Authorized Shares – These shares represent the total number of shares of stock authorized when the company was created. Only a vote by the shareholders can increase this number of shares.
However, just because a company authorized a certain number of shares doesn’t mean it must issue all of them to the public. Most companies retain shares for use later called treasury stock or shares.
Treasury Shares – Shares a company retains in its treasury and not issued to the public or to employees are treasury stock.
Restricted Shares – Restricted shares refer to company stock used for employee incentive and compensation plans. Restricted stockowners need permission of the SEC to sell.
There is a waiting period after a company first goes public where insiders’ restricted stock is frozen. When insiders want to sell their stock, they must file a form with the SEC declaring their intention. Even insiders of established companies must file with the SEC before selling their restricted stock.
Float Shares – Float refers to the number of shares actually available for trade on the open market. You and I can buy these shares.
Outstanding Shares – Outstanding shares includes all the shares issued by the company, which would be the restricted shares plus the float.
YOU JUST BOUGHT HOW MANY SHARES!?!?!?
