authorized share capital


Authorized Shares

The maximum number of shares a company is allowed to issue. Generally, the company's charter specifies the number of authorized shares, but shareholders can increase or decrease it according to procedures listed in the charter. Typically, the number of authorized shares is larger than the required amount in order to give a company the greatest amount of flexibility. Authorized shares are also called authorized capital stock or simply authorized stock.

authorized share capital

or

registered share capital

the maximum amount of SHARE CAPITAL which a JOINT-STOCK COMPANY can issue at any time. This amount is authorized by the company's ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION, is disclosed in the BALANCE SHEET and may be altered by SHAREHOLDERS at the company ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. The ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL cannot exceed the authorized amount, though not all the authorized capital need be issued.