Discuss and explain three reasons that companies invest in debt and equity securities.

Companies utilize debt and equity securities for various reasons, depending on their financial objectives and market conditions. Investing in debt and equity securities can be an excellent choice for businesses trying to earn profits, diversify their investment portfolios, or establish collaborative partnerships. 

Earn profits: By investing in debt and equity securities, companies have the potential to generate investment returns that can provide a source of income that increase the value of their portfolios. Debt securities like bonds pay interest that can provide an income stream. Equity securities such as stocks can also provide dividend income and potential capital gains.

Diversification:  Companies can successfully avoid the influence of market changes on financial performance by diversifying their assets across several asset types. This approach involves holding a well-balanced mix of debt and equity securities. Bonds offer a reliable income stream and are generally less susceptible to market ups and downs. On the other hand, equity investments, like stocks, provide growth potential and higher returns, although with increased risk. As a result, companies can cope with economic difficulties more effectively by combining these two forms of assets, assuring more stable and profitable financial success.

Partnerships: The strategic nature of these investments allows companies to collaborate effectively and access new markets, technologies, and valuable resources. The investing firm can influence decision-making processes and align strategies for shared benefits by holding a significant equity stake in the target company. These purposeful investments strengthen partnerships and create opportunities for sustainable growth and expansion.