What Is Donated Surplus?

Understanding Donated Surplus: Contributions of cash, property, or stock to a company that increase shareholders' equity.

Donated Surplus refers to contributions of cash, property, or a company’s own stock that are freely given to the company by owners or other stakeholders. This type of contribution increases shareholders’ equity and is also known as donated capital. These contributions are recorded in a special account within the shareholders’ equity section of the balance sheet.

Types of Donated Surplus

Donated surplus can take various forms, including:

Cash Donations

Cash contributions increase a company’s liquidity and are recorded as an increase in cash and an increase in shareholders’ equity.

Property Donations

Contributions of property, such as land or equipment, are appraised at fair market value and added to the company’s asset base, with a corresponding increase in shareholders’ equity.

Stock Donations

When a company receives its own stock from shareholders as a donation, it reduces the number of outstanding shares, adjusts the treasury stock account, and increases the donated surplus.

Accounting for Donated Surplus

Journal Entries

Here is an example of how donated surplus might be recorded in the accounting books:

Cash Donation:

Dr. Cash                             $X
   Cr. Donated Surplus               $X

Property Donation:

Dr. Equipment/Land/Other Asset       $Y
   Cr. Donated Surplus               $Y

Stock Donation:

Dr. Treasury Stock                   $Z
   Cr. Donated Surplus               $Z

Financial Statement Impact

These journal entries ensure that the contributions are properly reflected in both the asset and equity sections of the balance sheet, preserving the accounting equation:

$$ \text{Assets} = \text{Liabilities} + \text{Shareholders' Equity} $$

Historical Context

The practice of accepting donations to increase shareholder value has been common among companies looking to improve their financial standing without incurring additional debt. This can be especially important for new or struggling companies seeking to bolster their balance sheets.

Applicability

Startups

Startups often rely on such contributions from founders and early investors to establish a robust financial position.

Distressed Firms

Companies facing financial difficulties may receive donations from major stakeholders to help stabilize their operations.

Non-Profit Organizations

While not exactly the same, non-profit organizations often receive donations that similarly need to be recorded despite their non-equity nature.

Related Terms

• Shareholders’ Equity: The residual interest in the assets of the entity after deducting liabilities.
• Treasury Stock: The portion of shares that a company keeps in its own treasury and are not considered for dividends or voting purposes.
• Additional Paid-In Capital (APIC): The excess amount paid by investors over the par value of the company’s stock.

FAQs

Why is donated surplus important?

It strengthens the financial position of a company without adding debt, showing stakeholder support.

How is donated surplus different from additional paid-in capital?

Donated surplus is a contribution freely given and not tied to the sale of shares, whereas APIC arises from investors paying above par value for new stock issuances.

References

1. Accounting Standards Codification (ASC)
2. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
3. Financial Accounting Theory and Analysis: Text and Cases

Summary

Donated surplus, or donated capital, refers to the free provision of cash, property, or stock to a company, enhancing its shareholders’ equity. This infusion of resources is critical for companies aiming to improve financial stability and appears in the equity section of a balance sheet.

By understanding the structure and significance of donated surplus, stakeholders and accountants can better appreciate the various pathways through which company capital can be bolstered without incurring additional liabilities.