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Showing posts with the label #investors

What Are Financial Derivatives?

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  What is a derivative? A financial instrument based on another asset is known as a derivative. Stock options and commodities futures are two of the most common examples of derivatives, and you've definitely heard of them but aren't sure how they operate. Derivatives allow consumers the option — but not the duty — to acquire or sell an underlying asset at a later date. The underlying asset and the period until the contract expires determine the derivative's value. How Financial Derivatives Work Financial derivatives are financial products whose value is determined by one or more underlying financial assets, such as stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, or interest rates. Investors engage in contracts with stated terms, such as the period of the contract and the consequent values and definitions of the underlying assets, to purchase and sell derivatives. Futures, options, swaps, and forwards are examples of financial derivatives. Futures and options are often traded on the...

Angel Investors

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  - An angel investor is typically an individual or a high worth individual investor who provides funding or financial support for start-ups in lieu of a stake in ownership in the company. - They are usually among the family or relatives of the entrepreneur. - Apart from investing money, angel investors share their knowledge at the critical stages. Advantages: - Financing from angel investment is much less risky than taking loans. - Capital needs are met by angels. - Generate large number of jobs. - Reinvests the return. - Angels bring portfolio expertise such as business acumen, vertical expertise, director service etc. - Angel-funded firms are likely to survive at least four years. - Angels do not demand high monthly fees. Disadvantages: - There is a loss of complete control as an owner. - It is quite hard to find a suitable angel investor. - They provides less structural support than an investing company. - Angels rarely make follow on the investments. - There is a possibility o...

What you need to know about preferred stock?

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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

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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...