Legal Definitions - shelf registration

Shelf registration is a process that allows a company to register a large amount of securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and then sell them to the public over a period of time. This process is also known as a shelf offering.

For example, if a company wants to raise money by selling stocks or bonds, it can file a shelf registration statement with the SEC. This statement allows the company to sell the securities in small amounts over a period of time, rather than all at once. This can be beneficial for the company because it allows them to take advantage of market conditions and sell the securities when the price is high.

Another example of shelf registration is when a company wants to issue new shares of stock to raise money for a specific project. The company can file a shelf registration statement with the SEC and then sell the shares as needed to fund the project.

Overall, shelf registration is a useful tool for companies that want to raise money by selling securities. It allows them to be flexible in their approach and take advantage of market conditions.