Miro Zecevic

What you need to know about preferred stock? Preferred stock, also know as preferred or preference shares is one of the main types of stock besides common shares. It is considered that preferred stock is a hybrid security that combines properties of debt (fixed dividends) and equity (potential to raise in price). They are distinct from common shares because they don't have voting rights but have higher claim on company's assets and earnings. Terms of preferred stock are described in issuing document; they can be issued under any set of terms that is compliant to laws and regulations. Preference in dividends is what distinguish preferred from common stock. Board of directors makes decision whether or not company will pay dividends to its shareholders. Dividends are specified as percentage of the par value or as a fixed amount. Common shareholders can receive dividends only if preferred shareholders are already paid in full if board decides to pay them dividend...

Due Diligence - basics  Due diligence is defined as investigation or audit that reasonable business and person undertakes before potential investment or before entering an agreement to confirm all facts. Most investor are doing research before buying a security but due diligence can be done by a seller who investigates buyer's capability to complete the purchase. After the Securities Act of 1933 due diligence become common practice in United States when brokers and dealers became responsible for disclosing all relevant information about securities they were selling or they will otherwise be accountable and liable for prosecution. This put brokers into sensitive position where they could be unfairly prosecuted. In response creators of the Act set rule that says if broker performed due diligence when investigating companies whose securities they are going to sell and disclose that information to the public they are not held accountable. Not only prospective investo...

What is an Initial Public Offering? When a private company first offers shares of its stock (ownership) for purchase to the general public, this is known as an initial public offering (IPO). Goals and Reasoning  There are a few main reasons why a private company will decide to make an IPO: - Raise expansion capital - Monetize the investments of early private investors. - Become a publicly traded company on a securities exchange - Gain credibility and prestige The Process When a company is ready to offer shares of its stock to the public, there are a few major steps involved: Step 1: Company hires an investment bank (underwriters). Step 2: The investment bank puts together a registration statement to be filled with the SEC. This document contains information about: - The offering - Financial statements - Management background - Any legal problems - Where the money is to be used - Insider holdings Step 3: The SEC then requires a cool...