Horizontal Security Exchange

horizontal security exchange

The exchange of one security for a like security (that is, stock for stock, debt for debt). Exchange offers involving horizontal exchanges are generally tax-free, although a taxable event will occur if and when the new securities are sold.

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Horizontal Security Exchange

A transaction in which one barters one security for a similar one. For example, one may trade a stock or a stock or a bond for a bond. Ideally, the securities involved should have roughly the same value, but, if not, the investor who receives the more valuable security does not owe taxes on the capital gain. However, if either investor sells his/her security, capital gains taxes will be levied.