Legal Definitions - stock bailout

Definition: A stock bailout is a type of stock redemption where a company issues preferred stock dividends to its shareholders as a way to provide financial assistance or support.

Example: Let's say a company is facing financial difficulties and needs to raise capital quickly. Instead of borrowing money or selling assets, the company may choose to issue preferred stock dividends to its shareholders. This allows the company to raise funds without taking on additional debt or selling off valuable assets.

Another example: During the 2008 financial crisis, the US government implemented a stock bailout program to help stabilize the economy. The program involved the government purchasing preferred stock in struggling banks and financial institutions, which helped to prevent a complete collapse of the financial system.

Explanation: A stock bailout is a financial strategy that companies or governments may use to provide financial assistance or support during times of economic hardship. By issuing preferred stock dividends, companies can raise funds without taking on additional debt or selling off valuable assets. The example of the US government's stock bailout program during the 2008 financial crisis illustrates how this strategy can be used on a larger scale to prevent a complete collapse of the economy.