sharp drop in prices, which is steadily gaining momentum – do not wait when you are left without a penny. For example, if you invested in stocks , sell them, and use the proceeds to buy securities of another company;

We analyze the process. A kind of audit of investments. Watch the movement of your capital. If you have income, be sure to write down its size, taking into account the initial costs. So you can determine the effectiveness of invested funds and get rid of illiquid long-term assets in time.

Long-Term Investment Risks

Long-term investments involve a high risk for the owner of the capital. It is difficult to predict what the economy will look like in a few years, and therefore the forecast of investment efficiency is not easy to calculate.

The following main risks of this type of investment are:

The chance to lose everything at the initial stage is great enough. This may be due to ignorance of the business sector or an illiterate asset management system. With small investments by a private investor, this risk increases several times;

Long payback. It is possible that your invested funds will come back very soon, and this is fraught with additional costs for maintaining the life of the project;

No one guarantees income at the end of the investment period. Even an experienced specialist cannot calculate the forecast 100%, and therefore the result may be unexpected and far from in favor of the owner of the capital.

Inflation also increases the risk of long-term investments. If its pace is growing steadily, then your income will ultimately be less than planned.

The unstable situation in the country is also not the best time for long-term investments. Further uncertainty and uncertainty about the future may cause disappointment in the investment process.

Determine the effectiveness of investments

To understand whether investments will be profitable, an analysis should be made of all aspects that may affect them.

The principles for justifying investment performance include:

Determination of the minimum amount of possible income. regions routing number For these purposes, it is necessary to calculate the cost of funds that can be obtained in the event of the liquidation of the project itself. For example, if you invested in stocks, then you need to calculate their resale value. It consists of the sum of all assets of the enterprise divided by the total number of shares. The price received is that which will be paid to you if the joint-stock company is liquidated ;

Comparison of residual value and actual. Again, consider the example of securities. Contact the stock exchange and find out the stock price at the moment. If the liquidation price is higher than the market price, then such an asset is considered underestimated. This means that the company has great potential, which means that its shares can grow several times in the near future;

Valuation of an asset. Using the example of the same stocks, you need to find out what estimated income you can get from them. Shares may increase in price, and they also provide for the payment of dividends. If the cost rises, and dividends are paid on time, then the company is gaining momentum. The larger the company, the lower the cost of their dividends as a percentage. Also, when investing in companies that have appeared on the market recently, expecting dividends at first is a pointless exercise. But as soon as the sales volume of the joint-stock company grows, you can count on additional income in the form of dividends.

Also, when managing long-term investments, it is necessary to pay attention to such factors:

• Competition  in the market;
• The speed of innovation;

The state of the economy in the country.

The coefficient of the investment structure is also important, which determines the diversification of the portfolio (if you invested in different types of securities, this can bring more income and save money).

Long-term investment accounting

Long-term investment is a stream of capital, which must be fixed on the balance sheet of the enterprise. They are accounted for as non-current assets in account 08.

The objectives of accounting for investments are:

• Full and timely reflection in the balance sheet of all funds allocated for investments;
• Control over all stages of the project;
• Reliable reflection of the inventory value of assets;
• Monitoring a long-term investment fund (it should have a sufficient amount of assets).

For example, an enterprise decided to invest in its own production and bought a machine for 155,760dollars, including VAT. The balance line reflecting non-current assets will ultimately reflect the cost of equipment and the price of its delivery – 9040dollars, including VAT.