Meaning and calculation
Authorized shares are not the same as shares outstanding. For a point-in-time equity valuation, identify the issued shares still held by shareholders and the date attached to that count.
Source references: FINRA: Evaluating Stocks
A hypothetical worked example
Hypothetical: An issuer reports 5 million common shares outstanding on a specified date. At USD 20 per share on that same date, their combined market value is USD 100 million.
What can make this comparison misleading?
Shares outstanding fluctuates due to stock repurchases and option exercises, making point-in-time counts different from period-weighted average shares.
What to record beside the number
- The filing URL, document section and issuer identity.
- The reporting period, currency, units and whether the figure is reported or calculated.
- The exact formula and any missing inputs or differences in definitions.
Sources & corrections
Prepared with AI assistance and automated source and calculation checks. No independent human analyst review is claimed. Hypothetical examples and historical data are identified in the text.
Use the linked primary sources to check definitions and company disclosures. Filings and service details can change; verify the relevant period before relying on a figure.
Found an error? Send a correction with the page, the claim and a supporting source. These guides provide general education; they do not assess your financial circumstances or recommend a trade. Read our research disclosures.