oversubscription privilege

Oversubscription privilege

In a rights issue, arrangement by which shareholders are given the right to apply for any shares that are not taken up.

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oversubscription privilege

The opportunity to purchase, on a pro rata basis, any remaining shares not already subscribed to in a new stock offering. In a typical new offering using stock rights, new shares are priced below the market price in order to ensure a successful sale. Generally, however, some stockholders will neither use nor sell their rights to buy the new shares, thus leaving some stock unsold even at the bargain price. The issuer therefore allows the stockholders to oversubscribe in anticipation of extra available shares. It is generally in the stockholder's interest to use the oversubscription privilege. Compare subscription price.