EMINUTES places cookies on your device to give you the best user experience. By using our website, you agree to the placement of these cookies. Please read our updated Privacy and Cookie Policy.

Jul
28 • 2009
Share
Video

Can you explain the difference between authorized shares and issued shares? – watch video

Can you explain the difference between authorized shares and issued shares?

The Articles of Incorporation designate the maximum number of shares that a corporation can sell to its investors.  When it actually sells the shares to the investors, those are called the issued shares.  It’s always advisable to have a greater number of authorized shares than issued shares, because it avoids the need to later amend the Articles if you want to engage in a key transaction (e.g., issuing shares to a valued employee).