shelf offering

Shelf Offering

An SEC provision allowing an issuer to register a new issue security without selling the entire issue at once.

Notes:

The issuer can sell portions of the issue over a two-year period without re-registering the security or incurring penalties.

See also: SEC, Shelf Registration, Takedown

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Shelf offering

Offering of registered securities covered by a prospectus whose distribution is not underwritten on a firm commitment basis. The shares may be sold in one block or in small amounts from time to time in agency or principal transactions. See: Rule 415.

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shelf offering

A new security issue that is part of a larger issue that has been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Companies are permitted to sell securities that are part of a shelf offering for up to two years without re-registering the issue with the SEC.