Stock Warrants

What It Is

Stock warrants give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy a company’s stock at a specific price before a set expiration date.

Why It Matters

Warrants provide leverage and upside potential, often used in financing deals or as incentives.

How It Works

  • Company issues warrants
  • Holder can exercise at the strike price
  • Exercising creates new shares (dilutive)
  • Warrants trade separately from common stock

Key Components

  • Strike price
  • Expiration date
  • Dilution impact
  • Leverage potential

Example

If a warrant has a strike price of $20 and the stock rises to $35, exercising the warrant yields immediate value.

Key Takeaways

  • Warrants offer leveraged exposure.
  • Exercising creates dilution.
  • They are common in early‑stage financing.