authorized stock
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: The maximum number of shares of capital stock that a corporation is legally permitted to issue, as specified in its articles of incorporation or charter. This is a fixed number that can only be changed with shareholder approval.
Usage
This term is used in corporate finance and law to describe a fundamental limit set in a company's founding documents. It is a key figure for investors and analysts, as it defines the potential for equity dilution.
Examples
- The company's authorized stock is 10 million shares, though only 5 million are currently issued and outstanding.
- Before the IPO, the board voted to increase the authorized stock to accommodate future fundraising.
- A comparison of issued shares to authorized stock shows the company has significant room to raise capital.
Advanced Usage
- Contrast with Issued Stock: It is crucial to distinguish authorized stock from (shares actually sold) and (issued shares held by investors).
- Authorized Share Capital: This is a synonymous term commonly used in British and Commonwealth corporate law.
Variants and Related Words
- Authorized Shares: A direct synonym for authorized stock.
- Authorized Capital Stock: A fuller, formal synonym.
- Issued Stock/Shares: The portion of authorized stock that has been allocated and sold to shareholders.
- Treasury Stock: Previously issued shares that have been repurchased by the corporation.
Synonyms
- Authorized Shares
- Authorized Capital
- Nominal Capital
Related Phrases
- Increase Authorized Stock: The corporate action of amending the charter to raise the maximum share limit.
- Shares Authorized but Unissued: The portion of authorized stock that has not yet been sold or allocated.
Noun
- the maximum number of shares authorized under the terms of a corporation's articles of incorporation