Equity Investing
Shares Outstanding
Definition
What is Shares Outstanding?
The total shares currently held by all shareholders, excluding shares retired by the company.
Example in practice
How This Looks in Practice
Earnings per share uses the weighted average number of shares outstanding.
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Related Terms
Equity Investing
Common Stock
A share that usually carries voting rights and a residual claim on a company's profits and assets.
Equity InvestingOrdinary Share
The standard ownership share in a company, generally equivalent to common stock.
Equity InvestingPreferred Stock
A class of share that usually has priority over ordinary shares for dividends and liquidation proceeds.
Equity Capital MarketsInitial Public Offering
The first public sale of a private company's shares, after which the shares may trade on an exchange.