Shares offered
What are shares offered?
Shares offered represent the total number of shares included in the IPO.
This number usually consists of:
- Primary shares
- Secondary shares
What are primary shares?
Primary shares are newly issued shares created specifically for the IPO.
When these shares are sold, the money goes directly to the company. This is the part of the offering that raises new capital for the business and is often used to fund growth, reduce debt, or support other corporate goals.
What are secondary shares?
Secondary shares are existing shares that current shareholders decide to sell during the IPO.
These shares do not bring new money to the company itself — instead, the proceeds go to the shareholders who are selling (for example, founders, early investors, or employees). A larger secondary component can indicate that insiders are reducing their stake, while a smaller one suggests they are choosing to retain ownership.
Why is it important?
Shares offered help users understand how big the offering is. A larger number of shares usually means a larger transaction and potentially more dilution for existing shareholders, while a smaller amount may indicate a more limited or early-stage offering.