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The Daily Insight

Is it good to invest in a holding company?

Author

Emma Jordan

Published Mar 26, 2026

A holding company is as good as the investments it has made. You should understand that in case of holding companies, the discount to Net Asset Value may take a long time to close. So, if you decide to invest, you need to be very patient. Another very important thing to do is to look at the management of the company.

Can a holding company buy stocks?

A holding company is a special type of business that doesn’t do anything itself. Instead, it owns investments, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, gold, silver, real estate, art, patents, copyrights, licenses, private businesses, or virtually anything of value.

How do I start my own holding company?

To create your holding company, you register it in a state and provide your business name, articles of incorporation and the name of the business agent managing the operating and holding company. If you so choose, you can be the agent for both the operating and holding company.

Does a holding company need a separate bank account?

In order to maintain the subsidiary status of your new company, you will need a separate bank account it. Furthermore, you should avoid shifting funds from the parent company to the subsidiary just to provide cash. Make sure any transactions between the parent and subsidiary are documented and accounted for.

What do you need to know about holding companies?

A holding company is a company that owns stock in another company (called the subsidiary), or that owns property such as real estate, patents, stocks and other assets. The goal of a holding company is not to produce goods or services but rather to own shares, to control its subsidiaries and to reduce risks for the owners.

Can a holding company own 100% of a subsidiary?

The holding company can own 100% of the subsidiary, or it can own just enough stock or membership interests to control the subsidiary. Having control means it has enough stock or membership interests to ensure that a vote of owners will go its way.

What are the tax benefits of a holding company?

In the United States, holding companies are required to own 80% of outstanding stock, either in voting or total value, before any tax consolidation benefits are permitted. Once that threshold is reached, then tax-free dividends can be claimed, since that process is treated as one company transferring cash assets to the other company.

Can a person own more than one holding company?

The holding company can be owned by more than one person. This allows the dividend payments and taxes on them to be divided. Create a trust. The shares of the company can be helpful in a family trust. You, your spouse, your children, and your holding company will benefit from this arrangement.