Geographic analysis of direct investment transactions is complicated by holding companies; that is, when the ultimate parent enterprise’s investment in a foreign country is held through another subsidiary in a third country. The compilation of foreign direct investment statistics on income and financial flows based on the ultimate source of such flows would require a basis for the recording of transactions other than the change-of-ownership principle that is recommended in the fifth edition of the IMF Balance of Payments Manual. Therefore, direct investment flows should be compiled only in respect of the immediate host/investing country. The regional allocation of the international investment position statement should also be compiled on the basis of the immediate host or investing country. However, it is suggested that the stock of direct investment net assets could also be compiled in respect of the ultimate host or controlling country, as supplementary information