ACCOUNTING TERMS - ACCOUNTING DICTIONARY - ACCOUNTING GLOSSARY
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MARGIN Definition
MARGIN is a. in accounting see GROSS MARGIN; or, b. in securities, it is the process whereby investors are allowed to buy securities on credit. By buying on margin, the investor significantly increases the leverage, or risk/return potential, of the investment. For example, a purchase of $100 worth of stock with cash of $50 means a four to one increase in value if the stock doubles (versus a two to one increase if the purchase is all cash). On the other hand, if the stock declines, the investor would be forced either to put up more cash or sell the stock at a loss to meet margin requirements established by the Federal Reserve Bank. The margin rules currently stipulate that an investor must maintain 50% of the total market value of the securities in the account in cash.
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MARGIN LENDING, in securities, is where the lender, usually a bank, will lend you between approximately 40% and 70% of the value of approved shares and managed funds. For example, if you have $30,000 in cash, you could borrow up to $70,000 and buy a $100,000 portfolio (assuming a lending ratio of 70%). This portfolio then becomes the security for your margin lending facility.
INSTALLATION is 1. the act of installing something (as equipment) or, 2. a building or place that provides a particular service or is used for a particular industry.
