[GNC] Looking for best way to approach for a security spinoff

[David T.]

Murugan, 
  
  
  
  
  I think this might not be fully accurate. The divide by zero more likely 
is a result of no basis value being entered for the spun off commodity.  
  
  
  
  
  The spun off commodity will get some of the cost basis from the original 
commodity. The spinoff announcement will state what amount of the original 
basis is transferred to the new ticker, which should be used in the GnuCash 
transaction. Transfer this basis from the original equity balance. This 
should result in a new commodity price per share that bears some 
resemblance to reality (but not always). The cash in lieu figure is a 
result of fractional spun shares getting sold, and I believe should be 
tracked as such-- complete with cost basis and capital gains.  
  
  
  
  
  FWIW, I find it easiest to track the cash in lieu by first calculating 
the real (non integral)  number of shares spun off (along with the cost 
basis adjustment into the new commodity) and then selling the fractional 
share for the cash amount. I am not sure why you would have two cash in 
lieu figures, though.  
  
  
  
  
  I do not have trading accounts activated on my file, so the situation may 
be affected by that.  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  To accurately record the spin-off on 30/9, you need to register a 
notional value in a receivable account instead of zero, even if no cash was 
received for the transaction. Specifically, you should record the $0.31 
plus $3.55 on 30/9 in the receivable account. When the cash is distributed 
on 10/3 and 06/2 to your bank account, you can offset these amounts against 
the receivable . Please verify if this approach suits your scenario. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Saludos Cordiales 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Murugan 
  
  
  
  
  ________________________________ 
  
  From: gnucash-user 
<gnucash-user-bounces+m.muruganandam=hotmail.com at gnucash.org> on behalf of 
Kalpesh Patel <kalpesh.patel at usa.net> 
  
  Sent: 05 January 2026 19:22 
  
  To: 'Gnucash Users' <gnucash-user at gnucash.org> 
  
  Subject: [GNC] Looking for best way to approach for a security spinoff 
  
  
  
  
  Hi GNC community - 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  I was hoping to get advice from seasoned folks as to how I should capture 

  
  below transactions (can the event be even captured?) in GNC for a 
security 
  
  so that the report doesn't display divide by zero error which currently 
  
  does. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Here is the sequence of entries as reported by the broker/dealer : 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  09/30/24 - spin-off of a security - Quantity 3 
  
  
  
  
  10/02/24 - spun-off securities sold off - Quantity 3 
  
  
  
  
  10/03/24 - In-lieu cash payment for the spun-off - $0.31 
  
  
  
  
  06/02/25 - More In-lieu cash payment for the spun-off - $3.55 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  If it helps, the security has the symbol of AMTM (Amentum Holdings Inc) 
  
  which was spun off from Jacobs having ticker of J. Attached is the CSV 
  
  export of the register in case it clarifies anything or better details, 
and 
  
  I do have checked Use Trading Accounts property for the book. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The current message displayed is: There is an error processing the 
  
  transaction 'spinoff of 0.00 currency units'. This may to be caused by a 
  
  sell transaction causing a negative stock balance, and a subsequent buy 
  
  transaction causing a zero balance. This leads to a division-by-zero 
error. 
  
  It can be fixed by preventing negative stock balances. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Thanks and wishing happy, healthy and prosperous new year to the GNC 
  
  community. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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