You don't report income until you sell the stock. Your overall basis doesn't change as a result of a stock split, but your per share basis changes. You'll need to adjust your basis per share of the stock. For example, you own 100 shares of stock in a corporation with a $15 per share basis for a total basis of $1,500.
The only thing delisting does is that the stock doesn't trade on whatever exchange it got delisted from. It would still exist and you would still own it. No one is going to pay you out. It would trade over the counter.
You might need to sell a stock if other prospects can earn a higher return. If an investor holds onto an underperforming stock or is lagging the overall market, it may be time to sell that stock and put the money toward another investment.
Majority shareholders can legally force minority shareholders to sell stock under drag-along clauses, buyout provisions, and court orders. Minority shareholders are often compelled to sell shares in corporate takeovers and mergers when acquirers anticipate 100% equity ownership.
If your shareholder refuses to sell despite having the right, your company can use a power of attorney. Directors can enforce a sale, following specific powers outlined in the shareholders agreement or ESOP rules.
Stock Options & Shares
If you resign, fully vested equity typically remains yours. For company stock, you own it outright. For stock options, you generally have a 90-day window to exercise your remaining vested shares. Terms can vary depending on your company's specific equity agreement.
Unrealized or paper losses occur when the market value of a stock decreases, but the asset hasn't been sold yet. For example, if you bought 100 shares at $50 each, your total investment is $5,000. If the stock price drops to $30 per share, the market value is $3,000, producing an unrealized loss of $2,000.
You should be looking to exit a stock trade when a price trend breaks down. This is supported by technical analysis and emphasises that investors should exit regardless of the value of the trade. It is recommended that you go back to the initial reasons for entering the trade.
How long must you hold a stock before selling? Ideally, hold a stock until it meets your financial goals or circumstances change. However, waiting at least one year can reduce capital gains taxes and maximise growth potential, especially in stable, long-term investments.
If the security cannot be sold in the market, it may be possible to dispose of the worthless security by gifting it to another person who can be related or unrelated to you. If you gift the worthless security to a family member, you will need to ensure that the person is not your spouse or minor child.
If the suspended company complies with all regulations, the exchange might revoke the suspension, and the shares will start trading again. If the company gets suspended and eventually closes, shareholders will have to write it off as a loss.
When a stock's value falls to zero, or near zero, it typically signals that the company is bankrupt. The stocks are frozen and unless the company restructures, it's likely you will lose your investment.
In other words, you need to have sold your stock to claim a deduction. You can't simply write off losses because the stock is worth less than when you bought it.
Under the wash sale rule, your loss is disallowed for tax purposes if you sell stock or other securities at a loss and then buy substantially identical stock or securities within 30 days before or 30 days after the sale.
In some situations, you may receive a 1099 even if you didn't buy or sell any securities during a given year.
If something fundamental about the company or its stock changes, that can be a good reason to sell. For example: The company's market share is falling, perhaps because a competitor is offering a superior product for a lower price. Sales growth has noticeably slowed.
For example, you may sell a position when it profits 20% to 25%. Once you reach this number, sell some or all of the position, or reevaluate your goals. On the other end, a stop loss helps minimize losses in a sharp downturn.
An exit point is the price at which an investor or trader closes a position. An investor will typically sell to exit their trade because they are buying assets for the long term. A trader may also sell at an exit point, or they may decide to buy to close the position (if they were short).
The 3 5 7 rule is a risk management strategy in trading that emphasizes limiting risk on each individual trade to 3% of the trading capital, keeping overall exposure to 5% across all trades, and ensuring that winning trades yield at least 7% more profit than losing trades.
If the shareholder is eligible for the rights issue, their demat account will be credited with right entitlements (REs). REs can be used to apply for the rights issue or can be transferred by selling them on the market. If they are not sold or used for applying for the rights issue, they will eventually lapse.
The price of a stock can fall to zero, but you would never lose more than you invested. Although losing your entire investment is painful, your obligation ends there. You will not owe money if a stock declines in value.
A Shareholder cannot generally be forced to sell shares in a company unless you have either agreed to a process resulting in that outcome, or the court orders that outcome.
TLDR: With limited exceptions, if you want to maximize the long term growth of your portfolio, you're better off selling your company stock as soon as the shares vest (are eligible to be sold) and reinvesting the proceeds in a low-cost, globally diversified portfolio.