The main differences are: Face Value is the original cost of a stock or bond as stated by the issuer; Book Value is the asset’s value in company books, after depreciation; Market Value is the current trading price of the stock or bond in the market.
Content:
- Face Value Meaning
- What Is Book Value?
- Market Value Meaning
- Difference Between Face Value, Book Value, And Market Value
- Face Value Vs Book Value Vs Market Value – Quick Summary
- Face Value Vs Book Value Vs Market Value – FAQs
Face Value Meaning
Face Value, often referred to as par value, is the original value of a security, like a stock or bond, as determined by the issuing company. It’s the nominal value stated on the face of financial instruments and remains fixed, irrespective of market conditions.
In the context of stocks, face value is important for legal and accounting purposes. It helps in determining the issuing price and dividend calculations. For bonds, face value represents the amount that will be returned to the investor at maturity, not considering market fluctuations.
However, face value is different from market value, which is what the security is currently worth in the open market. Market value can be above or below the face value, depending on various factors like company performance, investor perceptions, and market dynamics.
For example: A company issues a bond with a face value of Rs. 1,000, meaning at maturity, the bondholder will receive Rs. 1,000. However, this bond could trade above or below Rs. 1,000 in the market.
What Is Book Value?
Book value refers to the net value of a company as recorded in its financial statements, calculated by subtracting total liabilities from total assets. It represents the value of a company’s equity that shareholders would theoretically receive if all assets were liquidated and liabilities paid off.
In accounting terms, book value provides a measure of the intrinsic value of a company, independent of its current market value. It is often used as a baseline for evaluating whether a stock is under or overvalued compared to its market price.
However, book value may not always reflect the true value of a company, especially for firms relying heavily on intangible assets or those in rapidly changing industries. It is more reliable for asset-intensive industries where tangible assets play a crucial role in operations.
For example, A company with total assets worth Rs. 100,000 and liabilities of Rs. 40,000 has a book value of Rs. 60,000 (100,000 – 40,000). This represents its net worth in accounting terms.
Market Value Meaning
Market value is the current price at which an asset or a company can be bought or sold in the market. It fluctuates based on supply and demand dynamics and investor perceptions, often differing from the book value of the company or asset.
Market value is highly relevant for stocks, as it reflects what investors are willing to pay for a share at a given time. It’s influenced by a variety of factors, including company performance, market trends, and investor sentiment, making it a dynamic indicator.
In real estate, market value determines the price a property can fetch on the open market. It’s influenced by location, condition, size, and comparable sales. Unlike stocks, real estate market values tend to change more slowly, reflecting broader economic and local conditions.
For example: A company’s stock might have a market value of Rs. 200 per share based on current trading, even if its book value (net assets minus liabilities) is only Rs. 150 per share.
Difference Between Face Value, Book Value, And Market Value
The main difference is that face value is the original value stated on a stock or bond, book value is a company’s net asset value, and market value is the current trading price of a stock or property in the market.
| Feature | Face Value | Book Value | Market Value |
| Definition | The original value is stated on a security (stock or bond) by the issuer. | The net asset value of a company is calculated as total assets minus total liabilities. | The current trading price of a stock or property in the market. |
| Determination | Set by the issuer at the time of issuance and remains constant. | Calculated based on accounting records and changes with assets and liabilities. | Determined by market forces, reflecting supply, demand, and investor perception. |
| Reflects | The legal and nominal value of a security. | Financial health and equity value of a company. | Public perception and market demand for the stock or property. |
| Variability | Does not change over time. | Can vary based on the company’s financial status. | Highly dynamic, and can change frequently with market conditions. |
Face Value Vs Book Value Vs Market Value – Quick Summary
- The main distinction between face value, book value, and market value is that face value is a security’s original stated value, book value represents a company’s net assets and market value is what a stock or property currently trades for in the market.
- Face Value, or par value, is a security’s original value set by the issuer, displayed on the financial instrument. It’s a fixed nominal value, remaining constant regardless of market conditions.
- Book value is the net value of a company as per its financial statements, derived from total assets minus liabilities. It indicates the theoretical amount shareholders would receive if assets were liquidated and liabilities settled.
- The market value represents an asset or company’s current trading price, fluctuating with supply, demand, and investor perceptions. It often varies from book value, which is based on a company’s net assets and liabilities.
Face Value Vs Book Value Vs Market Value – FAQs
The main difference is that face value is the original issuance value of a security, book value is a company’s net assets, and market value is the current trading value of the security in the market.
An example of book value: A company has total assets worth Rs. 5 million and liabilities of Rs. 2 million. Its book value is Rs. 3 million (5 million – 2 million), representing its net assets.
To calculate book value, subtract the total liabilities of a company from its total assets. This is found on the balance sheet: Book Value = Total Assets – Total Liabilities. It represents the company’s net worth.
An example of market value: A company’s share trades at Rs. 150 on the stock exchange. This price, determined by investor demand and market conditions, represents its market value per share at that moment.
The formula for market value is not fixed as it’s determined by the current price at which an asset, like a stock or property, can be bought or sold in the market. It’s influenced by supply, demand, and investor sentiment.
A share’s face value is determined by the issuing company at the time of initial public offering (IPO). It’s a nominal value assigned to the share, often a standard figure like Rs. 10, not influenced by market conditions.
The minimum face value of a share can vary depending on the company and country’s regulations. In India, for instance, it’s common to see a minimum face value of Rs. 1 per share.
We hope that you are clear about the topic. But there is more to learn and explore when it comes to the stock market, commodity and hence we bring you the important topics and areas that you should know:
