{"id":13284,"date":"2024-04-15T15:25:29","date_gmt":"2024-04-15T14:25:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.companyandmanagement.com\/?p=13284"},"modified":"2024-04-15T15:25:29","modified_gmt":"2024-04-15T14:25:29","slug":"what-happens-to-stock-options-when-a-company-goes-public","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.companyandmanagement.com\/what-happens-to-stock-options-when-a-company-goes-public\/","title":{"rendered":"What Happens To Stock Options When A Company Goes Public"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What Happens To Stock Options When A Company Goes Public<\/h2>\n

Stock options are often a source of great excitement and anticipation as many companies turn to the public markets to fund their operations and build a larger stakeholder base. When a company goes public, the options that are often held by early-stage employees and investors become available to the public, which leads to a new wave of ownership and trading.<\/p>\n

When a company is still private, the stock options that employees and early shareholders may hold are not yet liquid. Only when the company passes through the IPO (initial public offering) process and is listed on a stock exchange can these options be sold – represented by company stock – to the public.<\/p>\n

For employees, the decision of whether or not to hold or sell their stock depends on the many variables associated with their financial planning. Those who choose to liquidate their options may be lured by the promise of financial freedom or intend to reinvest in a different venture. Likewise, some investors may feel that the timing of the IPO is a reasonable entry into the market and may opt to capitalize on the opportunity.<\/p>\n

When a company goes public, there are two types of company stock (also referred to as shares) that will be issued – common stock and preferred stock. Preferred stock is a class of ownership that carries a higher dividend and voting rights, but less upside potential for gaining or losing capital. Common stock, on the other hand, carries the greatest risk since it does not offer any guaranteed dividends or voting rights.<\/p>\n