ComputerHunter.org

 

Issuing Warrants to Investors


When raising capital for a business venture, warrants are a common form of equity that is given to investors. A warrant is like an option ? it gives the holder the right to buy a security at a fixed or formulaic price, which is known as the "exercise" or "strike" price.

Warrants are often confused with options. Options, as used in the venture capital space, are typically long term (up to 10 years). They are also typically issued to employees versus investors. Conversely, warrants act like short-term options and, unlike employee options, can be traded as an independent security.

In general, neither the issuance of warrants nor their exercise (at least by non-employees) is a taxable event. In fact, in 1984, Congress reversed the earlier position of the IRS that the expiration of a warrant is a taxable event for the issuer. However, whenever a debt security with warrants attached is issued as a package, original issue discount problems are invited.

One type of warrant that once popular as a financing mechanism for emerging ventures is contingent warrants. These warrants become exercisable if and when the holder does something for the issuer, for example buys a certain level of product. Contingent warrants are no longer used often since the SEC ruled in favor of current and periodic recognition of expense to the issuer.

Like an option, a warrant is considered a "common-stock equivalent" for accounting purposes. And, if the warrant has been "in the money" (i.e., the exercise price is below the market price) for three consecutive months, it is deemed to impact earnings per share under the so-called treasury-stock method. That is, the warrants are considered exercised, new stock is issued at the exercise price, and the proceeds to the issuer are used to buy in stock at the market price.

Warrants are a common financing mechanism and companies seeking venture capital should consider and become knowledgeable about this type of equity device.

Since its inception, GT Business Plans has developed over 200 business plans. Growthink clients have collectively raised over $750 million in financing, launched numerous new product and service lines and gained competitive advantage and market share. Growthink has become the firm of choice for venture capital firms, angel investors, corporations and entrepreneurs in the know. For more information please visit http://www.growthink.com or download our free Business Plan Guide.







Google News - Top Stories

The Associated Press

Nadal ends Federer's 5-year reign at Wimbledon
The Associated Press - 48 minutes ago
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) - Rafael Nadal ended Roger Federer's five-year reign at Wimbledon on Sunday, winning a riveting, five-set marathon to claim his first title at the All England Club and signal a changing of the guard in men's tennis.
LIVE: Federer, Nadal meet for Wimbledon title FOXSports.com
Rafael Nadal gets another shot at Roger Federer Los Angeles Times
Swissinfo - Washington Post - WBOC TV 16 - guardian.co.uk
all 4,848 news articles


BBC News

California firefighters brace for new heat wave
Reuters - 1 hour ago
By Jill Serjeant LOS ANGELES, July 6 (Reuters) - Weary California firefighters braced on Sunday for another heat wave in the next few days as they battled to bring two major blazes threatening towns along the central coast under control.
Video: Governor Visits So Cal Command Center kcratv
In photos: 'USA California Fire' Monsters and Critics.com
The Associated Press - San Diego Union Tribune - AFP - RedOrbit
all 2,541 news articles


Boston Globe

At least 8 dead in blast near Pakistani mosque
Reuters - 3 hours ago
By Zeeshan Haider ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - A suicide bomber killed at least eight people and wounded 23 in an attack on police who had been guarding Islamists marking the anniversary of an army commando raid on Islamabad's Red Mosque.
Suicide bombing in Pakistan kills 19 United Press International
Suicide attack in Pakistani capital kills 15 The Associated Press
Monsters and Critics.com - AFP - Bloomberg - McClatchy Washington Bureau
all 907 news articles


BBC News

Colombia's Uribe soars after freeing hostages
Christian Science Monitor - 2 hours ago
The president's approval rating skyrocketed to 90 percent after the military freed 15 high-profile hostages from a jungle rebel camp.
Popularity of Colombia's Uribe soars after rescue Reuters
Freed Colombian hostages urge hope The Associated Press
BBC News - Los Angeles Times - PRESS TV - Telegraph.co.uk
all 5,637 news articles


AFP

US, Japan call for action on oil, food prices ahead of G8 meet
AFP - 5 hours ago
TOYAKO, Japan (AFP) - The United States and Japan called Sunday for urgent action on red-hot oil and food prices that could derail the global economy on the eve of a summit of the world's richest nations.
Video: Bush Gives Hazy Outlook at G8 Summit AssociatedPress
Interconnected problems to test world leaders at summit The Daily Yomiuri
BBC News - Washington Post - Voice of America - CNN
all 342 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base