What Does 'When Issued' Mean?
I'm here to explain what 'when issued' means in the world of securities trading. When issued, or WI, refers to a transaction that's made conditionally because a security has been authorized but not yet issued. You see this with treasury securities, stock splits, and new issues of stocks and bonds, all traded on a when-issued basis.
Before a new issue hits the market, underwriters reach out to potential investors who can book orders to buy a portion of it. That's how it starts.
Key Takeaways
- When issued (WI) is a transaction made conditionally because a security has been authorized but not yet issued.
- Treasury securities, stock splits, and new issues of stocks and bonds are all traded on a when-issued basis.
- When-issued orders are made conditionally because they may not be completed, particularly if the offering is canceled.
- When-issued markets can provide an indication regarding the level of interest that a new issue may attract.
Understanding When Issued
Let me break this down for you. When-issued orders are conditional because they might not go through, especially if the offering gets canceled. Sometimes you'll hear them called orders 'with ice' or 'when distributed,' but it's all short for 'when, as, and if issued.'
These securities trade on a when-issued basis once announced but before they're issued. The transaction only settles after the security is out. There's a whole when-issued market where these instruments get traded.
These markets give you a sense of how much interest a new issue might draw from investors. Remember, when-issued transactions depend on the security actually being issued and on rulings from the exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers to settle the deal.
Example of When Issued
Here's a straightforward example to make this clear. Suppose an industrial conglomerate decides to spin off its chemicals division because it's dragging down earnings with low margins. To do this, they plan to pay shareholders a dividend in the form of stock from the new chemicals company.
After the record date—the point when holders of the conglomerate's stock qualify for the spinoff shares—those shareholders can start trading the right to receive shares in the spinoff on a when-issued basis.
If you buy those rights but don't hold the conglomerate's shares on the distribution date, when the actual spinoff shares are issued and start trading, you'll still get your shares in the spinoff, and the when-issued market wraps up.
Benefits of When Issued
When issued trading reveals the demand for securities, which can draw in investors who might otherwise skip the bidding due to fears of a volatile market. This setup decreases volatility when the securities are finally issued, as investors gain confidence from knowing the demand level.
It also helps build the market for a new security by attracting more investors, and it gives you liquidity before the actual distribution, letting you monetize financial assets sooner.
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