Equity Swap - Accounting
1. Learning Objectives Gain an understanding of the three primary components of equity swaps. Recognize distinctive features of equity swaps. Comprehend the motivations behind investors engaging in equity swap transactions. 2. Content An equity swap is an over-the-counter (OTC) derivative where two parties exchange cash flows. One cash flow mirrors the performance of a commonly traded stock, while the other represents interest. Cash changes hands solely at the contract's closure, either during a sale or a cover transaction, which is a characteristic shared with most derivatives. 2.1. Three Profit/Loss Components of an Equity Swap 2.1.1. Equity Leg This component reflects the performance of the underlying stock. 2.1.2. Interest Leg or Financing Leg This component signifies the interest payment the "long" side of the contract pays to the "short" side in return for benefiting from the stock's performance. Consequently, the "long" side is termed the ...