Dilution Protection

Dilution protection

Standard provision that changes the conversion ratio in the case of a stock dividend or extraordinary distribution to avoid dilution of a convertible bondholder's potential equity position. Adjustment usually requires a split or stock dividend in excess of 5% or issuance of stock below book value.

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Antidilution Clause

1. In common and preferred stock, the right of a shareholder to maintain the same percentage of ownership in a company, should the company issue more stock. This protects the investor from devaluation of his/her shares if the company decides to hold a round of financing. In preferred stock, the anti-dilution clause also indicates the right of a shareholder to purchase more shares in a new round of financing at the offering price up to his/her previous percentage of ownership. Most U.S. states only recognize the anti-dilution clause if it is made explicit in the corporation's charter.

2. In convertible securities, the right of a holder to maintain the same conversion ratio in the event of a stock split. For example, if a convertible bond may be exchanged for 100 shares of common stock and there is a 2-for-1 stock split, the same convertible bond can be exchanged for 200 shares. This protects the investor from devaluation of the conversion option.